Aging with Honour: Nissi Foundation Provides Relief, Knowledge to Ekiti Elderly

In its continuing efforts to support the elderly and vulnerable in Ekiti State,a non-governmental organization, Nissi Foundation, dedicated to community service, rounded off its activities for the year 2024 with a program themed “Aging in Honour”.

The event, held on Monday, December 30th at the Sanni Abacha Hall in the Old Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti, brought together over 100 elderly men and women, including widows, to focus on promoting dignity, health, and support for the aging population.

The foundation, which has consistently demonstrated its commitment to improving lives, used the occasion to offer series of seminars aimed at addressing the pressing challenges faced by older adults, equipping them with practical knowledge to help them live fulfilling lives as well as the distribution of relief materials.

The founder of Nissi Foundation and Permanent Secretary, Special Services, and Cabinet Matters in Ekiti State, Dr. Oyeyemi-Kayode Ojo in her welcome address, reflected on the foundation’s eleven-year journey, expressing gratitude to the participants and supporters who have helped sustain its mission.

“Our elderly are custodians of wisdom and a source of inspiration for the younger generation,” Dr. Oyeyemi Kayode-Ojo stated, highlighting the need to empower older citizens to live fulfilling lives and urged them to conserve and share their experiences for the benefit of society.

Acknowledging the harsh realities of inflation and the rising cost of living, she explained that the foundation’s provision of relief materials was a response to the deepening poverty many elderly people face. However, she emphasized that the core of the program was the seminar series that focused on mental and physical health, spiritual resilience, and harmonious living.

Dr. Oyeyemi Kayode-Ojo appealed to families to care for their elderly members, describing such care as a “seed that yields blessings and longevity.” She thanked stakeholders and volunteers for their consistent support and assured them of more impactful programs in the new year 2025.

The Ekiti State Epidemiologist, Dr Bosede Alowooye who delivered a presentation on “Aging in Honour.” described honour in the age as maintaining dignity, respect, and a sense of accomplishment as one grows older.

Mrs. Alowooye explained that aging is a complex process influenced by biological, social, and environmental factors, outlining common challenges faced by the elderly, such as declining health, financial struggles, and loneliness, and shed light on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among the aged, often triggered by the loss of loved ones or social isolation.

To tackle these issues, she recommended practical self-care measures such as engaging in physical activities like yoga and walking, pursuing hobbies, practicing mindfulness, and maintaining a consistent sleep routine. She also stressed the importance of social connections, urging the elderly to participate in community groups, volunteer, and maintain regular communication with family and friends to combat isolation.

Mrs. Alowooye also touched on aging in an African context, where respect for elders and storytelling are traditional pillars of support. She advocated combining these cultural values with modern healthcare services, nutrition education, and physical activities for a more holistic approach to aging.

The program also featured a talk by Dr. Ekundayo, Ekiti State Commissioner for Transformation and Service Delivery. Drawing from his personal experience, he cautioned participants against excessive consumption of starchy foods by individuals over 50, noting that such habits could lead to diabetes and other age-related conditions.

He advised participants to embrace daily exercise and make use of the lessons learned at the seminar to maintain healthy lifestyles.

Participants shared testimonies and showered encomium on Dr. Kayode-Ojo and her husband for sustaining the initiative for over a decade, expressed appreciation for the foundation’s efforts, and describing the program as a lifeline for the elderly in Ekiti State.

A group of Ekiti cultural singers and dancers added  glamour to the event.p

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