In African culture, the elderly have always been held in high esteem, and accorded special social status, not only because they are a source of wisdom, but also because they influence who we are, and who we aspire to be.
The International Day of Older Persons is a Special Day at which older persons are celebrated globally on the 1st of October, but the day coincides with Nigeria Independence day celebration, which was the reason why the Federal government set aside the 5th day of October as a day to celebrate the lives of our senior citizens Nationwide, while highlighting both the opportunities and the challenges that ageing presents.
In line with provision of the Federal Government, The Mayoress of Ikosi Isheri LCDA, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, collaborates with the National stakeholders consultative forum on ageing in Lagos State and organized a program to celebrate senior citizens in the LCDA in commemoration of National Older Persons Day, tagged: “The resilience and contribution of older women and men in a changing world”
In her welcome address, the Mayoress, emphasized on the importance of senior citizens, stating the reason why they must be celebrated, for spending a life time of hardwork, raising families, and contributing to the development of Nigeria. “For this reasons, they deserve to retire with dignity, care and love”, she said.
Moreso, she itemized the achievements of her administration in the welfare of Senior citizens. Some of which are monthly distribution of food combo to aged, and widows especially during Covid-19 Pandemic, free vaccination, distribution of monthly stipends to aged persons. “We also have in our plans to provide relaxation centre where we would have ludo games, draft games, chess games etc for free use by our senior citizens in Ikosi Isheri LCDA. These are testaments that this administration hold our elderly ones dear to our hearts”, stated the Mayoress.
The guest Speaker of the occasion, Dr Akintayo Akintoba (Medical officer of Health, Ikoyi Obalende LCDA) discussed the resilience and contribution of older women and men in a changing world, our roles in taking care of our elders, and he also enjoined the elders to enumerate what they need the government to do for them.
The program, also features a panel discussion session, having the likes of the Mayoress of Ikosi-isheri LCDA, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, Co-chair of National Senior citizens of Lagos State: Mrs. Ayodele Idowu Lawal, Retired Lagos State Head of Service: Alhaji Babatunde Rotinwa, Former Sole Administrator of Eredo LCDA: Hon. Muyiwa Okesanya, Ambassador (Dr.) Oluremi Olutimo, Chief Timothy Ore, and Dr. Akintayo Akintobi, as panelists.
During the panelist session, the MAYORESS, assured the audience of a working relationship between her administration and the older persons in the LCDA via the CDC (Community Development Committee) and association of senior citizens.
Responding to a question raised about data, she informed the house that work is ongoing on data capturing in the LCDA, not just for older persons but for all ages for proper administration, planning and budgeting.
The Secretary, Senior citizens Association of Ikosi-isheri LCDA, Chief (Mrs.) Fagbemi Akintoye advised all seated elders to join one elders forum or the other and ensure they socialize as a way of freeing themselves of unnecessary worries and issues.
Other dignitaries present at the event are the Deputy Mayor: Hon. Yinka Ogunleye Kakaraka, the Legislative Leader: Hon. Yinusa Salami and other legislators, SLG: Hon. Kola Omotayo, Super for Agric: Hon. Isiaka Gbadesere, and other executive members, Council Manager: Mrs. Mercy Adeyemi, HOD Agric: Mr. Andrew Mogoli and other management staffs, APC Chairman: Alhaji Olatunbosun Alli, CDC Chairman: Chief Adekoya and others.
