— Mobilise senior citizens ahead of 2027 election

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Ahead of the next year’s presidential election, elders across Ondo State have been urged to take their civic responsibilities seriously by ensuring their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) are secured.

Chairman of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mandate Elders Forum in the state, Chief Erastus Akeju, said this during a free medical healthcare outreach organised for senior citizens in Akure, the state capital.

Chief Akeju described the event as a practical demonstration of the impact of the Tinubu-led administration, delivered through the interventions of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

According to him “This is not politics of promises; this is politics of performance.

“The dividends of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership are being felt directly by our people through our son, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Physically, materially, politically and now health-wise, the impact is clear. Continuity is therefore non-negotiable.”

The medical outreach, sponsored by Dr Tunji-Ojo, provided free healthcare services for elders, including screening and treatment for diabetes and hypertension, laboratory investigations, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests, and the free distribution of essential drugs.

Akeju who charged the elders to translate their appreciation into political action said that “Every elder here must be a mobilizer in their community. Get your PVCs ready.

“Talk to your children and neighbours. A government that remembers the elderly deserves a second term.

A guest lecturer at the event and Consultant Geriatrician from the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Dr Joy Eloho-Orji, spoke on ageing and cognitive health, explaining that gradual memory loss, reduced attention span and impaired judgement in some elders are often linked to age-related cognitive decline.

“Elohi- Orji said that ” Ageing comes with challenges, but many of them can be managed.

“Adequate water intake, regular medical check-ups and quality sleep are essential to maintaining good cognitive and physical health.”

The facilitator of the programme, Hon. Ademola Ijabiyi, described his leadership style and reform policies as bold, timely and critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s future.

Ijabiyi described the free medical outreach as part of a consistent pattern of people-oriented leadership by Dr Tunji-Ojo, noting that the Minister has remained deeply connected to the grassroots despite his national assignment.

He said that “From monthly engagements with elders to job creation, infrastructural support and now free healthcare, Dr Tunji-Ojo has continued to demonstrate that governance is about service.

According to him “We want our elders healthy and strong enough to witness and participate in the re-election of President Tinubu.”

He urged the elders to prioritise their health, describing it as essential to sustaining their influence in community and political affairs.

In his remarks, the Secretary of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Chief Ebenezer Alabi, emphasised the importance of party consolidation ahead of future electoral contests.

“Beyond today’s programme, we must strengthen our party from the grassroots. The ongoing APC e-registration exercise is key, and we urge all elders and party faithful to register and update their details. A strong party structure guarantees victory.”

The forum however, that political mobilisation must go hand in hand with social investment, stressing that caring for elders is not only a moral duty but a strategic pillar for stability, continuity and national development.

The event featured special prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the sponsor of the outreach, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as well as interactive sessions among the elders.

Some beneficiaries of the free medical services, including Princess Buky Abike-Okuderu, a former Commissioner for Information, Chief Tola Awo, and Chief Sylvester Omotoriogun, expressed appreciation for the initiative and pledged their continued political support.

“Also speaking, the National Coordinator of BAT KSM Network International, Princess Bukola Oluderu, , hailed the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for what she described as inclusive governance that caters for elders, women, youths and vulnerable groups.

She described the health outreach as unprecedented, attributing its success to the minister’s leadership and alignment with President Tinubu’s vision.

Oluderu said “For me to openly commend any leader is rare, but Tinubu and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo have earned it. What we are seeing here today shows leadership with compassion.
The elders are happy, their health is being checked, and they are being supported with medication”

Former Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Commerce, Chief Tola Awor, also rated the programme highly, describing it as over 95 per cent successful.

Awor said the gathering brought together seasoned politicians from different political eras and parties, united by a shared belief in Tinubu’s leadership capacity.

“We are mobilising not just to win, but to win decisively. Ondo State must lead in delivering the highest votes in the South-West.

“Beyond politics, this health mission has saved lives. Some people discovered health conditions they never knew they had and received immediate medication,”

The elders reaffirmed their commitment to mobilising support for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC across Ondo State, declaring that the combination of performance, grassroots engagement and inclusive governance remains the strongest argument for continuity at the centre.