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Workers in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment have been tasked to redouble their efforts in the new year 2025 in order to further achieve the mandate spelt out in the ISEYA Agenda of the present administration in Ogun State.
Speaking at the New Year Prayer and Thanksgiving organised by the Ministry, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, said the first responsibility of civil and public servants was to offer services to the people of the State in line with the agenda of the government.
He said the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led government had given the roadmap towards widening the State horizon in the area of industrialization, pointing out that the enormous expectation on the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment was to execute the government’s policies and programs that ensures our economic development ,attract new investment and creating an enabling environment for the existing ones to upscale their capacity .
Thanking the entire workforce under his leadership for the outstanding results of the previous year, the Commissioner emphasised the need to start articulating and executing the 2025 plans with emphasis on time management, integrity transparency ,accountability and productivity
“This new year, I want to urge you to engage in self development while you redouble your efforts to achieve the set goals. The scripture is clear on matching your faith with action as it says faith without works is dead.
“I appreciate all of you for the commendations we received in 2024 which were the output of team work and efforts. It is important we work in tandem with the vision encapsulated in the ISEYA agenda to sustain the drive considering the important position of our sector, “ he said.
Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Mineral Resources Development, Prof. Kayode Oyedele advised workers to embrace the year with renewed energy and passion, just as he underscored the benefits to learn, re-learn and unlearn to achieve human and societal development.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, urged the workers to be better versions of themselves, noting that areas of punctuality , dedication to work and integrity must be improved upon in the new year.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant, Hon. Sunday Olalekan Oyesanya, underscored the need for the promotion of team spirit in achieving the set goals, adding that raising the bar of excellence was an achievable goal.
Stakeholders have emphasised the roles of Nigeria Police Force and Community Development Associations (CDAs) in the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) as pivotal in bringing perpetrators to face the wrath of the law.
They said that shielding evil elements in the name of relationship, reputation and avoidance of discord will in no way promote any reduction in the violence being perpetrated in the society.
The 16 days campaign began on November 25 until December 10,with the theme, “Unite to end violence against women and girls,” harped on sensitization of members of the public on the need to frown at anything relating to GBV.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 16 days activism against GBV, organized by APIN Public Health Initiatives in Abeokuta, stakeholders drawn from the Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development, Health, Education, Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OGUN SACA), Civil Society,Government and Private Health Facilities etc, affirmed that all hands must be on deck to end the menace of violence based on gender by 2030.
In his remarks, Pharm Michael Ohue, Head of Ogun Office, APIN, enjoined all stakeholders to unite to end violencr against women and girls, noting that unity of purpose would bring a drastic success to the campaign.
On her part, Dr. Oluwatobi Olaniyi, State Team Approach Lead, expressed optimism that the war against GBV could be won, just as she called on law enforcement agencies to put effective system in place that could send perpetrators of rape and other social vices to jail irrespective of the connection such persons may have.
Also speaking, Mrs. Favour Ojo-Omoniyi, Focal Person, GBV, Ogun APIN, said the team went to about eight primary and secondary schools in Abeokuta to create awareness for upcoming generation about the menace to ensure they don’t become perpetrators or survivors.
Adding that communities should join in the fight against GBV, Ojo-Omoniyi, pointed out the the campaign should be a 365 days long activities which called for everyone to speak up against violence in order to make the society a better place.
Addressing the participants, Mrs. Jumoke Adewusi, the Acting Director, Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs, said the ministry had been doing its best to work towards the vision of ending GBV by 2030, noting that an additional Sexual Assault Referral Center(SARC) which would be commissioned in Ijebu-Ode was a right step in the fight to provide support for survivors and bring perpetrators to book.
. Aliu Adewale, Focal Person, State Hospital, Ota, lamented the number of new cases of GBV springing up daily and called for the cooperation of the police and community leaders in expos
In line with the drive to help build christian homes that will positively impact the nation, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church, Adigbe, Abeokuta has held the maiden edition of the “Home Builders Forum.”
The Home Builders Forum, an initiative of the Church’s Education Committee, is a program through which women are educated on issues of physical and spiritual needs relevant for the growth of christian homes. The Forum also provides the platform for women to benefit from free medical checks and counselling.
