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RMAFC, NSCC Advocate Bold Reforms to Ensure Dignified Aging in Nigeria

Published

4 months ago

July 31, 2025

Joel Ajayi

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aging and healthcare sector converged today at the Dr. M. B. Shehu Auditorium, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in Abuja, for the First Healthy Ageing Symposium, Exposition and Awards, to promote structured, inclusive, and dignified aging systems for senior citizens.

The symposium was organised by the Centre for African American Research Studies (CAARS) in partnership with DCL Africa and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). It brought together some policymakers, researchers, development partners, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to deliberate on the theme: “Ageing with Dignity and Working with Purpose.”

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu OFR, the Federal Commissioner representing Kwara State, Hon. Ismail Mohammed Agaka, welcomed participants and commended the organizers for the choice of theme, noting that it could not have come at a better time.

He described the programme as a life-changing initiative and stated that its collaboration with respected government and civil society organisations underscores the growing recognition of aging as a national priority. According to him, “The decision to organise this important life-changing programme with these very important institutions speaks to the acceptance your Centre enjoys and the value proposition attributed to your work.”

Highlighting the increasing financial burden of healthcare on ordinary Nigerians, the Chairman noted that the cost of accessing quality healthcare has gone far beyond the income of the average citizen, which according to him which has negatively affected life expectancy. He said, “This situation has plagued the state of health of most Nigerians and getting reliable information required to prevent sickness and ailments would mean a lot of savings to us all.”

While acknowledging federal interventions such as the National Health Insurance Scheme, he emphasized the need for sustainable, grassroots-oriented programmes like this symposium. He added that the Commission’s decision to host the event demonstrates its commitment to a healthy and productive workforce.

In her keynote address, Dr. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, Director General of the National Senior Citizens Center (NSCC)—represented by Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Ajayi—urged policymakers to act urgently to address the growing institutional gaps affecting older citizens. “Too many older persons face poverty, isolation, neglect, and a profound loss of dignity, especially in rural areas. Dignified aging must not be precarious; it is not a privilege—it is a right.” He posited

He identified seven key pillars needed to build a responsive aging system in Nigeria: legal and policy frameworks, sustainable financing, community-based institutional infrastructure, geriatric workforce development, technology, and social inclusion. “Societies that honour their elders build stronger communities, healthier families, and more compassionate nations,” Dr.Tijani Ajayi said.

According to him, the NSCC is already implementing several initiatives including the Geriatric Social Care Community Extension Support Services, medical housing programs, and assistive device distribution, aimed at improving the quality of life for older persons. He also revealed that the agency was working with the National Assembly and the Institute of Justice to harmonize elder protection laws and develop a national ageing policy that is both inclusive and enforceable.

Dr. Ajayi also announced the launch of a digital literacy program where youth volunteers train elderly citizens in basic technology use and sanitation/environmental projects where older persons serve as ambassadors for healthy communities. “We must change the narrative, older people are not burdens—they are national assets.” He said.

The event featured several technical paper presentations by resource persons such as: Dr. Maimouna Diop Ly, a renowned physician and nutrition specialist who spoke on nutrition and longevity;

Dr. Mories Atoke, CEO of ABC Health, who made a presentation on healthcare innovations for aging populations and Dr. Hanem Abdelraouf, who delivered insights into gender approaches to elder care within African and Middle Eastern contexts.

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Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security

Published

5 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.

The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.

Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.

These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.

In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.

“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”

The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).

– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.

– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.

– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.

– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.

Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.

“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”

The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.

About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.

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