An 82-year-old Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mrs. Folake Solanke, says there is a need for the government to improve the pension verification process which is too stressful for aged people.
Solanke, who is the first female SAN, made the call on the occasion of the 2014 Older Persons Day, held at the United Nations Information Centre, Lagos on Tuesday.
The theme of the event; ‘Leave no one behind: promoting a society for all’ was aimed at creating awareness for the plight of the elderly and senior citizens in the society.
The retired lawyer, who said she took great pride in her profession, lamented the plight of pensioners in the country. According to her, senior citizens who have used all their strength to serve the country should not be made to suffer just to collect their entitlement.
“These people gave their all – time, energy and youthfulness – in the service of the country. It is a pity to see them go through very rigorous processes just to get what is due to them,” she said.
Solanke, who was a recipient of an award at the event, urged senior citizens to insist on their rights at all times.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Dr Michael Omolayole, in his opening remarks had lamented the plight of senior citizens, especially pensioners. He stressed that the elderly should be given special privileges in banks, polling booths, hospitals and other places.
He said, “If senior citizens are made to queue for hours in banks or at polling booths before casting their votes, they will be discouraged. Young people can stand for hours, but old people cannot.”
Also, while delivering a lecture, titled; ‘Senior citizens as a meaningful part of a democratic process,’ renowned economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, enjoined senior citizens to play the role of elder statesmen by mentoring the younger generation with their wealth of experience.
Utomi, who was represented by Mr. James Ebube, explained that apart from casting their votes during elections, senior citizens should offer constructive criticisms and proffer possible solutions to problems.
The event was organised by a non-governmental organisation, the Third Age Initiative, to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Older Persons.