NSCC Seek Collaboration With Legal Aid Council
Photo Caption
Cross section of senior citizens during the Maiden Dialogue in Abuja
ย By Ignatius Ishie
The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has said it will partner with the Legal Aid Council to ensure that senior citizens in Nigeria get unfettered access to justice across the board. This was contained in a statement from the Media and Public Affairs Unit of the Agency, signed by Omini Oden.
According to the statement, it is meant for the removal of financial barriers and other obstacles irrespective of earnings when it involves senior citizens in Nigeria among others.
Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, Dr Emem Omokaro made the advocacy during a visit and interaction with the Legal Aid Council in Abuja, while applauding the Legal Aid Councilโs presence in the six geo-political zones and all states of the federation.
She said the centre will partner with the council to put in place a national technical working group that will develop an inter-sector community mechanism that will address elder abuse through rapid response to the challenges of senior citizens.
According to her, when operational, the squad which will be known as the โAnti-Elder Abuse Community Rapid Response Squadโ, is comprised of community organizations and representatives of various interests, faith-based organizations in the communities and security agencies across the country.
The National Senior Citizens Centre, she said, will take advantage of the Legal Aid Council Community Legal Service which includes non-court advisory services, public awareness, mediation and other counselling services available in the act establishing the legal aid council.
Under this partnership with the Legal Aid Council, Dr Emem Omokaro said she looks forward to a Nigeria where the dignity of senior citizens will be respected and upheld at all times.
Earlier, Director General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Bagudu Abubakar said the move by the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) was reassuring and that the Legal Aid Council was available to work with NSCC to change the fortunes of senior citizens in Nigeria.
