FORMER Attorney General and the Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola and the Olowu of Owu, Oba Olusanya Dosumu, on Sunday in Lagos unveiled and inducted business mogul, Sir Olu Okeowo, as the Ambassador for the Rights and Care of the Elderly in Nigeria, saying past and current records of the honoree showed he deserved to be so honoured.
The award ceremony, which took place at the Palacio De Okeowo, Park View Estate, Ikoyi, was organised by Senior Citizen Care Foundation (SCCF) headed by Prince Ajibola, and it witnessed the attendance of dignitaries, including executive members of SCCF, family members and friends of the recipient, among others.
Speaking, while conferring the award, Ajibola, who is also a former Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and president, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), described the day’s event as glorious in his life and very interesting as well, saying Okeowo, who he was meeting personally for the first time was adjudged by his records of activities to merit the exalted office.
According to him, Okeowo from available records has always been in regular touch with the elderly, while caring for their needs, just as he also stretches his helping hand to the young ones in the society.
He disclosed that a proposed medical clinic sited in Ibara, Abeokuta, by the Foundation had been named after the recipient, saying it would on completion bear Sir Olu Okeowo Geriatric Centre for the care the elderly.
Prince Ajibola said the Foundation, which he is the chairman, was preoccupied with ensuring that people give recognition, respect and care to the elderly in the country, maintaining that their care was the collective duties of the society and not otherwise.
“That’s what we are promoting, that is what we are developing right now, we wish people should recognize, respect and give recognition to our elders and make sure they are cared for,” he said.
The Olowu, Oba Dosumu, in his remark, paid tributes to the qualities in the honoree, saying available records showed that he had been closed to the elderly and taking good care of them, describing him as a great man worthy of emulation.
Speaking after receiving the award, Okeowo expressed appreciation to the Foundation and the Olowu, saying what gave him the recognition to merit the ambassadorial award of SCCF, which is care of the elderly, among others, was his own way of appreciating God for what he had done in his life.
“You know to who much is given, much is expected. God surprised me in many ways and because of that, the only way for me to appreciate him more is to give back to the society,” he said, just as he promised to erect the proposed Ibara clinic, which now carries his name.
Speaking further, the business mogul, who also thanked his wife, Adejoke, his family members, among others, said he was dedicating the award to a friend, Mr Lovett Yembra, who he described as a very sincere and straight forward person.