From Damola Adeloye, Ibadan
Chieftain of New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi has called on government at all levels to make adequate provision for old people as obtainable in developed countries.
Ajadi said it is time that such provisions are enshrined in the constitution because everybody prays to get old.
He gave this advice while speaking on the sidelines of the funeral of late Mrs Oyinade Teluwo in Lagos on Friday.
The late Teluwo is the mother of the NNPP Ogun Central Senatorial Candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Kehinde Teluwo.
According to Ajadi, “We need to give little words of advice to our government, especially Mr President. He has travelled to many advanced countries. We have also by the grace of God been to many countries where we see how they are making adequate provisions for their elderly people.
“We need to copy that; government needs to provide for the aged. In a place like the United States of America and the United Kingdom, government takes care of the needs of the elderly.
“Even if you are young and working, and suddenly lose your job either through termination of appointment or inability of your working place to continue operations, there is a system that will signal to government that this person is not working again. It takes care of such person until they secure another employment.
“For retirees, they know that when they retire there is a provision for them to live on.
“But in Nigeria, even those who worked as civil servants, their entitlements are delayed except for a few states.
“This must change. We all pray to live long, therefore our government must do something for the aged,” he said.
Speaking on the life of the late Mrs Teluwo, Ajadi said “Mama lived a good life. She was kind and generous. She left a good legacy for others to copy. She was a good Christian who served the Lord till her last minute on earth.”
Also speaking, the son of the deceased, Mr Kehinde urged government to improve the living and health conditions of Nigerians so that they can live long.
