The Christian Centre for Mission, Family and Leadership Development (CEMFLED) has called on the Federal Government to provide free medical care, shelter and stronger protection for elderly Nigerians.

The organisation made the call on Tuesday during a rally held to commemorate the inaugural International Grandparents’ Day (IGD) 2026, themed, “Preserving Legacy, Strengthening Generations.”

The event was organised to celebrate grandparents and highlight their contributions to family development, cultural preservation and the wellbeing of younger generations.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director of CEMFLED, Dr. Isaac Komolafe, said grandparents had played significant roles in raising children, preserving family values and contributing to the development of the nation.

Komolafe said the contributions of grandparents should not be overlooked, stressing that they remained important custodians of family history, values and traditions.

He urged Nigerians to accord elderly people greater respect and consideration in public places, including hospitals, banks, vehicles and commercial establishments.

Noting that many elderly Nigerians had served the government and the country for several years, he said “government also should give them free medical care because they have paid their dues,”

According to him, government could also introduce policies requiring businesses and public institutions to give elderly people preferential treatment and, where possible, discounts on goods and services.

He said, “When you find them in the vehicle, stand up for them. They have paid their dues. When they are in the banking hall, give them preference. They have paid their dues.”

Komolafe emphasised the role of grandparents in preserving family history and transmitting moral values to younger generations.

He recalled how grandparents traditionally used storytelling to teach children about hard work, family identity and acceptable behaviour.

“The legacy of the family is in their hands. Each time a child is leaving the village, for instance, the grandparent will tell him or her, remember the son of who you are,” he said.

He urged society not to isolate elderly people from younger generations, saying their experience and wisdom remained valuable.

One of the elderly participants at the event, Mabel Ojie, urged the government to provide free medical care and shelter for vulnerable older Nigerians.

Ojie said elderly people who had spent their productive years contributing to society deserved to be cared for rather than neglected.

She specifically appealed for free medical care and shelter for elderly people who had lost their children or had no accommodation.

“For elders to be strong, they need medical care. Those who don’t have accommodation, free medical attention, those who have lost their younger ones, who are still in the street, they need shelter,” she said.

Ojie also raised concerns about the vulnerability of elderly people without accommodation, saying some could suffer abuse because of their living conditions.

“If the government does not give them shelter, sometimes they start beating them, as if they are bad,” she said.

The International Grandparents’ Day initiative, according to CEMFLED, seeks to recognise the social, cultural and economic contributions of grandparents, strengthen intergenerational relationships and promote the dignity, wellbeing and inclusion of older persons.