By Oluseyi Olarinde
Old age in Nigeria and Africa is generally associated with poverty, health challenges and lack of adequate care.
The need to, therefore, give the elders a sense of belonging made Premier FM 93.5 to put together a programme called Ike- Agba, which brought them together to unwind and enjoy.
The elders, clad in colourful native attires, trooped in large numbers to Omo Ajorosun club, venue of the event.
While welcoming the elders, General Manager, Premier FM, Mr Segun Ogunjobi, said Ike Agba, which centres around care of the elderly, portrays Radio Nigeria as a dynamic station that prioritises welfare of senior citizens.
Taking the guests down the memory lane of Ike Agba, a former General Manager of the station, who is also one of the initiators of the programme, Mr Adedamola Tinubu said the idea was to bridge the gap which manifested through the neglect of elders in the society.
A PDP gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo state, who was the chairman on the occasion, Chief Niyi Aborisade, advised women against leaving their husbands behind to cater for their grandchildren overseas.
Chief Aborisade noted that the marriage slogan of together forever must be sustained without anything or anybody separating.
He also called on the government and individuals to prioritise the well-being of the elderly.
Zonal Director, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan Zonal Station, Mr Dominic Mokikan, represented by Deputy Director Outside Broadcast and Sports, Dr Abiodun Ogidan explained that the station saw the need to celebrate the contributions of the elders to the development of the society.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “Older Persons, Driving Local and Global Action: Our Well Being”, Mr Mokikan pointed out that the elders are not just observers but play a major role in shaping society through their vast experience.
Mr Adegboyega Ayinde, a 70 years old and Hajia Azeezat Winjobi, 81 years old, advised their counterparts not to be involved in businesses that would affect their mental health.
The programme which featured health talks, dancing sessions, headgear and tie contests, had in attendance members of FRCN Ibadan Committee of Management.
