By Josephine Agbonkhese

Although Nigerians typically argue against the placement of aged parents under any form of external care, the spate of loneliness and neglect suffered by senior citizens in the country is becoming a cause for concern. Consequently, in a deliberate attempt to make old-age enjoyable, no fewer than six daycare centres have been billed for set-up by Care Companions Limited for senior citizens in different parts of Ogun State.

Monarchs donating lands for the non-profit project include HRM Dr. Joseph Adeogun Oguntona Ogunjobi, Oba Igbore, Orile Obafemi Owode LGA; HRH Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, Afin Olu Owode Egba; HRM Oba Fatai Akamo, Olu Of Itori Land; HRH Femi Ogunleye, Oba of Akinale; Oba Dosumu Olowu of Owu and the Alake of Egbaland, HRM Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III.

According to Mrs Elizabeth Akin-Abiola, Director, Care Companions Limited, the centres would take-off with temporary structures due to the urgent need to engage senior citizens with people of like-minds, and address the growing problem of depression amongst them; while fund is being raised for permanent structures.

Speaking while addressing a Council of Obas’ meeting at the palace of the Alake of Egbaland, in company of her team of professionals, Abiola emphasized the need to bring total respite to senior citizens across the country, adding that Care Companions’ services in Ogun and its environs would not be limited to providing daycare centre.

“Our services will include the provision of homecare services, live-in care, escort care services, domestic services, medication services, personal care services (including hygiene services), to mention but few, which will however not be non-profit.

These commercial services, she explained, would help address youth unemployment in the state, adding that with a minimum of O’level certification plus an unquestionable character and ability to render care services, interested youths in the state would be recruited, trained and placed by Care Companions.

Responding on behalf of the council of Obas, HRM Adedotun Gbadebo said the initiative was timely due to its double benefits- respite for senior citizens and jobs for youths. “Loneliness is bad for anyone. I remember how my aged father would look out through his window in want of somebody to chitchat with during the day when everyone had gone out. Whoever passed by, he would invite to come have lunch with him because he knew the process  would afford him someone to spend time with and feel very, very happy.”