Makinde Inaugurates Senior Citizens’ Home, Calls for Support for Elderly
By Adewale Owoade
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged wealthy and influential Nigerians to deploy their resources, positions and privileges towards improving society rather than oppressing others.
Makinde made the call on Tuesday during the commissioning of Joseph and Esther Homes for Senior Citizens and the unveiling of Built from the Break, a book authored by renowned Nollywood actress, Mrs Shola Shobowale, in Akobo, Ibadan.
The governor congratulated Shobowale, who founded the senior citizens’ home, describing the initiative as a quiet but impactful intervention aimed at providing elderly people with a safe, secure and dignified environment.
He said the facility reflected the traditional African value of caring for parents and elderly members of society, particularly in their later years.
Makinde also commended Shobowale for authoring Built from the Break, noting that writing and publishing a book required courage, discipline and commitment.
Recalling his personal experience, the governor said he had attempted to publish a compilation of his thoughts and aspirations for Oyo State shortly after assuming office but abandoned the project after pirated copies surfaced before the original publication left the printing press.
He described Shobowale’s book as a worthwhile read and promised to feature it among the books he would review on social media before the end of the year.
The governor also announced that the access road leading to the facility, currently undergoing rehabilitation by Lagelu Local Government, would be extended to the frontage of the home and equipped with solar-powered streetlights to enhance accessibility and security.
Makinde, who disclosed that he would proceed to Abuja after the event to unveil the Reset Agenda Manifesto as part of his national campaign engagements, said he considered the commissioning important because of its significance to the welfare of senior citizens.
He described the establishment of the facility as an extraordinary gesture inspired by Shobowale’s love for her parents and concern for elderly people.
According to him, while public attention often focuses on large-scale and highly visible projects, initiatives that directly improve people’s lives frequently have the most enduring impact.
The governor also praised Lagelu Local Government for rehabilitating Akala Way, saying the project demonstrated the contributions of local governments to development in Oyo State.
Drawing from his family experience, Makinde said Nigeria’s traditional family support system remained one of the country’s greatest strengths.
He recalled that his late mother lived with him until her death, adding that the establishment of the home would complement the culture of caring for elderly parents and other senior citizens.
He urged affluent Nigerians to channel their wealth, influence and intellect towards addressing societal needs.
”Stop using your wealth, your position and your influence to oppress others. Use your wealth, use your position and use your intellect to make life better for members of this society,” he said.
The event attracted dignitaries, Nollywood personalities, community leaders and other well-wishers.
