The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has pledged that the state government will intensify efforts to improve the support systems for senior citizens. In a recent statement, Sanwo-Olu affirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the elderly through stronger healthcare, social welfare, and community-based programmes.

Her remarks came during an event organized by the Orunsii Welcare Foundation, in partnership with the Office of the First Lady. The event, which took place in Lagos, was themed ‘A Day Out With the Elderly’, and saw about 200 elderly citizens from nine care homes enjoy a bus ride from Ikeja to the Marina State House.

Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of valuing and caring for the elderly, acknowledging the significant roles they played in building the nation. She described the elderly as the “pillars of wisdom, experience, and history,” and stressed that initiatives like this event are vital in honoring their contributions. She said:

“Our senior citizens hold the stories of our past and the guiding principles of our future. Creating platforms like this to celebrate them is one of the most meaningful investments we can make as a society.”

Dr. Ademola Gureje, the Technical and Logistics Lead for Orunsii Welcare Foundation, also spoke at the event, highlighting the need for elderly people to remain active and productive. Gureje pointed out that a sedentary lifestyle is harmful, and basic necessities like adequate rest, good nutrition, water, fruits, and regular exercise are essential for elderly well-being. He also shared that the foundation has been visiting care homes to assess needs, with plans to expand support beyond food to include other critical services.

“This project is continuous. One of the things we did this week was to visit all the care homes and conduct assessments. Going forward, we won’t only be supporting with food but also with other essential needs,” Gureje said.

At the event, Capt. Silver Onwughai, one of the senior citizens in attendance, expressed gratitude for the event and the care provided, while urging society to ensure elderly people are not abandoned as they age. He pointed out that, too often, older citizens face neglect, which he felt was unacceptable.

“Elderly people should be well taken care of because it seems that once people grow old, they are neglected, and I don’t think it’s good enough,” Onwughai remarked.

This event reflects the ongoing efforts of the Lagos State government to prioritize the elderly, ensuring that they receive the respect, care, and attention they deserve as integral members of the community.