Kwara State government has been implored to establish a ministry for senior citizens to promote their wellbeing.

Speakers at a programme organized by De- Pals Care Foundation in collaboration with Kwara State Ministry of Social Development, to mark the National Citizens Day in Ilorin, made the appeal.

An official of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr Abraham Gana, while speaking on need to create the ministry, said such development would further ensure the wellbeing of the senior citizens.

He appreciated the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq for his support to the aged in the state and reminded him that the senior citizens were expecting more from him.

Director of the State Ministry of Social Development, Mr James Kayode who was representing Permanent Secretary, Mrs Rebecca Olanrewaju, advised the senior citizens to always take good care of their health.

The founder, De- Pals Care Foundation, Hajiya Asma’u Yusuf, told the gathering of National Senior Citizens Centre has been established at the national level to see to the needs of the older people, adding that Kwara State is in the process of signing same into law.

She explained that government, individuals and NGOs have series of programmes designed to help the elderly live a long, healthy life, such as provision of health insurance, nursing home, older people day care, activities centre for seniors, adult literacy classes as well as food and healthcare palliatives for the senior citizens.

Also, representative of Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Alhaja Biliqees Oladimeji, urged the senior citizens to devote more time to religious activities.

She also urged them to help the society mould the young ones by tutoring them on morals and acceptable lifestyles.

The programme also featured free medical check-up for the senior citizens.