- By Evelyn Udoh
To celebrate and support the senior citizens in the council, the Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rekiya Hassan, has held One-Day Elders’ Community Retreat and Wellness Programme at the Dr. Abayomi Finnnih Recreational Park 3.
The event, which drew elderly participants from across the LCDA, featured dancing, aerobics, painting, pottery, indoor games, wellness talks, recreational activities, free medical check-ups and light exercises. It was aimed at promoting the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of elders in the council.
Welcoming the participants, Hassan described the elders as “the backbone of our community, the weavers of our culture, and the torchbearers of our traditions.”
The council boss emphasized the need for intentional community building and prioritizing the mental health of the elderly.
“This retreat is a reminder that your presence matters. You are cherished, you are respected, and you are needed. The well-being of our elders is paramount, not only for your own health but for the vitality of our entire community. Our physical, emotional, and mental wellness significantly impacts our interactions, our families, and our behaviors. Importantly, today is an opportunity to reaffirm the connections we hold with one another. In uplifting our elders, we illuminate the path for the younger generations. Your stories, your trials, and your triumphs serve as powerful lessons. You guide us ensuring that our community remains strong and united” she added.
A member of Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Dr. Abayomi Finnih, hailed the council chairman for a well thought-out initiative.
Hassan, Dr Finnih said, has demonstrated capacity to initiate and nurtured good programmes.
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According to him, the wellness initiative goes far beyond leisure, adding “it empowers the elderly with knowledge, health monitoring, and social connection, which are pillars of healthy aging.”
The elderstateman advised the elderly to prioritize rest, healthy diets, regular exercise, and good relationships.
“Avoid keeping malice or too many enemies. These things can destroy your health from the inside. At this stage in life, your bones weaken, so you must take care of what you eat, how you rest, and avoid isolating yourself,” he cautioned.
A nurse from Oregun Primary Health Centre, Adedoyin Olaniyan, advised elders to be deliberate about their diet by choosing fish over meat, drinking lots of water, and ensuring their meals include vegetables.
She recommended light physical activities such as walking, engaging in house chores, or playing games like Ludo with family members as effective ways to stay active.
She further urged them not to skip medications and to report any adverse effects to their doctors promptly.