FCTA launches elderly abuse reporting channels
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has restated its commitment to protecting elderly residents from all forms of abuse, including neglect, physical, emotional, and financial exploitation.
As part of renewed efforts to safeguard older citizens, the administration has launched a dedicated phone line and email address to encourage reporting and ensure swift response to abuse cases within the territory.
The assurance was given by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), in a statement marking the 2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), commemorated globally every June 15.
According to her, this year’s theme, ‘Beyond Age’, stressed the importance of acknowledging the contributions of older persons while taking steps to protect their dignity and well-being.
Dr. Fasawe emphasized that elder abuse remains a largely silent but growing issue, and urged FCT residents, community leaders, and healthcare professionals to remain vigilant for signs such as unexplained injuries, emotional withdrawal, fearfulness, or sudden changes in financial circumstances.
She encouraged prompt reporting to the appropriate authorities to ensure timely intervention.
According to her Media Adviser, Bola Ajao, in the statement on Sunday, the Mandate Secretary emphasised that the FCTA under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike has continued to prioritize the welfare of elderly residents through strategic initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Initiative Support for the Elderly, aimed at improving access to healthcare and enhancing overall quality of life.
The Secretariat also lent support to the maiden edition of the initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which offered free medical screenings to elderly persons in Abuja, providing essential health checks and raising awareness about age-related conditions.
In line with its broader commitment, HSES announced plans to strengthen geriatric healthcare services, train frontline health workers to identify and respond to cases of elder abuse, and partner with community and religious leaders to raise awareness and uphold the rights of older citizens.
Dr. Fasawe also called on Federal ministries, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and development partners to collaborate with the FCTA in crafting policies that enhance social inclusion, mental health support, and access to essential services for the elderly.
She described the ongoing efforts as a collective call to action to look beyond stereotypes and recognize older people not just by their age, but by their enduring value and contributions to society.
Dr. Fasawe urged residents to embrace the responsibility of protecting vulnerable elderly members of their communities and to report concerns using the new communication channels provided by the FCTA.
