By The Staff Reporter
The Osogbo Grammar School Alumni Association (OGSAA) has urged African governments to enhance support for senior citizens, emphasizing the need for prompt payment of pensions and gratuities. This call came during their inaugural event, “One Day with Senior Citizens,” held in Osogbo, Nigeria, on August 15, 2024.
Dr. Tola Winjobi, the Roving Coordinator of the Elders’ Consultative Forum and OGSAA Global Vice President, criticized the slow processing of retirement benefits, stating, “Senior citizens who have served their countries faithfully should receive their gratuities within two months of retirement, and their pensions should commence the following month. Delays should be met with stringent sanctions.”
The event featured a range of activities including games, health checks, and social gatherings, aimed at celebrating and supporting the elderly. Professor Michael Fisayo Ologunde, the event’s chairman, lamented the plight of some seniors, noting, “Many are in pitiable conditions, isolated from friends and lacking recreational opportunities. Some are left waiting in despair due to the vicissitudes of life.”
Professor Hezekiah Adeyemi Mosadomi, who served as the Father of the Day, called for more frequent reunions, saying, “Such forums should be organized quarterly to give seniors the chance to reconnect, play games, and enjoy each other’s company. This will help combat loneliness and enhance their quality of life.”
Dr. Winjobi also proposed comprehensive healthcare policies for seniors, emphasizing, “There should be a policy for free healthcare services, including drugs and surgeries, for all individuals over 65 years. Healthcare for the elderly must be thorough and accessible.” He further suggested that pension officers should visit retirees in their homes to update records, avoiding the physical strain of bureaucratic procedures.
The successful event highlighted the need for ongoing reforms to improve the lives of elderly citizens across Africa, advocating for increased recognition and support for their contributions to society.
