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Ijesaland on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of Older Persons, with stakeholders using the occasion to emphasise the need for stronger systems that enable people to live longer lives in good health, dignity and with a sense of purpose.
The 2026 celebration, organised by the Friends of Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, was held at the Event Open Space of the Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, Ilesa, under the theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
The event brought together medical professionals, traditional rulers, community leaders, development stakeholders, older persons and other dignitaries to celebrate ageing while drawing attention to the changing health, social and economic needs of an increasingly ageing population.
The Chief Medical Director of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Prof. John Akintunde Okeniyi, who was represented by Prof. Oyetola, served as Chief Host. President of Friends of Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, Lady Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo also served as a co-hostess.
Also represented by Dr. Adigun Adewoye was the Asiwaju of Ijesaland and initiator of the Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi; Mother of the Day, Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Margaret J. Omodara; Guest of Honour, Dr. Folu Fajuyitan-Ayegbusi; and Guest Lecturer, Dr. Ibrahim Sebutu Bello, Consultant Family Physician and Medical Director of Iyiola Hospital, Ile-Ife.
Other special guests included, HRM Oba Alexander Kujembola, Alapa of Itaapa, HRH Oba Bamidele Adeniji Adeyeye, Olumolu of Imogbara-Ijesa, Prof. Olu Obi, Pa Ademola Ademokun and Elder Chief B. O. Oyadipe and Dr. Toyin Olalemi.
‘Longer Life Must Come With Better Systems’
Welcoming participants, the Physician-in-Charge of the Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, Dr. Waheed O. Ismail, said the theme was particularly relevant as societies grapple with the implications of longer life expectancy.
Dr. Ismail explained that the “Age of Longevity” was not merely about helping people live longer but about rethinking the systems that support them throughout their extended years.
He identified healthcare, employment and retirement, social protection, urban planning and housing, technology, family caregiving, education, inequality, purpose and wellbeing, and policy and governance as key areas requiring attention.
According to him, healthcare systems must move beyond treating diseases to giving greater attention to prevention, healthy ageing and long-term care.
He also called for a rethink of fixed retirement ages, lifelong learning, flexible careers and multigenerational workplaces, while stressing the importance of adapting pensions, insurance and welfare systems to longer lifespans.
Dr. Ismail noted that communities must become more age-friendly, with accessible housing and infrastructure that support independence, while technology, including artificial intelligence, digital health and assistive technologies, should be harnessed to promote healthier lives.
He further stressed the need for sustainable caregiving systems, lifelong education and policies that address inequality, noting that the benefits of longevity are not evenly distributed across society.
He said the central question should no longer be simply, “How do we help people live longer?” but rather, “How should our systems change when longer lives become the norm?”
Dr. Ismail commended the Friends of Ijesaland Geriatric Centre for sustaining the annual commemoration and expressed appreciation to OAUTHC management, staff, the guest lecturer, stakeholders and participants for making the 2026 edition possible.
Dr Bello: Healthy Ageing Is More Than Absence of Disease
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “The Age of Longevity: Living Longer with Health, Dignity and Purpose,” Dr. Ibrahim Sebutu Bello said the real value of longer life depended on whether older people could remain functional, independent and connected to their communities.
He explained that healthy ageing did not mean the complete absence of disease, pointing out that many older people live meaningful lives while managing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and visual impairment.
According to him, the practical goal should be the preservation of functional ability—the capacity of an individual to continue doing what matters most to them.
He identified physical and mental wellbeing, faith and purpose, supportive relationships, financial security and age-friendly healthcare as interconnected pillars of healthy longevity.
Dr. Bello urged older persons to remain physically active within their abilities, noting that regular movement helps preserve strength, balance and independence.
He recommended, where appropriate, up to 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, strength exercises on at least two days and balance exercises for those experiencing mobility challenges.
He also cautioned against dismissing sudden changes in health as normal ageing.
New confusion, one-sided weakness, chest pain, severe breathlessness, repeated falls, unexplained weight loss and marked withdrawal, he said, require prompt medical assessment.
