LAGOS- The Office of the Wife of Lagos State Governor, in conjunction with Orunsii Welcare Foundation, on Thursday celebrated the elderly.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, led the outing which was tagged, “A Day Out With The Elderly.”
She said that the initiative was aimed at addressing the needs of the elderly who were often overlooked.
Sanwo-Olu said, “The Bible says, ‘Honor your mother and your father so that you may be blessed.
“Our elders have dedicated their lives to building this nation, they deserve to be celebrated and cherished.”
The first lady said that the outing would enrich the lives of the elderly and combat feelings of isolation.
According to her, taking the elderly out of their homes will provide opportunities for socialisation and recreation.
“Always take the elders out, celebrate them, and learn from their invaluable wisdom.
“They have witnessed history unfold and possess knowledge that can guide us through today’s challenges,” Sanwo-Olu advised.
She emphasised the importance of intergenerational connections and the role of elders in society.
The wife of the governor said the event also served as an opportunity to express appreciation for the elderly and to reiterate a commitment to their well-being.
She said the commitment was demonstrated through various initiatives, such as the Senior Citizens Visitation Program, which provided support to the elderly in the state.
Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, and the Orinshii Welcare Foundation for their contributions toward caring for the elderly.
Dr Ademola Gureje, a Technical and Logistics Lead for the Orunsii Welcare Foundation, highlighted the importance of honouring and celebrating the elderly.
He explained that the foundation noticed a trend of neglect toward the elderly, in spite of their significant contributions to the society.
To address the neglect, Gureje said, the foundation organised the special event to recognise and appreciate the elderly.
“The organisers carefully selected participants from various care homes in Lagos, both government-run and privately operated.
“We focused on individuals aged 65 years and above who are still mobile.
“The goal of this inaugural event is to set a positive example and inspire similar initiatives in other parts of the country.
“By showcasing the value and potential of the elderly, Orunshii aims to create a more inclusive and compassionate society,” he said.
Mr Ayo Sonanke, an Octogenarian, expressed joy as he experienced the thrill of riding in a train.
He commended the Lagos State Government and the organisers of the event, offering prayers for the Sanwo-Olu administration to continue its impressive work.
He described the train as a world-class facility, highlighting the state government’s potential in developing infrastructure that meets international standards.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured a variety of activities, including live music performances of classic tunes that evoked nostalgia and joy among the participants.
It also provided an opportunity for the elderly to socialise, reminisce, and form new connections.
NAN also reports that the participants started their journey with a delicious breakfast at the Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park (JJT), then rode on a BRT bus to the Marina train station.
They boarded a train from Marina to mile 12 and back to Marina.
They finally returned to JJT Park to relax, enjoyed the scenery, and socialised with each other.(NAN)
