New NSCC D-G assumes office, promises inclusion of Nigeria’s senior citizens

Mrs. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe has been sworn in as Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), pledging to usher in a “renaissance” in the welfare and inclusion of Nigeria’s elders.

At the hand-over ceremony on Friday, Akinyemi-Obe—whose theme for her tenure is “Restoring Dignity, Enabling Purpose”—thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment and described her role not as a privilege but “a solemn responsibility to honour those who have shaped the nation.”

“In line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are committed to building a compassionate, inclusive society,” she said. “We will ensure that no citizen is left behind, especially those who have laboured through the decades to build this great nation.”

Akinyemi-Obe outlined key priorities for her term: championing dignity in retirement, improving access to quality healthcare, promoting lifelong learning, protecting seniors from abuse, and giving them “a strong voice in national affairs.” She paid tribute to her predecessor, Dr. Emem Omokaro, noting, “We are not starting from scratch. We are building on a foundation of dedication and excellence.”

Recognising the NSCC staff as “the engine of progress,” the new D-G pledged to enhance workplace conditions, prioritise staff welfare, and foster a culture of innovation. She also called on government agencies, private organisations, NGOs, faith bodies and youth groups to rally behind the Centre’s mission.

“Together, we will weave a safety net of care, respect and opportunity for our elders,” Akinyemi-Obe said. “To Nigeria’s senior citizens: You are not forgotten. You are not a burden. You are the living libraries of our nation, the guardians of our values, the beacons of resilience.”

Earlier, outgoing D-G Dr. Emem Omokaro reviewed her four-year tenure, highlighting the NSCC’s development of Nigeria’s first comprehensive ageing policy, the launch of empowerment programmes, and the establishment of national standards for geriatric care. “We proved, with evidence, that older persons are still capable and contributing,” she said, handing over a detailed report of the Centre’s achievements.

“My sister, this is all we have done in four years. You can call it the foundation, but I know you are going to set the roof on it,” Omokaro told Akinyemi-Obe as she inaugurated the new era for senior citizens’ advocacy in Nigeria.