The University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo State, joined the global community to celebrate the 2025 World International Day of Older Persons, in line with the commitment of the Ondo State Governor, His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to alleviate hardship and improve the well-being of retirees and older citizens in the state.
This is contained in a statement issued by Akinjide Oluwatope
Head, Media and Publicity
UNIMED Teaching Hospital, Ondo
Governor Aiyedatiwa recently approved the payment of ₦2.5 billion for the bulk settlement of gratuity arrears for local government retirees and primary school teachers, demonstrating his administration’s dedication to the welfare of senior citizens.
Every October 1st, the World Health Organization (WHO) marks the International Day of Older Persons to celebrate the contributions of older adults to society, acknowledge their lifelong efforts, and draw attention to the social and emotional challenges they face in later life.
This year’s theme, “Building Belonging: Celebrating the Power of Our Social Connections,” underscores the importance of social relationships in enhancing the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of older persons.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Simidele Odimayo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Matters, highlighted the vital role of the Physiotherapy Department in promoting the balance, strength, mobility, and independence of senior citizens. He noted that physiotherapy interventions help prevent falls and frailty through proper rehabilitation and active engagement.
Prof. Odimayo also outlined the various health and welfare initiatives of the current administration, including the Ondo State Health Policy, which has strengthened healthcare delivery across primary, secondary, and tertiary facilities through staff recruitment, modern equipment procurement, and improved remuneration for health workers.
He added that the Ondo State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme (ODCHC) has been remodeled to cover pensioners and informal sector workers, ensuring access to affordable healthcare for older persons. He further revealed that the government is revitalizing emergency medical services, with communication base stations undergoing renovation to enhance response capacity.
The Special Adviser announced that the government would continue to offset medical bills incurred during the first 48 hours of emergency treatment for accident victims to ensure stabilization and prompt care. He commended the Management of UNIMEDTH and the Physiotherapy Department for organizing the event, urging other departments to consistently commemorate WHO International Days across all hospital units.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Michael Olumide Gbala, emphasized the significance of the International Day of Older Persons in recognizing the contributions and challenges of the aging population. He reiterated the key role of physiotherapy in supporting older adults to maintain emotional health, physical strength, and mobility, which are essential for independent living.
Dr. Gbala encouraged the department to focus on fall prevention, frailty management, chronic disease rehabilitation, and post-surgical recovery, areas that are crucial to healthy aging.
Also speaking at the event, Rev. Sr. Agnes Ajobiewe, Coordinator of Joachim and Anne Old People’s Home, Ondo, delivered a lecture titled “The Role of Geriatric Homes in Fostering Social Connections.” She highlighted the importance of social engagement for older adults and explained how geriatric homes contribute to the emotional and social well-being of their residents.
The Head of Department of Physiotherapy, Dr. (Mrs.) Ogunleye Ibronke Easter, who also chaired the Local Organizing Committee, delivered a presentation on the event’s theme, calling for greater government involvement in enhancing geriatric care. She advocated for the establishment of more old people’s homes across the state, noting that such initiatives would improve the quality of life and increase life expectancy among the elderly population.
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