By Joseph Erunke

ABUJA — A pro-Tinubu advocacy group, Renewed Hope for the Elderly (RHE), on Saturday threw its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid, arguing that the continuation of his administration is crucial to sustaining and expanding policies aimed at improving the welfare, social protection, healthcare, and political inclusion of Nigeria’s elderly population.

Addressing a world press briefing in Abuja, the Director-General and National Coordinator of the group, Dr. Bode Olaonipekun, described Nigeria’s senior citizens as the nation’s “living treasures” whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the country’s development, but lamented that many retirees and pensioners have endured years of neglect, economic hardship, inadequate healthcare, and social exclusion.

The group said the treatment of older persons remains a critical test of any nation’s commitment to justice, compassion, and sustainable development.

“Our elderly men and women are the foundation upon which this nation stands. They are our retired teachers, civil servants, farmers, military veterans, healthcare professionals, artisans, business leaders, and community builders,” the coordinator said.

“A nation that fails to honour its elderly gradually weakens its own moral foundation,” he added.

RHE, which identifies itself as a campaign movement supporting Tinubu’s re-election, credited the administration with placing senior citizens higher on the national policy agenda through initiatives targeted at improving their welfare and quality of life.

The group particularly cited the strengthening of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), ongoing pension reform efforts, expanded discussions around geriatric healthcare, and programmes designed to promote active ageing and post-retirement engagement.

According to the organisation, the administration’s approach signals a departure from years in which the needs of elderly Nigerians received limited attention.

It also applauded initiatives championed by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, including gardening and subsistence farming programmes aimed at senior citizens, describing them as interventions that promote food security, physical wellbeing, mental health, and economic empowerment among retirees.

The group argued that elderly Nigerians should not be viewed as dependants but as valuable national assets whose experience and wisdom remain indispensable to nation-building.

“Our senior citizens possess knowledge that cannot be replaced by technology. Their wisdom remains one of Nigeria’s greatest national assets,” the coordinator stated.

RHE further called for sustained investment in age-friendly infrastructure, social welfare programmes, community engagement initiatives, and accessible healthcare systems capable of addressing the unique needs of older persons.

The organisation outlined several areas where it expects greater government intervention in the coming years, including sustainable pension reforms, universal access to affordable healthcare and specialised geriatric services, development of elderly care centres, financial inclusion and digital literacy programmes for retirees, post-retirement entrepreneurship opportunities, and stronger legal protections against elder abuse and discrimination.

The group maintained that Tinubu’s re-election would provide an opportunity to institutionalise and deepen ongoing reforms affecting senior citizens across the country.

“We encourage Nigerians to evaluate the progress made and the commitments expressed regarding the welfare of older persons when making democratic choices in future elections,” the coordinator said.

RHE also urged elderly Nigerians, pensioners, retirees, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, and community groups to participate actively in the democratic process and support policies that advance social inclusion and dignity for older citizens.

The organisation pledged to continue advocating for the rights and welfare of senior citizens while working with government agencies, civil society organisations, development partners, and the private sector to ensure that retirement in Nigeria becomes a period of dignity rather than uncertainty.

In a passionate appeal, the group declared that history would judge societies by how they treat their most vulnerable citizens.

“Let history record that our generation chose compassion over neglect, inclusion over isolation, and dignity over abandonment,” Dr. Olaonipekun said.

He called on Nigerians to support policies that strengthen social protection systems and improve the lives of the country’s growing elderly population.

He insisted that the gains recorded under the current administration should be consolidated through continuity in governance.