In what could be described as a ‘royal affair’, prominent personalities including monarchs, politicians and top government officials turned out enmasse to witness the formal launch of Grey Hair Care Foundation, an initiative of Dublin-based Nigerian health practitioner, Toyin Ayodele nee Awotunde.
Hosted by Ronye Agholor of Nightingale Radio, the event was a testament to Ayodele’s heart of gold and a commitment to lend a helping hand to the aged and elderly in the society.
Conceptualized five years ago but formally launched at White Plain Hotel, KM 3, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State on Tuesday August 13, 2024, Grey Hair Care Foundation is a Non Government Organisation aimed at helping the aged, mostly retirees to live a life of joy, happiness and fulfillment.
In her opening remarks, Toyin Ayodele, the convener of Grey Hair Care Foundation, said the whole idea was inspired by her love and compassion for the aged, as well as her passion to give back to society.
“I relocated to Dublin 22 years ago. I work as a health practitioner, taking care of the aged. I’ve traveled the world but anytime I come to Nigeria, the way and manner I see our elderly people doesn’t make me happy. One day, I asked myself ‘what can I do to assist and take good care of them?’ So, I decided to float Grey Hair Care Foundation. The NGO is my pet project that I have been thinking to actualize for the past five years,” she said.
Ayodele explained further: “Most of these old people have worked tirelessly all their life, so why can’t we make them enjoy the rest of their lives? What I am trying to do is to provide a day care center where the aged can come and relax.
They will come in the morning eat, drink, play games, share childhood memories, make friends and relax. As part of relaxation, we’ll also give them body massage. So, with all these, by the time they get home, they would have become rejuvenated and happy. However, we’re not giving them any medical treatment because we are not running a hospital or clinic. We’re only giving them support in terms of feeding, clothing and little amount as upkeep.”
On the location of care centers, Ayodele said they would be situated in different parts of Osun State including Osogbo, Ila Orangun, Ede, Ora, Igbomina, Ipetu Ijesa, and Gbogan.
The chairman of Ila Orangun Local Government, Mr. Clement Akanni Olorunwa, who chaired the occasion, pledged his support for the Foundation.
Represented by Hon. Nasiru Jayeola, the chairman said, “My administration will support the Grey Hair Care Foundation. I will carry this programme to the nook and cranny of Ila Orangun Local Government. I will tell everybody in my local government about it. And I will give whatever it takes to make sure the programme succeeds.”
In his speech, the Global Coordinator, Grey Hair Care Foundation, Mr. Olaitan Ibiyemi, reiterated the uniqueness of the organization and enumerated its four cardinal programmes, which include care and rehabilitation, budgetary allocation, media advocacy and training workshops.
On his part, Prince Olu Akinlabi, commended Toyin Ayodele for her foresight and steadfastness. He urged Nigerians to rally round the programme to ensure it has positive impact in the society.
Dignitaries who graced the event included Chief Ismaila Gbadamosi Fabunmi, representing HRM Oba Adekunle Makama, the Olowu of Kuta; Oba Ibiloye, Oniresi of Iresi, Vice Chairman, Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs; Oba Samuel Oladoye Idowu, Akesan of Ora Igbomina; Head, Board of Trustees, Group Captain Kayode Abe (retd); Chief Douglas Adeyinka Oyinlola; Omooba Aderemi Adelani Olufemi; and Alhaji Nasiru Adebayo Olajide among several others.