Caring Lot International Initiative (CLII), in partnership with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and United Healthcare HMO, has called for greater awareness, early recognition and intervention in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as stronger support for caregivers and improved healthcare services for older persons
The call was made at the 2026 World Alzheimer’s Day programme in Abuja, held under the theme, “Know Early, Care Better: Changing the Story of Alzheimer’s in Nigeria,” with senior citizens and key stakeholders participating in discussions on ageing, dementia, healthcare access, caregiver support and community-based care.
Speaking at the programme, the Chief Executive Officer of CLII, Engr. Lawunmi Ismail, said the initiative was aimed at drawing greater attention to the needs of ageing Nigerians, particularly persons living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and those caring for them. She noted that ageing is a natural part of life and urged caregivers to remain committed to their responsibilities, while calling on families and communities to support caregivers, given the demanding nature of caring for older persons.
The 1st Deputy President of ACCI and Chairman of CLII, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, called for increased public awareness, early recognition and intervention, stronger support systems for caregivers and the development of more inclusive communities for older persons and people living with memory-related conditions. He stressed that senior citizens should not be excluded from community programmes and social-support initiatives, noting that timely awareness and intervention can help families respond more effectively to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
On the government’s response, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced plans to establish a Brain Health Desk under the National Mental Health Programme and develop Nigeria’s first National Brain Health Agenda. The proposed framework is expected to strengthen policy coordination, advocacy, research, surveillance, workforce development and access to neurological services. Nigeria is also working towards implementing the WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders 2022–2031, which recognises dementia as part of the broader neurological disease burden.
The Chairman of the ACCI Medical Trade Group and Chief Executive Officer of United Healthcare HMO, Dr. Kolawole Owoka, emphasised the importance of community and healthcare structures in supporting caregivers. He advocated the development of dementia-friendly and inclusive communities, noting that greater public understanding could help reduce stigma and social isolation and enable older persons and those experiencing memory difficulties to participate more comfortably in community life.
Representing the Director-General of ACCI, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, the Deputy Director-General, Dr. Tinuke Temitope, commended CLII for its awareness and advocacy efforts and reaffirmed the Chamber’s interest in initiatives promoting healthcare, healthy ageing and social welfare. She noted that ACCI’s involvement reflects its broader stakeholder and advocacy role, particularly through its Health and Medical Trade Group, one of the Chamber’s sectoral trade groups, which provides a platform for addressing issues relating to healthcare and the medical sector from a business and development perspective.
She added that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia extend beyond the healthcare sector, with implications for families, caregivers, workplace productivity, social welfare and the wider economy.
Participants at the programme identified greater attention to senior citizens, stronger public education, improved caregiver support and increased community engagement as key priorities. They called for greater collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, businesses, sponsors and community groups, while advocating increased support for radio jingles, social-media awareness campaigns, information sharing, health-insurance awareness and other interventions aimed at reducing stigma and improving the wellbeing of older persons.
The programme reinforced the need for a coordinated, community-focused approach to ageing, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care in Nigeria.
Stakeholders emphasised that awareness, early recognition, caregiver support, accessible healthcare, reduced stigma and inclusive communities are essential to ensuring that older persons live with dignity and receive appropriate care. As Nigeria develops its emerging national focus on brain health, participants stressed the importance of translating policy initiatives into practical support for senior citizens, people living with dementia and the caregivers who support them.
Story by Olayemi John-Mensah
ACCI Media & Strategy Officer