Speaking during the Forum held at the Church’s auditorium in Adigbe, Abeokuta, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Oyebola said the program was organised deliberately for women because women were important to the development of the church and the nation. Fr. Oyebola urged the participants to use the knowledge gained to improve themselves and their homes while encouraging them to also transmit the knowledge gained to others.
” You are our special focus we want you to be happy not only in your marriage but as mothers and women. The things you have learnt can be useful for your children and even friends. If the mothers are well equipped we know the Church is well equipped, that is the reason this program has been organized. Please make the lessons you have learnt today count,” the cleric said.
He commended the Education Committee for consistently organising different beneficial programs which have been contributing to the development of the church.
Delivering the lecture titled, “Remain Connected” a Psycho-Spiritual Counselor and Therapist, Rev. Fr. Michael Adenigba said emotional, mental and spiritual connection to God is required by women who want to positively impact their homes and by extension the country at large.
According to Rev. Fr. Adenigba, women who want to make the right impact need to be connected to God by being open and honest in communicating with others, understanding their vulnerability, seeking guidance from God, surrendering unto God and community fellowship.
In the second lecture titled, ” The Woman and Her Hormones”, a family physician, Dr. (Mrs.) Temitope Yomibo-Sofolahan said hormones are critical chemical secretions in the life of women which shapes development in women’s bodies.
She noted that women need to understand their bodies and gain appropriate knowledge about hormonal issues since hormones have a way of affecting them.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman, Education Committee, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Parish, Adigbe, Abeokuta, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola said the program has been initiated to nurture women so as to have a better home, church and nation at large.
Aikulola who is also the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment disclosed that the Home Builders Forum would hold twice in a year adding that the Forum would focus on issues bothering on physical and spiritual needs of women.
In their reactions, some of the participants at the event, Mrs Adeola Augustine, Mrs. Ijeoma Eziebuo and Mrs Victoria John lauded the organisers for holding the event describing the initiative as an educating and beneficial event that should be continued.
The participants called for more women and men to be invited to participate at future editions.
The commitment of present administration at strengthening cooperative movement through effective policy frameworks, capacity building and financial incentives is an avenue to boost the state micro economy.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun made this known at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, while declaring open the 2024 International Day of Cooperatives Conference, organised by the State onCooperative Federation Limited (OGSCOFED), in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives with the theme, “Cooperative Build a Better Future for All”.
Governor Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the contributions of cooperative movement to the socio-economic development cannot be over emphasized, lauding cooperative societies for exemplifying people-centred enterprises characterised by a unique and democratic structure that empowers individuals to achieve their economic aspirations.
The governor stated that his administration had cleared all outstanding cooperative deductions owed to various organisations, adding that deductions were now being paid simultaneously alongside the salaries.He noted that essential financing institutions were needed for cooperative societies in the state, to enable them access funding at low interest rates.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun said the state had over 14,000 registered cooperative societies, which had bridged the gap of accessing wealth creation and distribution among various members and stakeholders, towards improved well-being of the people in the state.
Earlier in his address, the President, OGSCOFED, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, said the conference was organised, to enable stakeholders deliberate on the best practices in the industry with a view to driving sustainable change in cooperatives, lauding Governor Abiodun for his supports to enhance cooperative landscape.
In his goodwill message, the President of National Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Dele Oye, represented by the Director General, Mr. Sola Obadimu, who highlighted the roles of cooperatives societies in nation building, said the association was interested in driving the initiative of cooperative societies.
Highlights of the opening ceremony include, decoration of Governor Abiodun as the Grand Patron of Ogun State Cooperatives Movement, among others.
The Ogun State government has called on young entrepreneurs to boost their businesses by joining Cooperative societies to have access to more business-friendly loans which will aid the growth of their businesses.
Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela made the call while speaking with press men in Abeokuta at the celebration of the 2024 International Day of Cooperatives Conference themed, “Cooperative Build A Better Future for All”.
The celebration was organised by the Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited (OGSCOFED) in collaboration with the State Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Event Hall, Abeokuta.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, Sofela stated that with high interest rate posing a threat to businesses especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), entrepreneurs need to look towards raising funds for their businesses through cooperative societies.
He added that cooperative societies have continued to provide the veritable platforms for financial inclusion emphasizing that testimonies about the positive impact of cooperative societies on businesses particularly small businesses abound.
