The Friends of Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ilesa, commemorated the 2026 International Day of Older Persons with the theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
The event, held on Wednesday, 7th October 2026, attracted illustrious sons and daughters of Ijesaland, royal fathers, leaders and community leaders across Ijesaland.
In his welcome address, the Physician-in-Charge, Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, Dr. Waheed Ismael, reiterated the significance of this year’s theme.
According to him, the theme addresses how societies around the world can adapt their healthcare systems, job markets, housing policies, and social protection mechanisms to better support populations living significantly longer. He emphasised that the International Day of Older Persons provides an opportunity to honour the contributions, wisdom, and dignity of senior citizens while raising awareness of the unique challenges they face, including ageism, barriers to healthcare, and elder abuse.
Delivering the lecture, the guest speaker, Dr. Ibrahim Bello, a Consultant Family Physician and former Head, Family Medicine Department at OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, spoke extensively on the topic, “Age of Longevity: Living Longer with Health, Dignity and Purpose.” He highlighted essential practices for maintaining good health and well-being in old age.
Dr. Bello stressed that ageing is not a disease but a natural process that should be enjoyed rather than merely endured. He explained that preserving functional ability, maintaining mobility, preventing falls, eating a healthy and balanced diet, staying adequately hydrated, taking prescribed medications as directed by a physician, and maintaining social connections are among the measures that help older persons cope with the natural challenges of ageing.
He further emphasised that faith in God, contentment, inner peace, healthy relationships with family and friends, and financial security are essential to longevity and peaceful living. He also warned against financial exploitation, urging older persons to remain vigilant against fraudsters and other individuals who might take advantage of their vulnerability.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Elijah Oyetola described Ijesaland as an epicentre of nobility, community development, and excellence. He commended the sons and daughters of Ijesaland for their unity of purpose, commitment to community development, collaboration, and sustained support for OAUTHC over the years. He urged them to sustain their philanthropic efforts and strengthen their relationship with the hospital.
Prof. Oyetola also emphasised the need for participants to put into practice the knowledge acquired from Dr. Bello’s lecture to promote healthy ageing and longevity. He encouraged them to embrace lifestyles that promote physical activity, forgiveness, happiness, and peaceful coexistence, while avoiding resentment and maintaining a strong relationship with God.
Addressing the participants, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Sir) Alexander Babasola Kujembola, JP, KSM, the Alapa of Ita-Apa Ijesa and major sponsor of the 2026 event, expressed appreciation to the initiator of Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, for his visionary leadership.
The monarch described the Centre as one of the major projects in Ijesaland, noting that the people of Ijesaland would continue to appreciate and remain grateful for the noble initiative.
Oba Kujembola also acknowledged the wealth of knowledge and experience shared by the guest lecturer, Dr. Bello, and urged participants to reflect on and apply the lessons learnt. He noted that the lecture had reinforced his understanding of the importance of eating healthy meals, maintaining a balanced diet in appropriate proportions, and eating at the right times to enhance the general well-being of older persons.
In their separate remarks, the Guest of Honour, Dr. Folu Fajuyitan-Ayegbusi; Dr. Adigun Adewoye, representative of Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi; Prof. Olu Obi, President of Egbe Atunluse of Ijesaland; and Mrs. Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo, President of the Friends of Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, commended the organisers for their efforts in ensuring the success of this year’s International Day of Older Persons celebration.
They encouraged participants to practise the lessons learnt during the lecture and share the knowledge with others to promote healthy ageing, dignity, and improved quality of life among older persons in Ijesaland and beyond.
Photo Credit: Jamiu Badru ANIPR
