President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N2.5 billion as a take-off grant for the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC).

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Sadiya Farouq, made this known on Thursday at a one-day Southern Zone Stakeholders Consultation on the Development of NSCC Strategic Plan in Lagos, NAN reports.

Recall that the NSCC Act 2018 was signed by Buhari to allow the establishment of the centre by institutions and the three tiers of government to cater for the needs of senior citizens.

Farouq, who was represented by Mr Mansur Kuliya, the ministry’s acting Director, Social Services, said that the grant was presently being processed for disbursement to the centre.

She noted the grant would be used to identify the strategic priorities, processes and approaches that would provide an impetus for the centre to achieve its mandate of integrating senior citizens.

The minister said that the centre was collaborating with relevant stakeholders to brainstorm and produce ideas for the development of a 10 years strategic plan.

She added that “this consultation indicates the commitment of the ministry, board and management of the centre to ensure full implementation of Mr President’s agenda toward the establishment of the centre.

The ministry and the centre will ensure that the country benefits from the wisdom and wealth of experiences of the senior citizens.’’