A delegation from the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) Stakeholders Consultative Forum On Ageing (NNSCFOA) recently paid a courtesy visit to the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA), to further strengthen collaboration on initiatives supporting the elderly population in the state.
The NNSCFOA is a vital platform that brings together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, community-based organizations, and individuals, dedicated to advocating for and addressing the needs of older persons. The forum works to promote the well-being, dignity, and rights of senior citizens through collaborative efforts, policy advocacy, and community engagement. They are committed to ensuring that the voices of older persons are heard and that their needs are prioritized in development plans.
During the visit, the delegation, led by Rev. Hon. Mercy Akpama, Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs in the Cross River State House of Assembly, and Omini Oden, Director of Corporate Affairs, Media and Communications,National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), expressed their readiness to partner with MEDA on issues concerning the aged and elderly in the State. Recognizing the importance of integrating senior citizens into economic development, the NNSCFOA also nominated two members for inclusion into the State Technical Committee.
This move comes as the State recently launched the Retiree Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI), a program designed to help senior citizens tackle post-retirement hardship and achieve self-sufficiency through entrepreneurial ventures.
The NNSCFOA’s collaboration with MEDA signifies a concerted effort to ensure the success and sustainability of initiatives like REDI, and to improve the overall quality of life for older persons in Cross River State.