“There is power in collaboration. I want to say to young entrepreneurs to join the cooperatives movement, it pays a lot. The advantages include lower interest rates and other liberal terms than commercial banks,” Sofela said.
Also speaking, President, Ogun State Cooperatives Federation Limited (OGSCOFED), Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye appealed to the State government to support cooperatives with a revolving loan of N1bn which would be repaid within two years adding that the Federation is desirous of making loans available to members and non-members of cooperative societies at a minimum interest rate of 0.5 percent and a maximum interest rate of five percent as it is done in Germany.
He also called on the government to provide a bus for the OGSCOFED which would be used for more effective running of the Federation.
…Highlights the importance of recognizing, promoting and inspiring incredible achievers in the world
ABEOKUTA CITY — As the planning of the annual recognition of the incredible achievers in Ogun State begins today under the auspices of AMEBO NEWSPAPERS NG. a subsidiary of AMEBO NEWS HUB, The Managing Editor, Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo has expressed readiness in the area of nomination and recommendation of outstanding personalities based on their respective performances in the year past to uplift the people of Ogun State.
He said, The categories for the awards shall be released as soon as possible, while the nominees shall be receiving the information on the mode of voting to incorporate them into the ongoing contest. While we await the winners among the categories after the duration of the voting exercises.
Solanke while speaking with newsmen highlighted the importance of the awards to the awardees and to Ogun state, He said ‘Awarding incredible achievers in a state serves several important purposes that can greatly benefit both the individuals recognized and the broader community.” He added.
Here are some compelling reasons we are considering:
Recognition of Hard Work and Dedication: Achievers often invest countless hours, effort, and passion into their pursuits. The Awards will validate their hard work and provide public recognition of their accomplishments, motivating them to continue striving for excellence.
Inspiration for Others: Recognizing outstanding individuals in Ogun will sets a positive example for others in the community. Their stories can inspire others to pursue their goals and dreams, fostering a culture of ambition and perseverance.
Community Pride: When local achievers are celebrated, it will enhance community pride and cohesion. Residents can feel a sense of belonging and unity, knowing that their neighbors are making significant contributions to society.
Encouragement of Innovation and Excellence: AMEBO NEWS HUB Awards will encourage individuals to innovate and excel in their respective fields. By highlighting achievements, the state promotes a competitive spirit that can lead to advancements in various sectors.
Attracting Talent and Investment: We are ready to publicly recognize and rewards achievement to attract talented individuals and businesses. This recognition will create a positive image of the state as a place where success is valued and supported.
Building Networks: Award ceremonies often bring together achievers from different fields, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities. This awards will lead to new partnerships and initiatives that benefit the community.
Highlighting Diverse Achievements: AMEBO NEWS HUB Awards will shine a light on a wide range of accomplishments, from arts and sciences to community service and entrepreneurship. This diversity will showcase the multifaceted nature of achievement and encourages a broad array of talents.
Promoting Values and Ethics: By awarding achievers who exemplify strong values and ethics, the state will promote these qualities within the community. Recognizing integrity, service, and social responsibility sets a standard for others to aspire to.
Legacy and Memory: The Awards will create a lasting legacy for both the recipients and the community. serving as a reminder of what can be achieved and can inspire future generations to follow in the footsteps of those who have been honored.
Boosting Morale: Celebrating our incredible achievers will further boost morale not just for the individuals receiving the awards but also for the community as a whole. It will create a positive atmosphere and encourages a collective sense of achievement.
In summary, awarding incredible achievers is a powerful way to recognize individual contributions, inspire others, and foster a culture of excellence within the community. It will reinforces the values of hard work and dedication while promoting the importance of collective success.
