By Dayo Johnson Akure

Over 2000 elderly persons residents across Ondo State, have benefitted from the PBAT free medical outreach funded by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to garner support for the re- election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

The exercise which took place in Akure, the state capital, provided a wide range of health services targeting senior citizens within the party.

They include general medical consultations and routine check-ups, laboratory investigations, blood pressure and diabetes screening, as well as eye and dental examinations.

The beneficiaries also received essential medications, dietary supplements, health education, and professional counselling aimed at improving their overall well-being.

Dr. (Mrs.) Joy Elohan-Orji, a Consultant Geriatrician at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, lectured the elderly persons on healthy living in old age and told them that “ageing is a natural transition rather than a disease.

Elohan- Orji who advised them on domestic safety precautions appealed to political leaders to prioritise regular medical check-ups, including blood pressure and prostate screening.

She appealed to them to adhered to prescribed medications, sleep adequately and to avoid alcohol and smoking.

Addressing the elderly persons, the Chairman of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Chief Erastus Akeju, said the initiative was a product of extensive deliberations within the elders’ forum, designed to enhance the health, dignity, and lifespan of senior members of the ruling party.

Akeju, a former commissioner in the state, added that while the programme was fully funded by Dr. Tunji-Ojo, its implementation owed much to the dedication and organisational strength of Chief Nimbe Tawose.

Akeju described the Medicare project as a reflection of the Minister’s deep humanitarian commitment and unwavering loyalty to the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, the gesture reinforces APC’s enduring culture of honouring those whose sacrifices helped build the party.

“Our elders are the foundation upon which our victories stand. Their sacrifices, wisdom, and endurance shaped our journey. It is therefore both a moral duty and a political responsibility to prioritize their health and dignity,” he stated.

He commended Tunji-Ojo for translating compassion into action through initiatives that directly impact lives.

The Secretary of the forum, Chief Ebenezer Alabi, said that a monitoring team had been set up to ensure transparency, efficiency, and uninterrupted delivery of the Medicare services.

In an interview, the facilitator of the programme, Hon. Ademola Ijabiyi, urged beneficiaries and party members not to take the Minister’s interest in elder welfare for granted.

Ijabiyi cited the monthly elders’ meetings, job opportunities facilitated by the Minister, and various development projects across Ondo State as evidence of his commitment to humanity.

The National Chairman, Senior Citizen Centre, Abuja, Chief Ade Ayeni noted that opinion leaders under his coordination had been working tirelessly to mobilize support for the APC, particularly towards securing President Tinubu’s reelection.

Appreciating the Minister’s gesture, the beneficiaries pledged their commitment toward advancing the ruling party that continues to recognize and honour its elder statesmen.