A medical expert, Dr. Abdul-Mujeeb Tosin Isa, has issued a passionate appeal to all tiers of government, urging them to enact legislation that would safeguard the welfare of Nigeria’s burgeoning population of senior citizens.

He also called for the establishment of a dedicated government ministry to oversee their needs.

Dr. Isa, who is the Medical Director of Our Friend Hospital and Founder of the Health Foundation, was speaking at the 9th Elders Health Forum in Lagos.The forum, an annual event organised by Our Friend Hospital in collaboration with the Ifako-Ijaiye Community Development Committee (CDC), drew hundreds of senior citizens who received free comprehensive health checks, medication, and emotional support.

Expressing deep concern over the neglect of the elderly in society, Dr. Isa noted their high vulnerability to critical health issues like hypertension, diabetes and age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

He lamented that the traditional cultural safety net that once protected the aged is rapidly fading.

This decline, he argued, is exacerbated by the country’s harsh economic climate and the ongoing ‘Japa syndrome’ – mass emigration of young Nigerians, who would typically care for their ageing relatives.

“In our communities today, the elders end up suffering, having to look after themselves in weakness.

They are rendered helpless,” he said.He pointed out the painful irony that many young Nigerians are relocating abroad to care for the elderly in countries like the UK and US, while their own aged relatives are abandoned at home.Inspired by international observances dedicated to honouring the elderly, Dr. Isa’s foundation has been addressing this vacuum since 2016. The Elders Forum provides essential services: free medical tests (including blood count, blood sugar, and malaria parasite screenings), doctor consultations, free drugs and therapeutic activities.

Dr. Isa noted that the beneficiaries are 70 years and above. “Over a thousand elders have benefitted from the initiative to date, with the latest edition attending to approximately 220 people,” he said.For the first time, the event partnered with the Ifako-Ijaiye CDC, bringing the programme closer to its host community.

Pastor Samuel Opajobi, Chairman of the CDC, praised Dr. Isa’s consistency and urged residents to embrace such health-focused initiatives.

In her address, Guest Lecturer Dr. Deborah Ojekunle shifted the focus beyond clinical care, emphasising the critical role of companionship and light exercise for senior citizens.Speaking on ‘Methods of Supporting Elders,’ Dr. Ojekunle stressed that the best support the younger generation can offer is their consistent presence and emotional availability.”

Sometimes they may need physical help, but other times, all they want is someone to talk to.

Keeping them company as much as we can is essential,” she advised.She also encouraged the elderly to engage in simple but powerful physical activities, such as daily walks with family members, to maintain fitness.

A beneficiary. Mr. Rufus Ekundebe, described the programme as enlightening, noting that his consultation brought him clarity on his struggles with walking and sleeping.