Transportation is one of the fundamentals of development, and access to same, remains pivotal to the growing of the economic and social derivatives of any strategic effort at bringing about the kind of expansion and progress that the present administration under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun, is working assidulously to entrench in Ogun State. From time immemorial, parameters that guarantee effective transportation in all evolving societies have defined the extent to which such societies advance in all developmental spheres; whether it be with respect to diplomacy, trade and commerce, investment opportunities and its attraction of would-be investors among others. First up, the State Government, recognizing the importance of good road network as a veritable imperative of durable transportation, embarked on the construction and rehabilitation of roads throughout the State. This has led to the construction and rehabilitation of more than 600 kilometers of roads throughout its nooks and crannies. And with a vibrant collaboration with the Federal and Local tiers of Government, rural roads are being opened up, particularly with the support of the Rural Agricultural Access Mobility Programme, (RAAMP). This is with a view to ensuring easier movement of produce from the farm to markets. Furthermore, the creation of a full-fledged Ministry of Transportation, from the now defunct Bureau of Transportation, represented another, in a series of structural realignments embarked upon by the State Governor, geared towards the commencement of initiatives that would help engender a systematic transport mechanism in our State. Then, the government embarked on the very bold initiative of constructing the Agro-cargo airport in Iperu, a feat which was achieved in record time, with regular commercial flights billed to commence anytime soon. As all necessary preparations continue to take shape, for the commencement of commercial flights, allied structures such as an agro-processing zone, a housing estate, offices of line agencies such as the Immigrations and Customs, along with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency are being constructed, leading to the establishment of an aerotropolis in our state. The State Government, responding to the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government, as part of the economic reforms put in place by President Bola Tinubu, contracted foreign technocrats to convert some of the Government-owned automobiles from fuel combusted engines to natural gas. By this, Ogun State became the first to introduce CNG-enabled vehicular machines into its fleet. Since then, the workers’ bus, and a host of vehicles plying the intra-state corridors are being run on Compressed Natural Gas. And when the Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, was commissioning the CNG-vehicles, he pledged the introduction of electrically powered automobiles into the State transport architecture. Tagging this ‘’The State E Mobility Programme’’, it was billed as a means of lessening the burden of cost to the commuter, owing to the high cost of fuel. Much more however, it has become extremely desirable, as a result of its environmentally friendly potential, thereby mitigating the negative effects of fossil fuels on the state eco-system, Thus, reducing its effect on climate change. On Wednesday, the 31st of July, Prince Abiodun, actually launched e-bikes and tricycles, under the Ogun State E-Mobility Programme. This launch at the Governor’s Office Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta, represented the introduction of the first phase of 2,000 electric motorcycles by the State Government, in its resolve to make lives more bearable for citizens of the State, thus mitigating the impact of the removal of subsidy on petrol. Apart from the foregoing, it is hoped that the programme would reduce the cost of transportation, bringing about cleaner environment by reducing carbon emissions. Launching the Programme, Prince Abiodun affirmed that E-Mobility heralded another milestone in his avowed commitment towards ensuring sustainability of the State’s socio-economic development. He stated that the investment would be in three phases: “beginning with phase one, with a focus on our e-Okada bike assembly, phase two with the tricycles and phase three with our e-vehicles, providing 10,000 direct jobs and 50,000 indirect jobs with assembly line operators”. Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to mitigating the impact of the subsidy removal, which has understandably led to the high cost of diesel fuel also, by doing all he can to ensure the reduction of transportation cost on citizens; the Governor opined that he had led the country in the energy transition agenda; being the first state to launch and deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Buses in the Mass Transit Buses routes. Reiterating the successful conversion of buses from the usage of fuel to Compressed Natural Gas by his administration, the Governor announced the obvious; that the buses were currently deployed on the Ita-Oshin-Adatan route in Abeokuta, Mowe-Ibafo to Lagos and other routes, serving residents in these corridors and reducing transportation fares drastically. “We will be launching about 2,000 e-bikes for the first phase. These commercial motorbikes can ride up to 75-80 kilometres on full charge and the vehicles up to 200 kilometres, thus reducing transportation cost by 40 percent. “We aimed to reduce our carbon footprint and bring about a significant change in how we think about transportation of our daily lives. This aligns with our energy transformation programme for a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.” “Through this launching of electric bikes, tricycles, vehicles, motorcycles and the battery swap stations at specific points, we are not just introducing a new mode of transportation, we are pioneering a movement towards a cleaner, more efficient and technologically advanced way of life.” In the meantime, it can be worrying to observe that one of the greatest potential challenges posed by the introduction of new policies or programmes into the Nigerian