- Event featured health walk, free medical checks, games, and wellness sessions.
- Stakeholders urged stronger community and government support for senior citizens.
- Participants described the 2025 celebration as the most memorable yet.
The Thani Oladunjoye Old People Foundation (TOOPF), in partnership with the Age Nigeria Foundation, on Thursday brought smiles to the faces of elderly citizens in Epe, Lagos State, as it hosted the 2025 International Day of Older Persons under the global theme, “Older Persons: Driving Local and Global Action – Our Aspiration, Our Wellbeing, Our Rights.”
Eko Hot Blog reports that the event, filled with color, excitement, and emotion, celebrated the invaluable contributions of older persons to family, community, and nation-building.
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Activities lined up for the day included a health walk, free medical screening, wellness talks, educational sessions, local games, and a dance competition—all designed to promote active aging and a sense of belonging among the elderly.
Convener of TOOPF, Mr. Tunde Thani, described the event as a beacon of hope for older persons who often feel neglected in society.
“We gather here today not just to celebrate older persons, but to reaffirm our collective responsibility to protect their rights, promote their wellbeing, and recognize their contributions to our society,” he said.
He noted that TOOPF remains committed to ensuring that senior citizens have access to proper healthcare, physical exercise, and social inclusion.
“Our elders built the foundation upon which we stand today. It is only fair that we ensure they age with dignity, joy, and respect,” he added.
Speaking during the event, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Oluwole, President and CEO of the Age Nigeria Foundation, applauded the initiative and called for greater appreciation of older persons.
“They’ve done well for the family, community, and nation at large, and they deserve to be celebrated,” she said. “I want to encourage them to remain active and productive.
They are not forgotten; they are honored and valued for their lifelong contributions to our growth as a people.”
Mrs. Oluwole described older people as the “custodians of culture and wisdom,” stressing that their experience remains vital to national development.
She praised Mr. Thani for his persistence and compassion, saying, “This terrain is not easy because many people don’t believe in investing in older people. But TOOPF is proving that aging can be graceful, fulfilling, and dignified.”
Representing the Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government, Alhaja Shabi Aminat commended the program’s impact and pledged continued government support.
“My presence here shows the commitment of our Chairman to the wellbeing of Epe residents, especially our elders,” she said. “We promise to continue partnering with this center to sustain and expand its reach.”
She also conveyed the appreciation of the Epe Medical Officer of Health, who lauded the standard of medical care at the center. “Seeing qualified doctors and surgeons attend to our older persons is impressive.
More communities need centers like this,” she said, urging wealthy individuals to emulate and support the cause.
Chairman of the Older Persons Group at TOOPF, Alhaji Agara Ayinde, described this year’s celebration as the “most memorable so far.”
“We were treated with care, from eye tests to physiotherapy, refreshments, and games. I even won third place in the draft game,” he said, smiling.
Another participant, Ogbeni Mejindade Babatunde, expressed gratitude for the educational sessions. “This year’s program was better than the last. I learnt a lot about healthy living, and I’m grateful for the care shown to us,” he said.
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For Alhaja Toyin Tele-Olukoya, who traveled from Majek, Ajah, the event was both inspiring and enlightening.
“Before I joined this center, I didn’t understand how important exercise and nutrition are. Today’s event was wonderful, and I pray for a similar facility in my community,” she said.
The day concluded with dancing, laughter, and renewed energy among participants, reflecting the event’s true purpose—celebrating life, dignity, and inclusion for the elderly.
