Abuja: Wiki for Senior Citizens Network, a Non-Governmental Organisation, under its Wiki Loves Africa yearly campaign, organised a training and excursion for senior citizens in the FCT. The initiative aimed at bridging the digital gap and empowering the elderly to contribute to the global knowledge pool.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Wiki Loves Africa is a yearly campaign by Wikimedia Foundation to encourage Africans to showcase their culture, tradition, and stories. The 2025 edition, themed 'Farm to Plate', focuses on teaching senior citizens about digital literacy and knowledge sharing. Mrs. Oby Ezeilo, Founder of Wiki for Senior Citizens Network, highlighted the initiative's goal to promote awareness on technology use for lifestyle enhancement.
Ezeilo explained that the 'Farm to Plate' project includes local and African dishes, farm implements, eating tools, farm produce, farm processes, and cooking. After the training, participants visited the National Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA) to learn about space and related activities.
Participants praised the NGO for its informative content on digital literacy, Wiki Commons, and the Wiki Loves Africa project. Violet Uttazi, a senior citizen, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn new skills and engage with technology. She advocated for regular pension payments and more engagement for senior citizens.
Mr. Obi Ezeilo emphasized the importance of digital literacy for the elderly, appreciating the training's eye-opening experience. He urged the government and other NGOs to focus on the well-being of older adults in Nigeria.
Florence Oguah, another participant, noted the program's stress-relief benefits and its lessons on data security. She called on the government to support organisations like Wiki for Senior Citizens Network in prioritizing the needs of the elderly.