socio-polity, is that of sustainability. An astute businessman such as Prince Abiodun, has never been lost on this, as an important component of success in his programme agenda for the State’s development. You recall that such acumen has already found expression in the idea of an aerotropolis in Iperu, implying the development of a city, with the airport being its center-piece. In the same vein, the Governor, in launching the e-bikes and electric tricycles, announced the ground breaking of a new facility, named Giga Facility, at the Special Agro Processing Zone located at Iperu-Remo. In making this announcement, the Governor stated that the facility with a total investment sum of 40 million Dollars, would be an assembly plant for the electric bikes, two wheelers, tricycles, commercial buses, electric cars and swap stations also. Happily, the launch was witnessed by the Minister of Transportation, Senator Seidu Alkali, an indication of the significance of the event as an epoch-making one. Understandably, the Minister lauded Ogun, for being the first State to launch such a programme, adding that it had joined other African countries currently making use of more than 15,000 e-bikes as part of their transport architecture. Asserting that apart from the fact that the programme would revolutionize the transportation sector in the state in particular and the country at large, it would also provide alternative means to fuel and reduce cost. Senator Alkali, therefore urged other state governments to take a cue from Ogun in partnering with the Federal Government in CNG usage. He also called on members of the public to support the programme which is guaranteed to create jobs, while making transportation cheaper, efficient and eco – friendly. Coming as a follow up to the conversion of mass transit to CNG buses last year, towards addressing increase in transportation fare occasioned by subsidy removal, the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration in the State, is by the introduction of Electronic bikes and electronic tricycles, in addition to other important strategic policies and programmes, is slowly but surely, demonstrating a firm commitment to a sustainable revolution in the Transportation sector, which will overtime further the entrenchment of its status as the nation’s investment destination of choice for the proletariat, bourgeois and perhaps the elite also.
Akin Akinyemi is a Civil Servant, writing from Abeokuta. Akinoakins@gmail.com
The Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola has been listed among the ‘Ogun State 50 Top Role Models’.
Aikulola was honoured alongside 49 others with the publication of his contributions to humanity in the third volume of the ‘Ogun State 50 Top Role Models’, a memoir on outstanding personalities in the State published by the Prestige Newspapers.
Some of the other eminent personalities who were also honoured include former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Ishola, Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, ace broadcaster Mr. Eddy Aina as well as the General Manager, Ogun State Broadcasting Commission, Mrs. Toyin Sogbesan among others.
Speaking during the launch of the memoir at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Hall, Iwe-Iroyin, Abeokuta, the Publisher, Prestige Newspapers, Mr. Dada Olanipekun who co-authored the memoir with Mr. Moshood Adebayo said the book has been published to celebrate personalities who have selflessly contributed to humanity and community irrespective of age or State of origin.
The Publisher disclosed that the list of the honourees was meticulously compiled adding that many personalities whose contributions were unverifiable or questionable were exempted from the publications.
“Initially we planned to run up to 100 personalities but we had quite a problem on how to reduce the list to 50. There were some we had to yank off the list based on the information we gathered about them because we do not want to parade any non-entity. Those selected are the people who have contributed genuinely to humanity and the growth of Ogun State,” the veteran journalist said.
He urged Nigerians to embrace the habit of celebrating outstanding personalities and writing memoirs which would help to preserve the knowledge of contributions of people who made impact in the lives of others adding that Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo also inspired the publication of the ‘Ogun State 50 Top Role Models’.
“We are publishing these series because we want to challenge our elites to write their memoirs or autobiographies. There is a need for it. We are imploring you for the generation to come so they will be able to read more about what you have done,” he said.
Speaking in an interview, Aikulola lauded the Prestige Newspapers for the recognition pointing out that he remains steadfast on maximising the grace of being alive by impacting lives.
Aikulola, who is also the Chairman, Ogun State Committee on Export Promotion appealed to people to make impact-driven life and service to humanity the driving force of their actions and decisions.
Ogun State government has sought the assistance of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), to engage youths in the state in demand-driven needs like Artificial Intelligence skills, to make them better prepared for employment opportunities that were obtainable locally and internationally.
The state Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, made the call when she received members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the maiden Ogun State Employment Conference, led by its Chairman and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, in company of Permanent Secretary, Public Service Transformation Office (PSTO), Mr. Jola Oyeneye, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Mr. Abiola Odetola, representative of the GIZ, and other committee members in her Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The LOC members were at the Deputy Governor’s Office to present the report of the Ogun State Employment Conference, held between October 11 and 12, 2023, as well as create awareness on the proposed hybrid Job Fair programme.
