A South West Chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has called on the Federal and other level of government to make adequate provision for old people as is obtainable in developed countries.
Ajadi gave this admonition, while speaking on the sideline of the final funeral ceremony of Late Mrs Oyinade Teluwo in Lagos on Friday.
He said it is high time such provision is enshrined in the constitution because everybody prays to get to old age, a stage when one is old, can no longer takes care of oneself.
Late Oyinade Teluwo is the mother of the NNPP Ogun Central Senatorial Candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Kehinde Teluwo.
According to Ajadi, “We need to give little words of advice to our government especially Mr President. He has travelled to many advanced countries. We have also by the Grace of God, been to many countries where we see how they make adequate provision for their elderly people.
“We need to copy that, government need to provide for the aged people. In a place like United States of America and the United Kingdom, governments take care of the needs of the elderly.
“Even if you are young, you are working, and suddenly you lose your jobs, either through termination of appointments or inability of your working place to continue operations, there is a system that will signal to the government that this person is not working again. The government gives priority and take care of such a person until he secures another employment.
“For the retirees, they know that when they retire, there is a provision for them to live on.
“But in Nigeria, even those who work as civil servants, their entitlements are delayed and pensions are not payed as at when due except few states.
“This must change. We all pray to live till old age and therefore our government must do something for the aged”.
Speaking on the life of Late Mrs Teluwo, Ajadi said, “Mama lived a good life. She was kind and generous. She left behind a good legacy for others to copy. She was a good Christian who served the Lord till her last minute on earth”.
Also speaking, the son of the deceased and NNPP Senatorial Candidate for Ogun Central in the last general election, Mr Kehinde Teluwo urged the government to improve the living and health conditions of Nigerians so that they can live long.
According to him, “My mother died at the age of 74 years. To we the children and the family, we wish she had stayed more because of her good deeds. But how many people live up to Seventy in Nigeria?
“The life expectancy is below 60. This is due to the toxic environment, the food we eat and inadequate health facilities. Government should do something in this regard”.
Speaking on her mother, the NNPP Chieftain said, “She was everything to me. She taught me to be close to God and that through Him, I can achieve anything I desire. She was a super woman, a role model in all the communities she served”.
Also speaking about Mrs Oyinade Teluwo, the daughter -In – law, Mrs Hope Teluwo said she was a detribalised mother-in-love.
“I am an Ibo Woman and when his son introduced me to her as the person he wanted to marry, she received me with open arms. She taught us love and I want the new generation to imbibe love in their lives and marriage”, she said.
Mrs Oyinade Teluwo’s burial was well attended by leaders and members of the NNPP in Ogun State including the state Chairman, Barrister John Aina.
