Free medical services: SORENID reaches out to aged people
By Gloria Akudoro, Abuja.
A Non-Governmental Organisation called the Society for the Reconciliation of Nigerians in Diaspora (SORENID) in collaboration with Senior Citizens Association of Nigeria (SCAN) and Mary Slessor Physiotherapy and Rehab Services (MPRS) has organised a One-Day free medical outreach for the retired civil servants now referred as ‘The Senior Citizen’ living within FCT metropolise to promote fitness.
The free health awareness campaign and psycho-social support services for retirees which began with registration of attendees and physical body check by team of Doctors held recently at Karu Site, Abuja, witnessed an encouraging turnout of about 30 aged persons who have chosen to live the rest of their days happily and fit.
SORENID is an International NGO with the core mandate to give back to the society through its various recreation programs such as women skills and empowerment centre, job creation for the teeming youths, campaign against human trafficking and gender-based violence as well as recovery and rehabilitation of young deported Nigerians who are distressed.
Speaking, the founder of SORENID and a Retired Senior Diplomat, Sir. Uche Okafor, said due to his vast experience in diplomatic affairs across several Countries and having observed first hand the challenges faced by Nigerians who were being deported in terms of their inability to secure immigration papers inspired the idea to the establishment of this NGO to give hope to those in such distressed.
“SORENID is there to assist distressed Nigerians who traveled abroad for greener pasture but were deported either as a result of lack of preparedness and also without formal education and skills that could aid put them in system rather filled with the mindset to make money.
“I discovered skill acquisition is key to human capital development and that’s why those who are equipped with handiwork were able to get into the system in diaspora especially those with papers. We also have skills acquisition training center that trains women into bid making, tailoring, computer training to become ICT inclined and more,” he stated.
In his interest towards the vulnerable aged persons in the society, Sir Okafor disclosed that SORENID is collaboration with the SCAN to offer medical services and social centre for the Senior Citizens (referees) and aid to enhance their respect and integrity anyway in Nigeria.
“Today’s activity is about how to keep the hope alive. Although, this is the second time we are organising a health awareness campaign for the senior citizens.”
Enumerating financial constraints as its major challenges, he said the organisation will remain steadfast in its humanitarian services while anticipating financial support from government and well meaning Nigerians.
Sir Okafor added that SORENID is currently in partnership with Federal Ministery of Financial, Budget and National Planning, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), FCT Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and some traditional rulers to leverage on global strength in making difference for humanity.
He however expressed satisfaction at the level of turn-out projected SORENID to go global in the next five years.
Meanwhile, a Senior Citizen (retiree) and renowned Nigerian Photo Collector Extraordinarie, Historian and Photographer, Alhaji baba Shettima who is in his 80’s kicked-started the program with open prayer shared his early life experience as outstanding photographer dated back to 1965, retired in 2000 after 35 years of meritorious service to the nation as the Federal Chief Photographer.
Alhaji Baba Shettima who could not hide his delight revealed that he is the first photographer took pictures of Queen Elizabeth II at her first and second visit to Nigeria and had the privilege of taken a personal photograph with her.