Six Ways to Reduce Falls
The physician identified fall prevention as a critical component of healthy ageing.
He advised older persons and their families to improve lighting and clear walkways of clutter, build leg strength and balance, maintain proper vision, report dizziness and possible medicine-related side effects, wear secure footwear and seek medical assessment after a fall.
He also stressed the importance of good nutrition, adequate hydration, appropriate use of medication, sufficient sleep, memory care and attention to emotional wellbeing.
Faith, Relationships and Purpose
Dr. Bello said healthy longevity also depended on maintaining meaningful relationships and having a sense of purpose.
He encouraged older persons to remain connected with family, friends, religious communities and society, noting that older people were not merely recipients of care but continued to contribute valuable experience, wisdom and judgement.
He further highlighted the role of faith, prayer, gratitude, service and reflection in helping people navigate illness, bereavement, retirement and other transitions associated with later life.
Quoting the Bible, he said, “But godliness with contentment is great gain”, while also recalling the biblical assurance that, “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age.”
He equally cited Qur'an 13:28 on the comfort that believers find in the remembrance of Allah.
The guest lecturer also drew attention to financial security and the vulnerability of older people to financial exploitation.
He advised people to “Pause. Verify. Then decide” before responding to unusual financial requests or sending money.
Ijesaland Geriatric Centre as a Model of Community Action
A significant part of the lecture focused on the Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, which Dr. Bello described as a substantial community investment in the wellbeing of older people.
He noted that the Centre brings clinical, rehabilitation and social services together, reducing the burden on older people who might otherwise have to navigate fragmented healthcare services in different locations.
Among the services available at the Centre are family outpatient care, ophthalmology and dental services, nutritional and social support, recreational services, physical therapy, general and day-case surgery, pharmacy and immunisation services.
He disclosed that more than 3,000 older citizens are enrolled in an insurance scheme facilitating access to services at the Centre.
According to him, the development demonstrates how community action can complement formal healthcare and reduce barriers that often cause older people to delay treatment.
A Seven-Day Challenge
Dr. Bello challenged participants to translate the lessons of the celebration into practical action.
He encouraged them to choose at least one action to begin within seven days—whether taking a safe walk, reviewing medications, contacting someone they value, removing a fall hazard, arranging a medical check-up, spending time in prayer or resuming an activity that gives them meaning.
He stressed that small actions consistently repeated often matter more than ambitious plans that cannot be sustained.
Ten Practical Tips for Healthy Ageing
The event also highlighted ten practical measures for older persons:
Stay physically active for a healthy body and mind.
Remain socially active with friends, family and the wider community.
Follow a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Do not neglect yourself; schedule medical check-ups and keep appointments.
Take all medications as directed by your doctor.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Quit smoking to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Get adequate sleep.
Practise good dental hygiene every day.
Discuss changes in sexual function with your doctor.
IGC: An Ijesa Community Investment
The program of event described the Ijesaland Geriatric Centre as an initiative funded and established by Ijesas in March 2022 to serve as a Centre of Excellence in Geriatric Medicine.
The Centre is designed to provide promotional, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and recreational services through an integrated, patient-centred model consistent with the vision and mission of OAUTHC.
The Ijesa Improvement Society, represented at the event by Prof. Olu Obi, also acknowledged as the organizers of the program.
The celebration featured a range of activities, including cultural music, physical exercise, goodwill messages, remarks and an address by the OAUTHC Chief Medical Director.
An address was also delivered by HRM Oba Alexander Kujembola, alongside other presentations and goodwill messages.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks and appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the 2026 commemoration.
The Secretary of Friends of Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, Alagba Wale Idowu, expressed appreciation to everyone who supported the programme and acknowledged the beneficiaries of the Centre.
He wished the older citizens continued longevity, good health, happiness and safe journeys to their various destinations.
Coverage script ✍️ camera 📸 Credit: Oladimeji Lasore (+2347035105413, [email protected])
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