The citizens told the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday that the annual commemoration would draw local and international attention to the welfare of the nation’s senior citizens.
One of the respondents, Philomina Eze, 69 who resides in Kado Estate, said Buhari’s action was a welcome development.
“I Thank Buhari for remembering us to the point of setting aside a day to celebrate us. May God bless him and the media too,” Mrs. Eze said.
She expressed satisfaction with the biometric registration and issuance of ID cards to senior citizens and said it would facilitate easy access to health and social service.
She urged the Federal Government to consider paying special allowance to senior citizens to ameliorate the financial hardship some of them were going through.
“This is because some of us have retired from active services and are staying in Old People’s Home.’’
Similarly, Mercy Ezeji, 70, a retired director from the ministry of works, said it would be good if the government would provide some social benefits to senior citizens.
“It is a good thing to celebrate us on Oct. 5, every year provided they will celebrate us and do good things to us”, she said.
Idris Abdulaziz, a 74-year old farmer in Nyanya lauded Buhari for the gesture.
He also commended Dr. Emem Omokaro, the Director-General of National Senior Citizens Centre, who, he said played a major role in Buhari’s declaration.
On the registration and issuance of ID cards to senior citizens, Mrs. Abel said it was a novel idea.
“This will make the government have a specific focus on them and provide for the services that will give them a sense of inclusion,’’ Mrs. Abel said.
Similarly, Mr. Pius John, who works at the Old People’s Home in Kado, said he would be happy if Senior Citizens were registered and issued ID cards.
He said that it would help in developing a system that creates access to medical and social services for old people.
“I also believe that Oct.5 as National Day for Senior Citizens in Nigeria would make them happy and even help them to live longer,” he said.
