Gateway International Church in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, recently hosted its annual Elders Day of Honour, a two-day program designed to support senior citizens in Rivers State and the Niger Delta. The event, now in its fourth year, brought together hundreds of elderly individuals from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds. Participants praised the church for prioritizing their welfare and wellbeing through a comprehensive support program.
The program featured various activities, including health education, physical exercise, counselling, free medical care, and the distribution of food and gift items. Health experts conducted medical checks and provided guidance on healthy living. An 81-year-old participant, Festus Akpelu, commended the program, stating that it had increased participants' awareness of their health and could contribute to healthier ageing.
According to Pastor George Izunwa, the Lead Pastor of Gateway International Church, the program aimed to address gaps in society while promoting healthier and longer lives among senior citizens. Izunwa emphasized that the initiative was driven by the church's desire to give back to society and respond to areas where support was lacking. He noted that senior citizens remained important contributors to their families and communities.
The program also included recreation and social activities, which provided opportunities for senior citizens to interact and engage with one another. Dr. Onyeije Ebere Chinecherem, the Directorate Head of Community Impact, stated that the initiative provided holistic support for senior citizens through recreation, social interaction, health education, and material assistance.
Pharmacist Unique Chukwu, author of Outsmarting High Blood Pressure Beyond Pills, sensitized participants on practical measures for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of health complications. Chukwu emphasized the importance of healthy lifestyle practices in maintaining wellbeing in old age and urged participants to adopt habits that could improve their quality of life.
Other participants and guests praised the initiative, describing it as an innovative approach to recognizing and supporting senior citizens. Evangelist Chinyere Onuogu noted that the program differed from conventional initiatives due to its focus on bringing elderly people together for recreation, health education, and other forms of support.
The program's impact was evident in the large turnout of senior citizens, with many describing the initiative as impactful and expressing continued attention to the welfare and wellbeing of elderly people. The church's efforts were seen as a demonstration of care and recognition for a segment of society that was often overlooked.
Key points
- Gateway International Church's annual Elders Day of Honour provides a comprehensive support program for senior citizens in Rivers State and the Niger Delta.
- The program features health education, physical exercise, counselling, free medical care, and material support, promoting healthy ageing and improving quality of life.
- The initiative aims to address gaps in society while promoting healthier and longer lives among senior citizens, encouraging individuals and organizations to complement government efforts.
