In celebration of World Elders’ Day, the Oyo State Government has provided over 1,000 elderly residents with cash and food items as part of its commitment to enhancing the welfare of senior citizens. The event, held at the House of Chiefs in Ibadan, emphasized the theme “Ageing with Dignity” and included announcements of upcoming healthcare initiatives tailored specifically for older adults.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Toyin Balogun, underscored the Makinde-led administration’s dedication to supporting all demographic groups, including the elderly. Balogun announced plans to designate one primary healthcare center in each local government area of the state to be elderly-friendly, beginning with nine locations and expanding to cover the entire state by 2027. “This government is people-centric. We consider our elderly ones a valued resource, as they have contributed their lives to their families and society. This intervention is designed to add real value to their lives,” she stated.
Balogun shared the government’s future plans to distribute stipends to the elderly every two to three months, starting next year. She highlighted ongoing collaborations with NGOs and agencies specializing in elder care, aiming to establish sustainable support systems for senior citizens.
The event also featured guest lecturer and nutritionist, Tunde Ajobo, who commended the state for its elder-friendly policies, including timely payment of pensions and gratuities. Ajobo emphasized the importance of educating seniors on healthy aging practices, advocating for locally-sourced nutritious diets, adequate hydration, and routine meal schedules.
In their remarks, Saka Balogun, co-chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade, and legislator Comforter Olajide lauded Governor Makinde’s administration for its comprehensive support across age groups and social strata. One of the beneficiaries, Olugbenga Jegede, expressed gratitude, describing the event as “timely and impactful.”
The Oyo State Government’s initiatives reflect a strategic approach to improving elderly care, aligning with the Makinde administration’s broader mission to enhance quality of life for all citizens.
