By Thompson ABISOLA
The Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Mr Wasiu Adeshina, on Wednesday said plans were ongoing by the council to partner with private organisations to build an old peoples home in Ikorodu.
Adeshina made the assertion during the council’s fourth edition of the 2018 International Day of Older Person, with the theme, “Celebrating Older Human Right Champions”, at the council’s Secretariat in Ikorodu.
The council boss said that in celebrating the day, the council would conduct free medical checks on some of the aged present at the event.
Ssome of the free medical checks include blood pressure, diabetics and eye test.
He said that his administration would also give cash donation and gift items to about 50 aged to celebrate day.
“We are saddled with the responsibility of taking take care of our aged people.
“We are planing to collaborate with donors and organisations to build homes where they can be adequately cared for.
“I have directed the welfare officer to write down the names and addresses of our aged people so as to have their information in case there is any medical outreach or programme for them,” Adeshina said.
Mrs Biola Akintomide, an NGO commended the convener of the programme and the council chairman for their effort in ensuring that the aged in the community were considered for such benefit.
Akintomide urged the women to judiciously utilise the gift items and cash given to them by the chairman and commended women for coming together.
“We thank the chairman for the eye test and I advise our members to occasionally check their medical status to keep them fit and enable early discovery of any ailment,” Akintomide said.
Mrs Ajoke Olutayo , one of the beneficiaries, thanked the council for the gift and hosting of the aged people and for the plans to build old peoples home.
Head of the Medical Team, Dr Keneth Akporiaro, , called on government at all levels to financially support NGO’s taking care of the aged, adding that some of the test to be carried out were not completed such as hepatitis A and B and other diseases commonly discovered in aged people due to lack of funds.
“The council’s chairman has really done well, but we can do more of the medical tests on other diseases if we have support financially as you can see most of the drugs are not completely given to them, some they will have to buy,” Dr Akporiaro said.
Aabout 50 aged people, mostly women benefited from the cash prize and gift items, the event was witnessed by more than 100 old people in Ikorodu community.
Among the dignitaries that attended was the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr Abiodun Ogunleye.
