The Osun State Government has reiterated its unalloyed commitment to improving the welfare of Older Persons across the State.
Commissioner for Health, Barrister Jola Akintola gave the assertion on Tuesday at the 2023 International Day of Older People in Ijesaland with the theme: “Fulfilling the promises of the Universal declaration of human rights of Older Persons: Across Generations” organized by Friends of Ijesaland Geriatric Centre in Partnership with a non profit organization, Better Life For Africa Development and Ijesa Improvement Society.
According to him, 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 free healthcare for the elderly in the 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 Oluwole 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 the elderly in Ijesaland.
In her remarks, The President, Friends of Ijesaland Geriatric Centre 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 is the commissioning of a Gazebo center built for the benefits of the elders and Free Medical Checkups for the Elderly, Tree Planting by the Rotary Club of Nigeria among others.
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