The Lagos State Government has provided financial assistance and free healthcare services to older persons with disabilities and elderly parents caring for children with disabilities.
The support came under the 2026 Older Persons with Disabilities and Elderly Caregivers Support Programme as the state says the goal is to improve their quality of life.
The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) organised the programme at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday.
Beneficiaries received financial support along with free healthcare services. These included dental screening and consultations, scaling and polishing, blood pressure checks, medical consultations and basic medications.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, said the state remained committed to the welfare of the group.
“As a responsive government that leaves no one behind, in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, we must bring succour to our elderly citizens with disabilities and ensure they continue to enjoy dignity, care and inclusion in society,” he said.
Ogunlende said supporting older persons with disabilities was an important part of building an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of age or disability, could live with dignity.
The General Manager of LASODA, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, said the programme was designed to give dedicated attention to older persons with disabilities. She said it also targeted elderly parents who still carry the responsibility of caring for children with disabilities in their later years.
She said the theme of the programme, Ageing with Dignity, highlighted the need to recognise a group whose needs and contributions must never be overlooked.
Participants also attended health education sessions. Dr Olufunmi Adeniyi gave a presentation on support for older persons with disabilities and elderly caregivers. Dr Busuyi Oladunjoye spoke on the causes and management of hypertension in older adults and stressed the importance of proper health management among older persons.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Eyitayo Aridegbe, 75, praised the state government and LASODA for the initiative and described it as impactful.
Aridegbe said he was especially grateful for the dental services, because he had never had dental screening, scaling and polishing in his 75 years. He also thanked the agency for the financial assistance.
