NGO seeks improved welfare for old people

Touch of Love & Lifting Hands Foundation, an NGO, has appealed to the three tiers of government to pay more attention to the well-being of old people.

The NGO’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Atinuke Owolabi, made the appeal at an Eid-El-Fitr party for the elderly and the less privileged in Iju Ishaga, Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area in Lagos State on Tuesday evening.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that people, amidst music and dancing, made merry with games as a side attraction while wining and dining.

Some of them who spoke with NAN said that they were delighted with the recognition accorded them by the NGO.

They also commended the NGO for the annual event which they said had become a forum of interaction for them.

A septuagenarian, Mrs Christiana Oloko, said: “It was a very good opportunity for me to dance. I enjoyed the celebration. May the hands of the organisers be always blessed.’’

Carolina Adesunloye, a sexagenarian and a widow said that she was glad for the annual event which she said had always afforded the elderly the opportunity to unwind and celebrate.

Also, Amidu Adeleye, another sexagenarian and also a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, commended the programme saying, “This annual celebration is a means for good relaxation.

“This programme is for the elderly but a lot of people in this community joined in the celebration today and we are all happy. We pray God to bless the organisers,” he said.

Responding, Owolabi said that the foundation was established to provide succour and hope to the vulnerable, widows and the aged in the society through social interactions.

She said that the feast was to celebrate with the Muslim faithful who were marking the breaking of the Ramadan fast which ended on Monday.

“During the fast, we gathered some people and gave them foodstuff. Now, we are in the Sallah mood; that is why we have gathered so that we can eat, dance and feast together as well as spread happiness,” she said.

According to her, the occasion helps old people to interact, play games, watch television, relax and eat, as well as feel that they are part of the society.

She said that the annual event had been impactful and appealed to all tiers of government, the private sector and wealthy Nigerians to support genuine NGOs dedicated to the welfare of the elderly.

The founder said that old people had spent the productive parts of their early years toward nation-building and should not be neglected when they are weak.

She added that care for the elderly attracted divine blessings hence, the need for all tiers of government to formulate policies that targeted their well-being.