As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Day, another significant event will take place on October 2nd, 2024. The Media & Entertainment Veterans Roundtable Conference, organized by the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), is scheduled to be held at the Fountain Hall, Rockview Royale, Wuse II, Abuja. This unique event will bring together renowned figures from the media and entertainment industries to discuss issues surrounding senior citizens in Nigeria.
The roundtable will serve as a platform for active senior citizens in these fields to deliberate on the challenges they face and identify opportunities for greater inclusion in national development. Key attendees will include Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, Minister of Information and National Orientation, alongside celebrated icons like Peter Igho, Joke Silva, and Chika Opala (Chief Zebrudaya aka 4:30) , among many others.
Purpose of the Roundtable: Supporting Senior Citizens’ Engagement
The Media & Entertainment Veterans Roundtable aims to promote the inclusion and productivity of senior citizens within the media and entertainment sectors. By fostering discussions and collaboration, the event will help advance the goals of the NSCC, which include supporting senior citizens’ well-being and ensuring their active engagement in productive endeavors.
Established under the NSCC Act of 2017, the National Senior Citizens Centre was created to address the needs of older persons in Nigeria. It is the first organization of its kind, focusing on the inclusion of senior citizens in sustainable development and improving their quality of life.
The roundtable will explore how the media and entertainment industries can further support the NSCC’s initiatives, particularly in creating age-friendly environments and eliminating barriers that hinder senior citizens from contributing to society.
Celebrating the Contributions of Senior Citizens in Nigeria
The timing of the conference coincides with Nigeria’s National Day of Older Persons on October 5th, a day set aside to recognize the invaluable contributions of senior citizens to society. The roundtable will serve as a precursor to this national celebration, with the overarching theme of “Recognizing People and Places That Remove the Barriers.”
The theme underscores the importance of acknowledging the vital role older persons play in Nigerian society, as well as the individuals and organizations working to break down barriers that limit their participation.
Industry Veterans to Lead the Conversation
Mabel Ajoke Jacobs, Popularly known as Joke Silva , Baba Peter Igho MFR, John Ndanusa and Tony Akposheri.
Distinguished media and entertainment veterans, including broadcast legend Peter Igho, acting icon Joke Silva, and legendary actor Chika Opala(Chief Zebrudaya aka 4:30) , will join Minister Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi to lead discussions at the roundtable. These industry legends, who have long served as role models in their respective fields, will share insights on how the media and entertainment industries can continue to support and engage older persons.
Their collective experiences and contributions to the growth of the entertainment industry in Nigeria make them ideally suited to discuss strategies for addressing the challenges faced by senior citizens, while also highlighting opportunities for further involvement and productivity.
Addressing Ageism and Promoting Inclusion
One of the key topics for discussion at the roundtable will be ageism, a persistent issue that hinders older persons from accessing critical services such as healthcare, social security, and education. Dr. Emem Omokaro, Director General of NSCC, has emphasized the need to tackle these barriers head-on, promoting the independence, dignity, and inclusion of older citizens.
The event aims to develop concrete strategies that will contribute to the NSCC’s mission of enhancing the lives of senior citizens, fostering a society that values their contributions and supports their continued involvement in national development.
A Step Toward a Brighter Future for Senior Citizens
The Media & Entertainment Veterans Roundtable will conclude with actionable recommendations for improving the well-being of senior citizens in Nigeria’s media and entertainment sectors. It will also serve as a template for other industries to engage older persons in a meaningful and impactful way.
