BY AHMED AKANBI
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has trained its staff as human rights defenders to strengthen protection of older persons amid rising cases of elder abuse in Nigeria.
The training, held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, equipped participants with practical tools to identify, document, investigate and advocate against various forms of abuse suffered by older persons.
Speaking at the opening, NHRC Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, said the training was timely given Nigeria’s growing ageing population.
Ojukwu, represented by Deputy Director, Vulnerable Groups Department, Mrs Jennifer Agah, said increased life expectancy reflects improved healthcare but has exposed critical challenges.
He listed the challenges as physical and psychological abuse, financial exploitation, neglect and harmful traditional practices.
The NHRC boss stressed that older persons are rights-holders entitled to dignity, equality and full legal protection.
”Many older persons continue to suffer in silence, often invisible within our communities and systems,” Ojukwu said.
He said the programme aims to enhance staff capacity to recognise elder abuse, strengthen advocacy with government and civil society, and promote rights-based interventions.
Participants said the training would improve their ability to respond to elder abuse cases and pledged to drive stronger protection for older persons nationwide.