The Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN) is made up of Associations; Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in ageing, Pension Unions, Retired Civil Servants of all cadre including the Military and other forces, Care Givers and Care Institutions, Advocacy and Awareness groups, Capacity Building on Ageing, Social Workers, Ageing Health and Wellness groups, Geriatric Consultancy, and related professional services, Research and data collection groups, Academicians on Ageing, Culture and Orientations and Youths in Ageing; all groups working with or affiliated with Ageing Issues in Nigeria. Our mission is to provide a platform for the entrenchment and sustenance of the well-being of Older Persons in Nigeria. Our vision is to awaken the consciousness of Nigeria towards promoting and ensuring the well-being, welfare and dignity of Older Persons.

COSROPIN has nine objectives. Prominent are: to protect the welfare and interest of older persons in Nigeria; uphold their rights in accordance with applicable laws and constitution of the country; work towards better health and ageing of Nigeria’s senior citizens; encourage inclusion of older persons in every aspect of Nigeria’s public life; promote research into issues pertaining to ageing; and build bridges within and outside the country with relevant authorities, individuals and institutions dedicated to the care of the older persons.

The innovative, captivating, and transformative journey of the Older Person’ Hangout Project in Rural Communities across the Six Geopolitical Zones and States of Nigeria

The Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN) was jolted to action by the glaring marginalisation, exclusion and neglect of the inhabitants of Mabushi Community (Amac Local Government Area) in the heart of Abuja – Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Our observations led to engagements with community leaders and the eventual birth of the “Older Persons’ Hangout” Project Activities across thirty communities and twenty-five States of the country.   

Project Implementation  

The Older Persons’ Hangout Project Activities unleashed the power of collaboration and unanimity of visionary synergy of COSROPIN (Project Implementer) and VOICE (Project Funder) in a joint action, which drives the transformative and impactful lives of our Right Holders.  

“We have never had anybody, government or organisation come to our community only for the welfare of the elderly; we are very happy” – Adamawa State Right Holders 

“I now know what to eat, drink and how to exercise daily to improve my health status” – Abuja, FCT Right Holder 

“I am very happy and relieved physically and mentally; please can you tell your sponsor or government to organise this Hangout on a monthly or quarterly basis” – Lagos State Right Holder 

Kano State Coordinator: “Please, the programme have ended our elders can start going back to their community”. 

Right Holders: “We don’t feel like leaving this place, what would we go home to do – go into thinking, neglect and lack of attention”   

“We are grateful to the organisers (COSROPIN) and sponsor (VOICE) selecting and remembering the elderly population in our community; only children and youths get regular support from Government and CSOs” – Edo State Right Holders 

Lessons Learned  

The Hangout Project amplified the despicable and desperate situation the elderly face on a daily basis in their communities. “We do not have social-economic and insurance benefits and are not included in the financial support systems of the State or Country” – Lagos State Right Holders. The Hangout had in attendance, an overwhelming number of older persons and their children (over 70 persons) in all the States, which stretched the budget, and we had to augment in order to cope with the number or participants. The challenges of our elderly population in their communities are enormous which need constant interventions by government, CSOs and relevant stakeholders. Youth participation, integration and mentorship was enthroned as one of key elements of project sustainability and adherence to our cultural norms and values.     

Conclusion 

COSROPIN cherish our partnership with VOICE, which had in no small measure, fulfilled our vision of inclusion, diversity and integration of the elderly population. We look forward to scaling up this project in all the 774 Local Governments with the active support of Communities, Local/State Governments, and Federal Government, Organisations/Institutions, Stakeholders and Philanthropic individuals.