Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity has that said it will be collaborating with the International Federation on Ageing, Nigeria chapter, to mark the 25th International Day for the Elderly on Thursday, October 1, 2015.

In a goodwill message, Mrs Mojisola Sonubi, Director, Social Security/Cooperative Development Department, in the ministry, commended the immense contributions of retirees and elderly to national development.

She called on all Nigerians to celebrate the International Day for Older Persons with senior citizens in their families and environments through telephone conversation or visitation.

She said in view of the immense contributions of the elderly to the development of human society, the General Assembly of the UN has designated Oct. 1 of every year for the celebration.

According to her, the International Day of the older persons is observed for the first time throughout the World on Oct. 1, 1991 and ever since many countries and organisations celebrate it every year.

“To this end, the International Federation on Ageing, Nigeria chapter is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity to mark the International Day for the Elderly on 1st October, 2015.

“The objective of the celebration is to raise awareness on the impact of an ageing population.

“There is need to ensure that people grow old with dignity and continue to participate in the society as citizens with full rights, ”she said.

The theme for the celebration is “Sustainability and Age Inclusiveness in the Urban environment”.

(NAN)