Senior citizens across Rivers State and the Niger Delta have expressed gratitude to Gateway International Church, Port Harcourt, for organising a programme aimed at promoting their wellbeing and improving their quality of life. The initiative, which featured recreation, social interaction, health education, physical exercise, counselling, free medical care, and the distribution of food and gift items, brought together hundreds of senior citizens from different ethnic and social backgrounds. This programme was part of the church's annual Elders Day of Honour, now in its fourth year.
The two-day programme provided a platform for senior citizens to engage in various activities that promoted their physical, social, and financial wellbeing. Health experts were on hand to provide health education, conduct medical checks, and offer guidance on healthy ageing. An 81-year-old participant, Festus Akpelu, commended the initiative, particularly the health education, physical exercise sessions, and free medical care. He noted that the programme had made participants more conscious of their health and could contribute to healthier ageing.
According to Akpelu, the programme was a welcome development, especially for elderly people who may not have the means to access healthcare. He emphasised the importance of regular exercise in maintaining strength and reducing the risk of health-related complications. The Lead Pastor of Gateway International Church, Pastor George Izunwa, said the initiative was designed to address some of the gaps in society and promote healthier and longer lives for senior citizens.
Izunwa stated that the programme was intended to encourage individuals and organisations to complement government efforts in addressing the challenges confronting ageing people. He noted that senior citizens remained important contributors to families and communities, particularly in preserving culture, traditions, language, and history. Izunwa urged members of society not to sideline elderly people, stressing that many senior citizens remained healthy, productive, and capable of making meaningful contributions.
The Directorate Head, Community Impact, Dr Onyeije Ebere Chinecherem, said the initiative provided holistic support for senior citizens through recreation, social interaction, health education, and material assistance. She noted that the programme was open to members of the church and the general public and had entered its fourth edition. The programme featured a range of activities, including the distribution of gifts to participants.
Other participants, including authors and health experts, emphasised the importance of healthy lifestyle practices in maintaining wellbeing in old age. Unique Chukwu, author of Outsmarting High Blood Pressure Beyond Pills, sensitised participants on practical measures for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of health complications. An evangelist, Chinyere Onuogu, described the initiative as an innovative approach to recognising and supporting senior citizens.
The programme was well-received by participants, including Pastor Happy James, Mrs Ngozi Okeke, and traditional ruler, HRM King Moore MacLean, who described the initiative as impactful and capable of contributing to a healthier and more inclusive society. The church's effort to prioritise the welfare of senior citizens has been commended by many, with calls for greater attention to the needs of elderly people in community activities.
Key points
- Gateway International Church's Elders Day of Honour promotes the wellbeing and quality of life of senior citizens.
- The programme features recreation, social interaction, health education, physical exercise, counselling, free medical care, and the distribution of food and gift items.
- Participants commend the initiative, citing its potential to contribute to healthier ageing and a more inclusive society.
