Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s population of demographics, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, stakeholders convened at the maidenSummit in Lagos to champion comprehensive reforms in the country’s care industry. Chinyere Okoroafor reports that Nigeria has the highest number of older people in the continent, and the 19th highest across the globe, with the population of Nigerians aged 65 and older projected to triple by 2050.
At the Caring Africa Summit, organized by Founder/Chief Executive Officer of MH Worklife, Blessing Adesiyan, stakeholders echoed that a strategic focus on the care industry is not just a societal imperative but a visionary pathway to prosperity. Moreover, About 5.9 million Nigerians are aged 65 and above, records from the centre show, with more than half of the population battling illnesses such as diabetes, stroke and arthritis that leave them bedridden in most cases and in need of assistance, according to the Population Reference Bureau and National Council on Aging, Nigeria’s elderly population is increasing rapidly.
She emphasized the societal significance of care, boldly declaring it as the economic engine propelling every community forward. These programs, according to her not only empower caregivers but also elevate the standard of care, fostering a culture of excellence within the industry.The transformative overhaul of Nigeria’s care sector has profound economic implications.
These figures, representing various facets of public administration, are committed to not only x-raying the state of care in Nigeria but actively developing care infrastructure.