The Thani Oladunjoye Old People Foundation (TOOPF), in collaboration with Age Nigeria Foundation, marked the 2025 International Day of Older Persons with a vibrant community celebration themed “Older Persons: Driving Local and Global Action – Our Aspiration, Our Wellbeing, Our Rights.”
Held in Epe, Lagos State, the event featured a healthy walk, wellness campaign, educational workshops, local games, and a dance competition, all aimed at promoting the rights, welfare, and health of older persons both locally and globally.
Stakeholders, government representatives, and senior citizens used the platform to spotlight the critical need for stronger public and private sector support for older persons, not just in Nigeria but worldwide.
Mr. Tunde Thani, Convener of TOOPF during his address said the annual event serves as a glimmer of hope, a reminder that aging should not mean isolation or invisibility. Through the initiative, he averred that access to health screenings, exercise, social inclusion, and most importantly dignity are provided. He stated that elders built the foundation upon which society stands today and it is only right that their health and happiness receives attention.
“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”
“As we celebrate this year’s International Day of Older Persons, we join voices across the globe to demand action, local and global, for the rights of our aging population,” he said.
“They’ve done well for the family, community, and nation at large, and they deserve to be celebrated,” said Mrs. Oluwayemisi Oluwole, President and CEO of Age Nigeria Foundation during an interview.
“I would like to advise them to continue to be active and productive. They are not forgotten, they are celebrated and honored because we believe they’ve been at the forefront of societal development and they can still do it,” she added.
Mrs. Oluwole emphasized the value of older people’s wisdom and experience, calling them the “custodians of tradition and culture.” She noted that older persons are still capable of contributing meaningfully and should not be left behind in national development while also applauding the TOOPF Convener for his resilience and focus. “This terrain is difficult,” she admitted, “because many people don’t believe in investing in older people, thinking they should go and rest. But we thank God for this center and its founder, who is putting smiles on the faces of older persons.”
Representing the Epe Local Government Chairperson, Alhaja Shabi Aminat lauded the event and the facility, describing it as “a wonderful idea embraced by the people of Epe.”
“My presence here is a testament to the dedication and commitment of Madam Chairman to the good people of Epe,” she said. “She promises to always contribute her quota to support the center’s development.”
She also conveyed the message of the Medical Officer of Health in Epe Local Government, expressing surprise at the quality of care offered at the center.
“To see qualified surgeons and doctors attending to the older persons is impressive. If we had more of such facilities, it would go a long way,” she said, urging affluent individuals to support or replicate such centers in their hometowns.
Chairman of the Older Persons at the TOOPF, Alhaji Agara Ayinde, called the 2025 celebration the best yet. “We were honored. The care for our eyes, physiotherapy, refreshments, and games made us feel valued. I came third in the draft game,” he shared with a smile, while urging the government to support the center.
Another participant, Ogbeni Mejindade Babatunde, highlighted the impact of the lecture sessions during the event.
“This year’s celebration was better than last. I learnt a lot and I’m happy to be part of it. I’m grateful to the center for caring for us.”
Alhaja Toyin Tele-Olukoya, who traveled from Majek, Ajah to attend, praised the center’s consistent focus on health and wellbeing. “Before I enrolled here, I used to go to my shop and return home. But now I’ve realized the importance of exercise and healthy nutrition. Today’s event was amazing and the Foundation is doing a good job for the Older people of Epe and I pray for such a facility to be established in Majek,” she said.
