LASU Professor Advocates for Early Reforms to Ensure Dignified Ageing for Nigerians
A prominent sociologist and social gerontologist at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Professor Olanrewaju Emmanuel Ajiboye, has issued a compelling call to the Federal Government to take immediate action to strengthen social security systems and ensure prompt pension payments. This initiative is part of broader efforts to help Nigerian citizens age with dignity and security.
Urgent Need for Social Security and Pension Reforms
Professor Ajiboye emphasized that Nigeria faces significant risks if it fails to address the needs of its rapidly growing elderly population. He delivered this urgent message during the 121st edition of LASU's inaugural lecture series, titled "That We May Age Gracefully: A Social Gerontologist's X-ray of Later Life." He highlighted that Nigeria's declining life expectancy makes these reforms not just important but essential for the nation's future stability.
According to Ajiboye, ageing in Nigeria is occurring against a backdrop of severe socio-economic challenges. These include widespread poverty, the rapid transformation of the traditional extended family structure, soaring inflation—particularly in food prices—and weak economic growth. These factors have collectively eroded the purchasing power of the elderly, exacerbating their vulnerability and making dignified ageing increasingly difficult.
Disparities Between Rural and Urban Areas
The professor provided stark evidence of the disparities affecting older Nigerians. Rural areas are significantly more impacted, with 75.5 per cent of the elderly population living below the poverty level, compared to only 31 per cent in urban areas. This rural-urban divide underscores the need for targeted interventions to support the most vulnerable segments of the ageing population.
Key Recommendations for Government Action
Professor Ajiboye outlined several critical recommendations for the Federal Government to implement:
- Strengthen Social Security and Pensions: Ensure financial security through robust and accessible pension schemes to alleviate poverty among the elderly.
- Subsidise Healthcare and Geriatric Care: Make medical services, including specialised geriatric care, affordable and reduce long wait times for older persons.
- Implement National Policies on Ageing: Enact and enforce policies that guarantee the rights, dignity, and active participation of older persons in society.
- Create Support Initiatives: Establish a 'Support Elder Abuse Prevention' initiative to provide protective services and helplines, aiming to prevent and address elder abuse effectively.
Advice for Senior Citizens
In addition to government action, Professor Ajiboye implored senior citizens to take personal steps to enhance their well-being. He encouraged them to cultivate emotional resilience, authenticity, and humour, while redefining self-worth around wisdom and experience rather than youthful appearance. Furthermore, he advised spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in volunteer activities, and pursuing hobbies that bring joy and fulfilment.
By combining governmental reforms with personal resilience, Nigeria can work towards ensuring that its elderly population ages with the dignity and respect they deserve, mitigating the risks associated with an unprepared society.
