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President Muhammadu Buhari has noted that African values which promote respect for the elderly are being eroded because of the influence of western cultures.

            Speaking at a conference on the rights of older people hosted by ECOWAS parliament in collaboration with human and people’s rights on Monday, November 25, the president urged the parliament to create policies that will support the elderly in the society, Premium Times reports. Buhari’s speech which was presented by George Akume stated that African traditions that bestow honour and respect on the elderly were worsening because of Western civilization. He said it was the duty of Africans leaders to hold onto the traditions that bring glory and honour to the elderly. “We need to wakeup to the challenges of older persons in the region. We also need to collaborate and join efforts with other nations both local and international to fight for the rights of older persons globally,” the president said. He stated that the care for the elderly is deeply rooted in the cultures and traditions of Africans and this fact should not be forgotten. Buhari said that some measures established by Nigeria in addressing the rights of older persons include the enacting the senior citizens act of 2018. “The Act serves to cater for the needs of the elderly, a harmonised pension scheme and a mandatory pre-retirement training,” the president disclosed.