The much-anticipated Media & Entertainment Veterans Roundtable Conference, held on October 2nd, 2024, was a resounding success. Organized by the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) at the Fountain Hall, Rockview Royale, Wuse II, Abuja, the event brought together prominent figures from the media and entertainment industries to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by senior citizens in Nigeria.
The roundtable was attended by several notable veterans, including Olorogun Dr. Peter Igho, MFR, Joke Silva, Chika Opala (Chief Zebrudaya), among others. These icons shared their wealth of experience and insight into how the media and entertainment sectors can continue to support and engage older citizens. Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, was represented by Dr. Dili Ezughah, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) , underscoring the importance of senior citizens in Nigeria’s development.
One of the key highlights of the event was the decoration of several veterans as NSCC Goodwill Ambassadors of Age-friendly Services and Elder Justice Advocacy. Olorogun Dr. Peter Igho, MFR, was honored as the National Coordinator of the NSCC Goodwill Ambassadors, in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the media industry and his ongoing advocacy for the inclusion of senior citizens. Other distinguished veterans, including Joke Silva and Alhaji Tijjani Ramalan, Chairman of the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN), were also decorated as Goodwill Ambassadors for their efforts in promoting senior citizens’ well-being.
The roundtable focused on creating an age-friendly environment and addressing ageism, a persistent issue that hampers the participation of senior citizens in society. Dr. Emem Omokaro, the Director General of the NSCC, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to eliminate these barriers. The event concluded with actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing the inclusion of senior citizens within the media and entertainment sectors.
Overall, the Veterans Roundtable was a significant step forward in advancing the mission of the NSCC, and it set the stage for future collaborations across industries to support the contributions of Nigeria’s senior citizens.
