The Nigerian chapter of the Global Veterans has scheduled a programme to celebrate the 2026 edition of the United Nations International Day of Older People.
The event, themed: ‘The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,’ according to the Convener, Veteran Victor Oluwadamilare, is billed to hold at the Media Centre of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, formerly Liberty Stadium, off Oke Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State at 1:00 pm, on Thursday October 1, 2026.
In a statement, Veteran Oluwadamilare stressed that the International Day of Older People is a day set aside by the UN to celebrate old age and accord recognition to the aged, adding that this event promises to discuss health issues related to growing old and how best to prevent growing old from gradually turning into a curse and a life of want, deprivation, bitterness and abandonment.
“In Nigeria today, as it is in many third countries, poverty is no longer the major issue, one of the major issues is growing old in difficult times.”
Without doubt, many elderly people are wallowing in silent suffering, and they cannot openly confess it – why – because African parents, many Nigerian parents are trained to hide their pains.
It is in recognition of this fact that the Global Veterans have put together this event to look at various ways of ensuring that older people enjoy longevity in peace, good health and joy without the attending pains and suffering.
The Special Guest of Honour at the event is Hon. Akim AdebolaYusuf, the Oyo State Gubernatorial Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) who will dwell much on the theme for the 2026 International Day of Older People.
The Chairman of the day is a Broadcast Icon, Prince Ade Adekanmbi, Executive Chairman, Board of Directors, Crest FM Group. Dr. Adedotun Daniel, CMD, Agbala Iwosan Elders Care Foundation, will give a Health Pep Talk for the Elderly. Other dignitaries expected at the event include Comrade Mashood Erubami, former President, Campaign for Democracy (CD), Prof. Muyiwa Popoola, Prof. Niran Aluko, Comrade Osuntade James Ayoade, Oyo State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners’ (NUP) many Chief Executives of Media Organizations across the South West states and dignitaries from all walks of life.
Major thematic areas of this year’s celebration, based on the theme include Adapting global and local societies to expand the older adults’ population; Ensuring that longer lives remain healthy, productive and financially secured, Improving age-inclusive labour and societal protection policies and Integrating care and lifelong well-being across governmental sectors.
The event will feature keynote addresses and an audience dialogue, where opportunities would be provided to exchange experiences, share innovative policy approaches and collaboration to promote the rights, well being and full integration of older people.
