Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to show greater care and respect for elderly citizens, describing them as invaluable members of society whose wisdom, sacrifices and contributions have significantly shaped the nation.
In a message marking the 2026 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Monday, Mrs Tinubu urged citizens, families and communities to take deliberate steps to protect older persons from neglect, abuse and abandonment.
Commemorating the global event under the theme, “Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work,” the First Lady stressed the need for stronger measures to safeguard the dignity, rights, safety and wellbeing of senior citizens across the country.
She lamented that many elderly people continue to suffer various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, financial and psychological maltreatment, despite spending their lives contributing to their families and communities.
“Let us continue to honour and care for our elderly citizens whose wisdom, sacrifices and contributions have helped shape our society,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu noted that as populations continue to age and the challenges associated with ageing become more pronounced, governments, communities and families must strengthen systems of care and support for older persons.
According to her, robust social protection policies and community support structures are essential to ensure that no elderly person is left vulnerable or abandoned.
“Our elderly citizens deserve to be respected, protected and cared for. Yet many continue to face physical, emotional, financial and psychological abuse,” she stated.
The First Lady further reminded Nigerians that ageing is a natural stage of life that everyone will eventually experience, urging citizens to show greater empathy and responsibility toward senior members of society.
“A young person today will become an elder tomorrow,” she added.
She called for sustained efforts to prevent elder abuse and create an environment where older persons can live with dignity, security and respect.
Mrs Tinubu also congratulated elderly citizens on the occasion of the 2026 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and reaffirmed the need for collective action to protect their rights and wellbeing.
