By Zika Bobby
The Iwaya community, a densely populated neighbourhood within the Yaba axis of Lagos State, on Tuesday played host to Sine Qua Non Foundation, a nonprofit, nongovernmental organisation which gave donations to the aged and vulnerable groups in the community.
The programme, which was part of activities to mark the United Nations designated International Day of Care and Support for the Elderly, according to the convener, Emmanuel Oyedepo, was his own modest way of giving back to the society.
The event which was held at the palace of Oba of Iwaya Yaba Kingdom, Oba Suleiman Ogun-Oloko drew participants from Yaba and its environs.
While justifying the need for the initiative, Oyedepo, said that focal areas of the NGO was to support and care for the elderly by appreciating their efforts over the years.
“Sine Qua Non Foundation is dedicated and motivated by a desire to help people with their most fundamental needs, such as access to quality healthcare, nutritious food, safe drinking water, healthy air, well-managed waste, and a safe place to live,” he said.
Expatiating, Oyedepo, who is based in the USA, reiterated his Foundation’s commitment towards care and support for the elderly.
“We have earmarked this launching event to highlight the importance of you, our elders. We will also be readily available to provide humanitarian aid and relief support to our citizens in times of crisis. We will provide critical aid, resources, and hope to those affected and displaced during conflict and natural disaster. We are calling on partners, donors, volunteers, and community members to join us in this noble endeavour. Together let’s forge a shared passion and brighter future for all.”
Echoing similar sentiments, the chief host, Oba Suleiman Ogun-Oloko, while expressing profound gratitude to the organisers impressed on other donor agencies to borrow a leaf from the Foundation by assisting the vulnerable, especially the senior citizens in the society.
Addressing participants separately the duo of Dr Donatus Ndubuka and Dr. Abimbola Aladesuru admonished them to take their health seriously, stressing that they should go for routine health checks as they are prone to old-age related ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure to mention just a few.
Advising the elders on the need to do a will, a lawyer, Barrister Mildred Jaja, sensitised elders on the importance of writing will.
“Usually, you find that issues arise after the deaths of loved ones with survivors fighting and killing themselves over properties. So we are trying to encourage the old people that they should make a will before they die to avoid fights, commotion and mix their demands,” she advised.
One of the participants, Taiwo Adekunle, who is the chairman of the Community Development Association in the community expressed gratitude to the Foundation for coming up with such an initiative, stressing that such gestures is indeed a welcome relief for the vulnerable poor in the community.
All the elders present were tested for diabetes and hypertension, while drugs were given to those that needed it. They were also presented with cash and foodstuffs.