At 80, Esther Awolana advocates better welfare for elderly citizens

80-Year-Old Nigerian Calls for Better Care, Support for Elderly

As she celebrates her 80th birthday on June 24, Mrs. Esther Towobola Awolana has called on governments at all levels to prioritise the welfare of elderly citizens, saying older people deserve support, care and opportunities to live meaningful lives after years of contributing to society.

Awolana, who was born on June 24, 1946, said growing old has made her appreciate the importance of family, community and government support for senior citizens.

Reflecting on her life journey, she recalled growing up under the care of her parents, Isaiah Ogunshina and Olufunmilayo Dorcas Ogunshina, who ensured she had good nutrition and access to free education, which she described as one of the greatest benefits enjoyed by her generation.

“I went to primary school from 1955 to 1960 before attending Secondary Modern School in Abeokuta, where I graduated in 1963. Education was free then. Books and everything we needed were provided, making it easy for parents to send their children to school,” she said.

After leaving school, Awolana worked briefly before getting married. Although she later secured employment in a government establishment, she eventually resigned to become a trader so she could devote more time to raising her children.

Looking back at Nigeria decades ago, she lamented the rising cost of living and worsening insecurity, noting that life was simpler and safer during her youth.

“With little money, you could buy plenty of food. People could go out at any time of the day or night without fear. Today, insecurity has affected farming, many farmers are being killed and food has become very expensive,” she said.

Awolana attributed her good health at 80 to the grace of God, healthy eating habits instilled by her parents and sustained by her late husband, who always ensured there was nutritious food at home.

“We were raised to eat fruits and good food instead of depending on drugs all the time. During festive periods, my father always made sure we had chicken and nutritious meals,” she recalled.

She also stressed the importance of maintaining an active social life, revealing that church fellowship meetings are now held in her home, helping her remain engaged despite her age.

According to her, Nigeria can learn from countries where governments deliberately provide welfare programmes, recreational centres and social support for senior citizens.

“Old people should have support. The government should provide places where elderly people can relax and enjoy themselves. Abroad, governments take care of the elderly, but we do not have enough of that here,” she said.

Awolana further urged parents to pay closer attention to their children despite the pressures of work, while advising young Nigerians to embrace hard work, contentment and vocational skills.

She also appealed to politicians to stop recruiting young people for violence and instead support policies that create opportunities for employment and national development.

As family members gather to celebrate her milestone 80th birthday, Awolana says her greatest wish is to see a more peaceful Nigeria where the elderly are valued, children are properly raised and citizens can once again live without fear.