The Chairman of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, Dr. (Mrs) Seinye Lulu-Briggs, has reiterated the commitment of the Foundation to the wellbeing of the elderly in Rivers State.
Speaking at a Valentine’s Day party organized by the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation for senior citizens in Rivers State, Dr. (Mrs) Lulu-Briggs said it was an initiative of the Care for Life Program of the Foundation and takes care of the health, economic and social wellbeing of the elderly in the state.
She said the elderly always deserved our love and affection and expressed delight that God uses the Foundation to care for their daily economic, social and spiritual wellbeing.
“God loves us and has shown us kindness as an organization, so we are also showing love to these elders.
“The Valentine’s Day party is an annual event we organize for them to celebrate and testify to God’s love in our lives. May the love of God continue to shine in all our lives,” she said.
Dr Lulu-Briggs enjoined other individuals and organizations to the care of the elderly, who are among the most vulnerable in our society.
Her words, “While it is an integral part of the culture in Nigeria and, indeed, in Africa to revere, honour and look after our elders, the widespread poverty and the harsh social and economic environment has made it difficult for families and communities to uphold this tradition.
The truth is that with the myriad of problems we face post-Covid, elder care is not a priority, and our seniors are among the most vulnerable to poverty and disease at the community level. Indeed, ageism, neglect and violence against elders are very real.
“For over 21 years, we have cared for over 600 senior with no or minimal family support by taking on full responsibility for their wellbeing.
We should all unite to ensure our elders are lovingly cared for. Ensuring that they socialize and remain active through daily activities and occasional parties like today’s is essential to healthy ageing, which we take very seriously. They are a blessing and an integral part of our communities which we should continue to treasure.
“The party at the Foundation’s modern purpose-built recreational centre at Biokpo, Abonnema, Rivers State, featured singing, dancing and merriment with the elderly expressing their joy for the love and care showered on them continuously under the NGO’s Care for Life programme.
The Care For Life initiative covers the medical costs of the elderly. It provides caregivers to look after them while giving food, household supplies and a monthly cash allowance.
The Foundation’s other programs include Free Medical Missions, Access to Clean Water, Sanitation, Education and Scholarships, and Microcredit and Entrepreneurship. Two elders at the party, Pa Kingdom Miller and Mama Florence West, expressed gratitude to the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation for taking care of their upkeep despite the economic crunch being experienced in the country. Pa Miller said, “I pray God continues to bless Seinye Lulu-Briggs (Chairman of the OBLBF) for remembering us all the time.
I have been with her since the beginning (2001), and God has graciously granted me long life.
I pray God gives her long life, too, as she helps old people.”Mama West said, “We are happy to see today’s Valentine’s Day party, and we know we will be here celebrating next year by God’s grace. We thank Seinye Lulu-Briggs and her team for the love and care.”
