The Ijesaland Geriatric Centre of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) marked the International Day of Older Persons with the 3rd Anniversary of the Senior Citizens’ Program on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the event open space of the Geriatric Center, Ilesa, Osun State. This year’s theme was “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspiration, Our Well-being, Our Rights.”
Representing the Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Prof. John Akintunde Okeniyi, the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Akinwumi Komolafe, congratulated the elders and commended their cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions to society. He underscored the vital role of older persons in guiding younger generations, promoting health, and fostering unity in Ijesaland. He also encouraged the elderly to actively participate in the hospital’s forthcoming 50th anniversary celebration, reaffirming the significance of their investments and the Geriatric Center’s role as a hub of care and inspiration.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Chief Medical Director of Osun State University Teaching Hospital and Geriatrician, Dr. Babatunde Adeola Afolabi, stressed that good health is a fundamental right of every older person. He traced the history of the United Nations’ recognition of the International Day of Older Persons in 1990 and highlighted the invaluable contributions of the elderly to families, the economy, and the wider society. He emphasized that dignity, autonomy, and active participation remain central to healthy ageing.
Dr. Afolabi further praised Osun State for including pensioners in its health insurance scheme, noting that Nigeria’s elderly population is now about eight million, with Osun hosting one of the largest concentrations. He called on government at all levels to ensure seniors’ rights are protected through equitable healthcare access, strong social support systems, and stress-free living, free from neglect or abuse.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the event, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, expressed appreciation to the Friends of Ijesa Land Geriatric Center and other dignitaries for their continuous contributions to the welfare of older persons. He prayed for many more years of celebration.
The Royal Father of the Day, King Alexander Babasola Kujembola, gave thanks for the successful 2025 commemoration in Ijesaland. He commended dignitaries for their commitment to the Geriatric Center and the care of older persons, pledging his continued support for humanitarian causes.
Other notable attendees included the Physician in Charge of the Geriatric Centre, Dr. Oladipo Fakoya; Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Caroline Olanrewaju; President, Friends of Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo and Co-Chairman of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mr. Phillips Opeyemi Abogan.
