Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
JOS – Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Panglang Dafur, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the welfare and protection of the elderly during a Fitness Walk organized to mark the International Day of Older Persons, observed annually on October 3. This year’s event carried the theme, “Older Persons Driving Local And Global Action; Our Aspirations, Our Well-being, Our Rights.”
Commissioner Dafur explained that Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang remains committed to advocating for the elderly through policies that safeguard their rights and improve their quality of life. She outlined the week-long activities designed to engage older persons across the state, beginning with the fitness walk, followed by media engagements and a medical outreach at Ampang West in Mangu LGA. Previous events had taken place in the other senatorial zones.
Aston Dangata Jatau, chairman of the National Senior Citizens Center Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Ageing, Plateau State chapter, expressed gratitude to the state government for its support of the elderly. He emphasized the collaborative work between the National Senior Citizens Centre and the Ministry of Women Affairs, highlighting the importance of sustained government engagement with older persons.
Dr. Ransome Udi, physiotherapist at Potters Specialist Hospital, Jos, highlighted the benefits of regular exercise, noting that walking is among the safest physical activities for maintaining fitness, especially in the early hours of the day. He urged persons aged 40 and above to make exercise a daily routine to remain healthy and active.
Esther Bitrus, Head of Media for the Plateau Chapter of the National Senior Citizens Centre, detailed the week’s activities, which included awareness campaigns, the fitness walk, media engagements, free medical outreach, and an awards ceremony recognizing leaders who have contributed to the welfare of the elderly.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives from various organizations, including the Plateau State Disability Rights Commission and the Coalition of Societies for Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN), who encouraged older persons to take advantage of the free medical services and eye care provided during the outreach.
The fitness walk commenced from Old Airport Junction and concluded at Secretariat Junction, Jos, drawing participation from community members, government officials, and stakeholders. The event aimed to promote physical activity, health awareness, and the rights of older persons in Plateau State, aligning with broader efforts to enhance social inclusion and wellbeing for the elderly.
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