A non-governmental organisation, Global Rights, has taken significant steps towards involving youths and the elderly in policy making and good governance in society.
This engagement is designed to address pressing challenges faced by young people, elders, people living with disabilities, and other vulnerable people by ensuring that their voices are heard in society. It focuses on key areas such as education, employment, health, and social inclusion.
President Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria, Senator Dr. Eze Ajoku, said the involvement of youths can be measured through political and social activities without necessarily waiting for the election period for societal good.
He made this known at the Intergenerational Fireside Chat on the theme: “Bridging the Gap: Uniting Youth and Elderly Voices Towards a More Inclusive Civic Space,” organised by the Global Rights in Abuja, yesterday.
He reiterated the need for more communication with the younger generation, saying parents have failed to mentor them.
“Our politicians are making life so difficult for Nigerians, borrowing, squandering public funds for personal purposes, so my opinion is that parents should spend time mentoring their children and also the youth should make effort to listen to the story of their parents how they survived hard times because hard time has always been there,” he said.
He said the youths need to understand where they are going wrong, seek guidance from the elderly, and learn.
“We need orientation both the elderly and young people to communicate more effectively. I was at the National Assembly and left Senate in the 2007 and since then I have been involved in humanitarian activities working for elderly people, fighting for their rights and benefits. Many retirees who left their jobs last year haven’t received benefits, and that is why we are fighting for the rights of the older persons in the country; I didn’t work for government, but God is always there for us.”
Programme coordinator Global Rights Noya Sedi said civic space is not just a space that exists in a vacuum but a space that allows civil engagement. So when we talk about the inclusion of young or elderly people, it is not just about politics but about Nigeria maintaining its principle of democracy and ensuring an inclusive society.
