A significant medical outreach organized by the National Senior Citizen Centre, in collaboration with the Consultative Forum on Ageing, Kano State Chapter, took place on Thursday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.
The initiative aimed to provide essential healthcare services to approximately 250 senior citizens in the state.
According to Hajiya Rabiu Yusuf Gezawa, Co-chair of the National Senior Citizen Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Ageing, Kano State Chapter, played a prominent role in the event. Speaking to attendees, she emphasized the importance of health promotion and active living for older persons.
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“We conducted health screenings, provided information on healthy ageing, and organized a ‘walk for life’ to encourage healthier lifestyles among our senior citizens,” Hajiya Rabi Yusuf Gezawa stated.
“Our goal is to empower older persons to be healthier and more active.”
She said the outreach included sensitization sessions on maintaining good health through regular exercise and proper nutrition.
She added that Participants received guidance on managing their diets, incorporating physiotherapy, and understanding the crucial role of exercise in preventing the accumulation of unwanted substances in the body and enhancing longevity.
“Following medical consultations conducted by healthcare professionals from various institutions, medications were provided to those diagnosed with conditions such as hypertension and malaria, among other ailments.
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She pointed out that the Director-General of the National Senior Citizen Centre (NSCC), headed by Omokaro, spearheaded the national effort behind this and similar outreaches across the country.
Hajiya Rabi Yusuf Gezawa explained that the Consultative Forum operates as a volunteer body, working on behalf of the National Senior Citizen Centre.
The Kano State chapter comprises two co-chairs and six vice-chairs, each focusing on six thematic areas crucial to the well-being of senior citizens: age-friendly environments, pension and livelihood, continuous education, data and documentation, food empowerment and security.
Comrade Isa M. Chiranchi, Vice Chair for Livelihood, Pension, and Social Assistance of the NSCC Consultative Forum, Kano State, in a remarks expressed deep gratitude for the successful “Health Promotion and Walk for Life” initiative spearheaded by the NSCC Director-General, Omokaro.
He highlighted the program’s aim to enhance the well-being of senior citizens nationwide.
Comrade Chiranchi also extended sincere appreciation to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, recognizing his concern for all citizens, including pensioners and senior citizens.
He passionately appealed to the Governor to utilize his leadership to domesticate the National Senior Citizens Policy Act of 2017, adopted during the Buhari administration. “This domestication would ensure the policy’s effective implementation at the state level, further benefiting Kano’s senior population.
Furthermore, Comrade Chiranchi urged the Honorable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, the Commissioner for Health, and the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly to lend their support to the Forum’s endeavors.
“This collaborative approach, he emphasized, is crucial in creating a supportive environment and ensuring the livelihood and well-being of senior citizens in Kano State.”
A Physiotherapy expert from Bayero University Kano and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Professor Badaru lauded the initiative as a positive step towards ensuring that senior citizens, who have served the nation for many years, are not marginalized during their retirement.
“It is commendable to see both governmental and non-governmental organizations coming together to care for the elderly in our society,”
He emphasized that the post-service years should be a time for enjoyment and well-being.
Professor Badaru further outlined crucial factors that contribute to healthy ageing.
These he said, include engaging in regular physical exercise, undergoing routine medical check-ups, and paying close attention to dietary intake.
His expert advice reinforced the messages of health promotion and active living that were central to the NSCC medical outreach.
