The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening structures that ensure access to healthcare, protection and social support for senior citizens.
She said the Lagos State Government continues to prioritise the welfare of the elderly through health, social welfare and community-based programmes aimed at improving their quality of life. Sanwo-Olu spoke at an event organised by the Orunsii Welcare Foundation in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady.
The event, themed “A Day Out With the Elderly,” brought together about 200 senior citizens from nine care homes and featured activities including a bus ride from Ikeja to the Marina State House in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of valuing and caring for elderly citizens, noting that they played significant roles in building the nation during their younger years. She described senior citizens as custodians of wisdom, experience and history, adding that celebrating them was a meaningful investment in society.
Also speaking, the Technical and Logistics Lead of Orunsii Welcare Foundation, Dr Ademola Gureje, said the initiative was designed to celebrate senior citizens and acknowledge their contributions to society. He stressed the need to keep the elderly healthy, active and productive, rather than allowing them to live sedentary lives.
Gureje noted that the foundation had conducted assessments across care homes and would continue supporting the elderly with not only food but other essential needs.
One of the beneficiaries, Capt Silver Onwughai, commended the organisers and called for better care for elderly people, warning against neglect as individuals grow older.
