By Saminu Ibrahim
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commenced the training of its staff as Human Rights Defenders and Advocates to strengthen the protection of older persons and combat the growing incidence of elder abuse across Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening of a one-day training workshop for NHRC staff on Tuesday in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu (SAN), described the programme as timely and necessary in view of Nigeria's increasing elderly population and the rising cases of abuse against older persons.
Ojukwu noted that while improvements in healthcare and life expectancy have led to a growing population of older persons, they have also exposed many to various forms of abuse, including physical violence, psychological abuse, financial exploitation, neglect and harmful traditional practices.
He reaffirmed the Commission's mandate to promote, protect and enforce the human rights of all persons without discrimination, stressing that older persons are entitled to dignity, equality and full protection under the law.
According to him, many elderly Nigerians continue to suffer in silence, often remaining invisible within communities and institutional systems despite being rights holders deserving of adequate protection.
The NHRC boss said the training was designed to equip staff with the knowledge, skills and practical tools needed to identify, document, investigate and respond effectively to cases of elder abuse.
He explained that participants would also deepen their understanding of the rights of older persons under national, regional and international human rights frameworks while strengthening their advocacy skills.
Continuing, Ojukwu urged staff to see their roles beyond professional obligations, describing human rights defence as a commitment to justice, empathy and courage.
"As frontline officers of the Commission, you play a pivotal role in ensuring that the voices of older persons are heard, their grievances addressed, and their dignity upheld," he said.
He outlined the objectives of the training to include enhancing staff capacity to recognise and address different forms of elder abuse, strengthening advocacy for engagement with government agencies, civil society organisations and communities, and promoting a rights-based approach in all interventions concerning older persons.
The Executive Secretary disclosed that the training would be conducted in batches to ensure inclusivity and broad-based capacity development across the Commission.
He encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions, share experiences and apply the knowledge gained in carrying out their responsibilities.
Ojukwu emphasised that the Commission's success would be measured by the positive impact made in the lives of older persons, saying every case of abuse prevented, every complaint resolved and every policy influenced would contribute to building a society where the dignity and rights of older persons are fully respected.
He however called on participants to approach the training with renewed commitment, expressing confidence that it would further strengthen the NHRC's role in advancing and protecting the rights of older persons in Nigeria.
On his part, the President of Coalition for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN), Senator Eze Ajoku raised concerns over the growing incidence of elder abuse in Nigeria, describing it as widespread but largely underreported due to fear of retaliation and weak enforcement of existing laws.
Addressing newsmen on the sidelines Dr. Ajoku said elder abuse in Nigeria takes many forms, including emotional, financial, physical and psychological abuse, with many victims suffering at the hands of family members.
According to him, emotional abuse is common, saying some children verbally assault and disrespect their aged parents, adding that financial abuse includes relatives forcefully taking or selling the property of older persons or stealing their money.
He also noted that delays in the payment of pensions constitute another form of financial abuse.
The COSROPIN President further highlighted cases of physical abuse, particularly in rural communities where older persons are assaulted, as well as harmful traditional practices that deprive widows of their rights and inheritance following the death of their husbands.
"Every form of elder abuse exists in Nigeria. The problem is that most cases are never reported because victims fear further abuse if they speak out," Senator Ajoku said.
He urged Nigerians to be vigilant and identify warning signs of abuse, including unexplained bruises, withdrawal, fearfulness and unusual silence among older persons.
The President of COSROPIN also called on neighbours and community members to pay closer attention to the welfare of elderly people living around them, noting that abuse often occurs behind closed doors.
Recalling disturbing incidents, he said some elderly persons have been physically assaulted by caregivers while being assisted with personal hygiene, stressing that ageing naturally comes with challenges that require patience and compassion.
As part of recommendations to tackle the problem, Senator Ajoku called for the establishment of community-based support systems in every state and local government area to identify, prevent and respond to elder abuse.
Senator Ajoku also urged authorities to prosecute perpetrators to serve as a deterrent, lamenting that some reported cases, including the killing of an elderly woman accused of witchcraft in one state, ended without justice.
He further appealed to the National Human Rights Commission and civil society organisations to intensify nationwide awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians on what constitutes elder abuse and the need to protect the rights and dignity of older persons.