Engr. Salako-Oyedele said youths should be empowered with relevant and marketable skills that would help them take advantage of new technology, urging GIZ to ensure effective marketing of its Skills Development for Youth Employment Project and a ‘’Train the Trainers’’ programme, to enable many youths to benefit.
“I am pleased to hear that the GIZ intervention has been extended till November, 2026. I believe the extension will afford more youths across the State to benefit more from your impactful intervention’’, she said.
Engr. Salako-Oyedele, who commended efforts of LOC for the report, noted that the event had impacted lives of youths, promising to work with the committee and the GIZ subsequently.
Earlier, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, said report of the committee was forwarded for government to implement its recommendation, adding that the proposed Job Fair would be an inclusive Fair which would be technologically-driven, and help build on the gains of last year’s conference.
Also speaking, Technical Advisor, Employment Promotion, Skills Development for Youth Employment, GIZ, Mr. Amile Terlumun, said the Employment conference provided insights which were used to plan the next phase of the Skills Development for Youth Employment programme which would run until November, 2026.
He called on government to implement the recommendations, adding that they align with the drive of the State government towards empowering youths with requisite skills.
Meanwhile, the LOC also met with the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu and the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, to present the report and advocate support for the upcoming Job Fair.
In commemoration of the YEAR 2024 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church , Adigbe, Abeokuta has held a special Get-Together to celebrate elders in the Abeokuta Diocese charging them to avoid sins associated with old age which could lead them into becoming too possessive and over demanding.
The World Day for Grandparents and the elderly was introduced in the Catholic Church across the world by Pope Francis in honour of Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents. This year’s edition is themed, “DO NOT CAST ME OFF IN MY OLD AGE ” as established in Psalm 71 verse 9.
The Parish Priest of the Diocese, Rev. Father Gabriel Oyebola gave the admonition during the Get-Together for Grand Parents and the elderly, organised by the Education Committee of the Parish at the Bishop’s Court, Onikolobo, Abeokuta.
Fr. Oyebola stated that some elders in their desire to help others tend to make different demands which are not necessarily their personal needs urging them to build the habit of overlooking some issues.
“There are things that they call the sins of old age. The first one is that you learn to take your eyes off some things. At this age there is the tendency to always “grab” and from experience most of the Grandpas and Grandmas are not the ones who use or need those things. Meanwhile , you can only assist people within the limit of your ability”, Fr. Oyebola said.
Oyebola also added that this year’s theme is a reminder that God is available for the elders while the Church cherishes and views them as important to its development.
He added that the Parish would with effect from the month of August 2024 commence mid-day mass for the elderly once in a month.
The clergy appealed to children not to be individualistic but take good care of their parents while alive instead of waiting to hold lavish parties for them when they pass away.
Rev. Father Oyebola commended the Chairman and members of the Parish’s Education Committee for consistently organising impact-driven programmes which have been benefiting the Church.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Education Committee, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola said the celebration of the World day of Grandparents and the elderly in the last two years has been a worthwhile experience in the Parish enabling the elders relish old experience, rejig their energy and gain more knowledge on how to overcome their peculiar challenges in view of their old age assuring that the Committee would continue to organise the programme as well as other impactful events to meet the needs of women, men, youths, children, workers and other stakeholders in the Church.
Aikulola who is also the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment also reiterated the call for the aged to deliberately overlook some development so as not to overburden themselves and others around them advising them to be positive and prayerful about their children as well as relate with their grandchildren without overburdening themselves.
In her lecture, titled “STRESS MANAGEMENT FOR OLDER ADULTS ” a Counselling Psychologist, Mrs. Funmilayo Esiri said stress is a psychological response to an internal and external pressure which a person is unable to cope with, advising the elders to avoid stress triggers or stressors like anxiety , loneliness and depression among others which may result in sudden death.
She urged elders to learn to adjust to changes, deliberately maintain cordial relationship with others, build a prayer life, practice regular moderate exercise and hospital checkup, eat healthy while also avoiding fasting in view of their age.
In their separate remarks, Elder Victor Ibitokun and Elder (Mrs.) Rosemary Bashorun lauded the Parish Priest and the Education Committee for organising the event in the last two years to celebrate them saying the event has provided them the platform to understand their peculiar challenges and solutions to those challenges.
Upperhill News 