In Commemoration of 2023 International Day of Older People in Ijesaland with the theme “Fulfilling the promises of the Universal declaration of human rights of Older People in Ijesaland: Across Generations”, Friends of Ijesaland Geriatric Centre in Partnership with a non profit organization called Better Life For Africa Development and Ijesa Improvement Society today held a special event to celebrate the elderly in Ijesaland.
Speaking during the event, Osun State Commissioner for Health, Barrister Jola Akintola said the State Government is ready to partner with critical stakeholders in improving the welfare of the elderly in the state adding that it is one of the five point agenda of the current administration.
In his speech, the Guest Speaker Dr Kayode Ariyibi, a Geriatrician from Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti advocated for free health to the elderly in society saying that the rights of elders should not be trampled upon.
The Chief Medical Director of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, OAUTHC Professor John Okeniyi who was represented by Professor Komolafe said the importance of older persons in nation building cannot be over emphasized noting that they have the potentials to contribute to peace, sustainable development and the protection of the environment. “The importance of older persons in nation building cannot be over emphasized in making significant contributions in terms of their knowledge and experience, and have the potential to contribute to peace, sustainable development and the protection of the environment. “We must therefore ensure their active engagement, full participation, and essential contributions- including through social and workplace policies built around their specific needs. Greater emphasis must be placed on the intergenerational dialogue and unity as vital components of building more inclusive and age-friendly societies and a resilient world for everyone” He maintained.
The Initiator, Ijesaland Geriatric Centre and Asiwaju of Ijesaland Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi who was represented by Mr Bukola Fadipe maintained that the Ijesaland Geriatric Centre will continue to provide better health care services for the Elders just as he disclosed that there are large consignments of medical equipments scheduled to be delivered to the center for the benefit of elderly in Ijesaland.
In her remark, The President, Friends of Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, who was also the Mother of the Day, Chief Mrs Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo, called for the support of critical stakeholders in improving the welfare of the elderly in Ijesaland.
Highlights of the event include Free Medical Checkups for the Elderly, commissioning of a Gazebo center built for the benefits of the elders, Tree Planting by the Rotary Club of Nigeria among others.
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