Dabiri-Erewa Canvases Social Welfare for the Elderly

Funmi Ogundare

The Senior Special Assistant to the President, Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has stressed the need for the government to ensure that there is social welfare package for the people, noting such move would make life more comfortable. Dabiri-Erewa who made this call, recently, at the official inauguration of Rockgarden Homes for the Elderly, in Lagos, said aside the fact that government has its roles and responsibilities to the people, individuals can also give back to the society and impact lives rather than spend so much money on parties.

Describing the elderly home as very comfortable to house the aged, she said, “It is an apartment where you can have your aged parents in a very serene environment, there is privacy, medical care and the food is good.” She commended the Chief Executive Officer of the home for the initiative saying that it is about the legacy they are leaving behind.

The Chief Executive Officer of Rockgarden Homes, Dr.AkinyemiFadugbagbe, said the initiative was borne out of his love for the aged in the society, adding that it is designed to provide a safe, serene and dignified environment where they can age gracefully and participate in socially and physically stimulating activities.

“We foresee a Nigeria where the vulnerable elders in the society are well housed and cared for, and it is with this dream in mind that we embarked on this journey.

“I saw people who could have lived a little longer perhaps because they are not getting the best of care, died. I feel everybody have been waiting for government but now the private sector should rise up to make things happen.”

Fadugbagbe said a multidisciplinary team of medical doctors, registered nurses, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, social workers and elderly care aides have been brought together to provide the aged with skilled, professional yet compassionate care and all the attention they need.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf who was represented by the Principal, Children Correctional Centre for Girls, Ida Arabia, Lagos, Mrs. Abiola Osinfowokan said the state government would continue to support private initiatives through effective monitoring of activities to ensure that institutions/homes and orphanages in the state are operating in line with best practices and laid down procedures, adding that no society will flourish where the wisdom and participation of the elderly is neglected.

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