Fantsuam celebrates 'International Day for Older People'

Age Demands Action (ADA) was launched in 2007 in 27 countries. The campaign challenges age discrimination and fights for the rights of older people. Since it started, Age Demands Action has created a sustainable environment where older people lead in bringing about tangible changes in their country and globally. The focal day of the campaign is the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October where older people take part in various awareness-raising activities and meet Governments.

The Older People's Initiative of Kaduna State in partnership with Fantsuam Foundation and HelpAge International, celebrated this year's International day for Older People on 11th October. In attendance were representatives of older people from different communities and tribes and top politicians. The theme of this year's 24th commemoration was “Leaving No One Behind: Promoting a Society for All”.

The Older People Initiative sent a petition to Nigeria's President, demanding the establishment of a Nigerian Commission for Older People. The Initiative also asked the Kaduna State Governor Muktar Ramallan Yero, to ensure the establishment of an Older Peoples Consultative Forum in all the eight local governments  and begin a universal pension for all older persons in Kaduna State.

Bishop Labar Wuyep, the Guest of Honour at this commemoration,  is aspiring to become the next Governor of Plateau State in Nigeria's middle belt.  He assured the older persons present that among his priorities is the provision of a dedicated service for Older People. Fantsuam Foundation has promised to follow up with him on this promise if he wins his peoples mandate in 2015.