The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has trained its staff as human rights defenders and advocates to combat elder abuse in Nigeria.
The training was held recently at the NHRC Headquarters. In his opening remarks delivered by the Deputy Director, Vulnerable Groups Department, Mrs. Jennifer Agah, the Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, said the training was both timely and necessary as Nigeria's ageing population grows.
He said while increased life expectancy reflects progress in healthcare, it also exposes critical challenges including physical, psychological and financial abuse, neglect and harmful traditional practices against older persons.
Ojukwu said older persons are rights-holders entitled to dignity, equality and full protection under the law, stressing that the Commission has a mandate to promote, protect and enforce the rights of all without discrimination.
"Many older persons continue to suffer in silence, often invisible within our communities and systems," he said.
He said the training was designed to equip staff with knowledge and tools to identify, document, investigate and advocate against elder abuse within national, regional and international frameworks.
He listed the objectives to include enhancing capacity to recognize elder abuse, strengthening advocacy for engagement with government, civil society and communities, and promoting a rights-based approach in interventions for older persons.
He urged participants to actively engage and apply the knowledge, noting that the training in batches reflects the Commission's commitment to inclusive capacity development.
Participants expressed delight over the training, describing it as timely and relevant to their daily interface with vulnerable persons. They said they expect the knowledge gained to improve their ability to identify, document and respond to cases of elder abuse in their various departments.
They pledged to translate the lessons into stronger protection for older persons across the country.
