Ondo Elders Push Tinubu’s Second Term as PBAT Mandate Elders Forum Reaches Out with Free Healthcare
Ondo Elders Push Tinubu’s Second Term as PBAT Mandate Elders Forum Reaches Out with Free Healthcare
Elders across Ondo State have been urged to take their civic responsibilities seriously by ensuring their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) are secured and ready, as preparations intensify to mobilise support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.
The call was made by the Chairman of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum in Ondo State, Chief Erastus Akeju, during a free medical healthcare outreach organised for senior citizens in Akure, the state capital.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Akeju described the event as a practical demonstration of the impact of the Tinubu-led administration, delivered through the interventions of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
“This is not the politics of promises; this is the politics of performance,” Chief Akeju said. “The dividends of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership are being felt directly by our people through our son, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Physically, materially, politically and now health-wise, the impact is clear. Continuity is therefore non-negotiable.”
The medical outreach, sponsored by Dr Tunji-Ojo, provided free healthcare services for elders, including screening and treatment for diabetes and hypertension, laboratory investigations, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests, and the free distribution of essential drugs.
Chief Akeju charged the elders to translate their appreciation into political action.
“Every elder here must be a mobiliser in their community. Get your PVCs ready. Talk to your children and neighbours. A government that remembers the elderly deserves a second term,” he added.
A guest lecturer at the event and Consultant Geriatrician from the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Dr Joy Eloho-Orji, spoke on ageing and cognitive health, explaining that gradual memory loss, reduced attention span and impaired judgement in some elders are often linked to age-related cognitive decline.
“Ageing comes with challenges, but many of them can be managed,” Dr Eloho-Orji said. “Adequate water intake, regular medical check-ups and quality sleep are essential to maintaining good cognitive and physical health.”
The facilitator of the programme, Hon. Ademola Ijabiyi, described the free medical outreach as part of a consistent pattern of people-oriented leadership by Dr Tunji-Ojo, noting that the Minister has remained deeply connected to the grassroots despite his national assignment.
“From monthly engagements with elders to job creation, infrastructural support and now free healthcare, Dr Tunji-Ojo has continued to demonstrate that governance is about service,” Hon. Ijabiyi said. “We want our elders healthy and strong enough to witness and participate in the re-election of President Tinubu.”
He urged the elders to prioritise their health, describing it as essential to sustaining their influence in community and political affairs.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Chief Ebenezer Alabi, emphasised the importance of party consolidation ahead of future electoral contests.
“Beyond today’s programme, we must strengthen our party from the grassroots,” Chief Alabi said. “The ongoing APC e-registration exercise is key, and we urge all elders and party faithful to register and update their details. A strong party structure guarantees victory.”
The event featured special prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the sponsor of the outreach, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as well as interactive sessions among the elders.
Some beneficiaries of the free medical services, including Princess Buky Abike-Okuderu, a former Commissioner for Information, Chief Tola Awo, and Chief Sylvester Omotoriogun, expressed appreciation for the initiative and pledged their continued political support.
“This programme shows leadership with compassion,” Princess Abike-Okuderu said. “We will continue to stand with the APC and ensure that President Tinubu’s achievements are protected through re-election.”
The elders reaffirmed their commitment to mobilising support for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC across Ondo State, declaring that the combination of performance, grassroots engagement and inclusive governance remains the strongest argument for continuity at the centre.
