The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has promised to keep protecting older people in the area from different kinds of abuse. This includes abuse that affects their health, body, emotions, money, and mental well-being
This promise was made by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat. She made the statement in honour of the 2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which has the theme “Beyond Age.”
The statement was shared on Sunday by Mrs. Bola Ajao, who is Dr. Fasawe’s Special Adviser on Media.
Dr. Fasawe explained that World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, celebrated every year on June 15, helps people understand the hidden abuse many older people face and encourages everyone to protect their rights and dignity.
She said that under the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the FCTA is supporting elderly people through programs like the Renewed Hope Initiative Medical Mission-Support for the Elderly. This program helps improve the health and quality of life of older people.
She also mentioned that the Secretariat supported the first edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative, led by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. During this event, elderly people in Abuja got free medical checks, treatment, and medicine.
As part of the 2025 Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Dr. Fasawe asked residents, community leaders, and health workers to respect older people for their wisdom and experience. She urged everyone to be on the lookout for abuse signs like injuries without explanation, fearfulness, sudden changes in finances, or withdrawal from others—and to report such cases to the right authorities.
To help protect older people, the Health Services and Environment Secretariat plans to improve elderly care services, train health workers to recognize and handle abuse, and work with community and religious leaders to raise awareness and respect for the elderly.
Dr. Fasawe also asked federal ministries, NGOs, civil society groups, and international partners to join the FCTA in creating policies that stop abuse, make older people feel included, support their mental health, and improve how abuse cases are reported and handled.
She said this is a shared responsibility, and everyone must look “beyond age” to treat older people with respect, break negative stereotypes, and protect them from harm or neglect.
To report suspected abuse or ask questions, people can call 09164059609 or send an email to geriatriccarehsesfct@gmail.com.
