Over 200 senior citizens and retirees in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have benefited from food and cash palliatives distributed by the council as part of efforts to recognise their contributions to community development and improve their welfare.

The beneficiaries received the palliatives during the maiden edition of the council’s Senior Citizens’ Appreciation Day held on Friday, October 23, 2026.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the council Hammed Aroyewun described senior citizens as invaluable members of society whose sacrifices, experience and wisdom had contributed significantly to the growth and development of the community.

He commended the retirees and elderly residents for their years of service, noting that the progress recorded in Igbogbo-Baiyeku was partly built on the foundations laid by previous generations.

The chairman said the appreciation programme was a modest expression of gratitude to those who had contributed to the development of the LCDA, adding that the enthusiasm displayed by the beneficiaries reflected the importance of recognising and celebrating older members of society.

He attributed the initiative to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the Federal Government’s policies continued to inspire interventions aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.

Aroyewun also appreciated the senior citizens for their longstanding support for the community and encouraged them to remain actively involved in civic and political affairs.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, he urged them to sustain their political participation and mobilise support for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The chairman further assured residents that his administration would continue to introduce programmes designed to improve living conditions and extend the benefits of governance to different segments of the population.

The Head of the Department of Agriculture, Mrs Otun Anuoluwapo, said the programme was organised to recognise and appreciate elderly residents for their enduring contributions to the growth and development of Igbogbo/Baiyeku.

She explained that the initiative was part of efforts to celebrate senior citizens and acknowledge the roles they had played in building the community over the years.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Oluwatoyin Fayoyiwa, a retiree, expressed appreciation to the chairman for organising the programme.

Fayoyiwa, who disclosed that she had lived in the community for 40 years, described the initiative as unprecedented in her experience, commending the administration for recognising and celebrating senior citizens.

She thanked Aroyewun and his team for the gesture, noting that the recognition and support meant a great deal to the beneficiaries.