Rep. Salam Reaches 2,500 Elderly in Osun, Marking UN International Day of Older Persons
……………………..Urges Nigerians To Keep Hope Alive
Rep. Bamidele Salam has provided welfare and medical support to over 2,500 elderly persons across Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency through a targeted outreach programme held in commemoration of the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons.
The programme, held at Awo on Tuesday, coincided with Salam’s birthday and the United Nations’ International Day of Elderly Persons, marked annually on October 1.
Salam who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts urged Nigerians to keep hope alive and remain dedicated to the progress of the country.
The programme, which coincided with the International Day of Older Persons, featured health checks and welfare support for senior citizens. Salam explained that the initiative had previously been held in multiple locations across the constituency but was centralised this year to allow wider participation.
He noted that the outreach was designed to support senior citizens, retirees, and aged persons by providing medical checkups and interventions to address challenges associated with aging, including physical and mental health.
Salam emphasised the need for Nigerians to live in unity, irrespective of tribe, religion or social status, and encouraged continued support for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke in delivering quality leadership to the people.
According to him, “This year, we decided to centralize the program so that everyone can come together and I can also attend the event personally. It is a way of identifying with our senior citizens, retired persons, and aged persons on the occasion of the International Day of Elderly Persons. One of the things we can give them is some degree of intervention in their health because one of the challenges of aging is deteriorating health—physical health, mental health, and so on. That is why we organized some medical experts to give them medical checkups and minimal interventions.
“As Nigerians, we should see ourselves as brothers and sisters regardless of our tribe, religion, or social status. We should all live together in harmony, support one another, and build up our country. In Osun State, I want to encourage our people to continue their support for the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Nurudeen Jackson, a man who is giving very quality leadership to the people. We should continue to pray for him, support him, and play our part as citizens for the success of our dear state. He added.
Also speaking, the Senior Legislative Aide to the lawmaker, Akintayo Jimoh, explained that 2,500 elderly persons aged 65 and above benefited from the programme. He said the outreach was divided into medical and welfare categories.
According to him, the medical section included general health examinations, treatment for various conditions, eye tests, provision of prescribed glasses, and free drugs.
He added that the welfare package involved the distribution of food items such as rice and other essentials, along with transportation support to enable beneficiaries to return to their homes.
