A society that honours its elderly is a society that values its past and secures its future. The men and women who built our communities, raised families, served in the public and private sectors, and contributed to the growth of Lagos deserve to live their later years with dignity, security, good health, and respect.
Unfortunately, many senior citizens in Lagos Central struggle with rising healthcare costs, inadequate income, poor access to transportation, loneliness, and limited social support. No one who has spent a lifetime contributing to our nation should be abandoned in old age.
As your Senator, I will champion legislation, partnerships, and budgetary support to establish the Lagos Central Golden Years Initiative, a comprehensive programme dedicated to improving the quality of life of elderly citizens.
Our Commitments
1. Free Preventive Healthcare for Senior Citizens
Healthcare should not become a luxury because of age.
I will work to provide:
- Free quarterly medical outreach programmes across all communities in Lagos Central.
- Routine screening for hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, arthritis, prostate cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and other age-related conditions.
- Free essential medications during outreach programmes.
- Eye examinations and subsidised cataract surgeries.
- Hearing assessments and referrals where necessary.
- Mobile medical teams to visit elderly citizens who are homebound.
2. Golden Transport Card (70+)
Mobility is essential to independence.
I will advocate for a Golden Transport Card that provides:
- Free or highly subsidized travel on government-owned buses and approved public transport for residents aged 70 and above.
- Priority seating and assisted boarding.
- Community shuttle services to hospitals, health centres, markets, and places of worship.
- No elderly person should stay at home because they cannot afford transportation.
3. National Health Insurance for Every Senior Citizen
Every Nigerian aged 70 years and above should have access to affordable healthcare.
I will support legislation to:
- Expand health insurance coverage for senior citizens.
- Reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.
- Improve access to specialist care for chronic illnesses
4. Community Home Care Programme
Many elderly citizens live alone or are unable to travel. Working with healthcare providers and community organisations, we will establish:
- Home visits by trained community health workers.
- Basic nursing care.
- Medication monitoring.
- Welfare and safety checks.
- Support for family caregivers.
- Nutrition and Food Support
No elderly citizen should go hungry.
The programme will encourage:
- Monthly food support for indigent senior citizens.
- Nutritional education.
- Partnerships with faith-based organisations, NGOs, and food banks.
- Senior Citizens Recreation and Wellness Centres
Healthy ageing involves more than medical treatment.
I will support community centres offering:
- Exercise and fitness classes.
- Health education.
- Digital literacy training.
- Recreational activities.
- Social interaction to reduce loneliness and depression.
- Counselling and mental health support.
- Emergency Medical Response
Time saves lives.
I will advocate for:
- A dedicated emergency response line for senior citizens.
- Priority ambulance services.
- Faster emergency treatment in public hospitals.
- Protection Against Elder Abuse
Many elderly Nigerians suffer neglect, financial exploitation, and abuse.
I will promote laws and programmes that:
- Protect elderly citizens from abuse.
- Provide confidential reporting channels.
- Offer legal assistance.
- Increase public awareness about the rights of older persons.
- Financial Security and Social Protection
Older citizens deserve financial peace of mind.
I will advocate for:
- Improved pension administration.
- Social assistance for vulnerable elderly people.
- Discounts on essential public services where feasible.
- Greater financial inclusion through simplified banking services.
- Senior Citizens Advisory Council
Nothing should be done for older people without their input.
I will establish a Senior Citizens Advisory Council made up of respected elderly representatives from all local government areas in Lagos Central to advise on policies affecting senior citizens.
Funding the Initiative
The Golden Years Initiative will be financed through:
- Federal Government appropriations.
- Partnerships with the Lagos State Government.
- Public-private partnerships.
- Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
- Development partners.
- Philanthropic organisations.
- Community and diaspora support.
The objective is to deliver sustainable programmes without placing an unreasonable burden on taxpayers.
My Commitment
Growing old should never mean growing forgotten. The elderly have spent their lives building families, businesses, institutions, and communities. They deserve healthcare, mobility, security, companionship, and respect.
As your Senator, I will be a strong advocate for policies that recognise their invaluable contributions and ensure they enjoy their later years with dignity and hope.
Our Promise
" Honouring the Past. Caring for the Present. Securing the Future."
Together, we will make Lagos Central a place where every senior citizen can age with dignity, independence, and pride.