Over 2000 elderly residents across Ondo State on Wednesday benefitted from the PBAT free Medicare programme, a comprehensive medical support initiative funded by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as part of efforts to mobilise the aged to support reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 polls.
The exercise, held in Akure, the state capital, provided a wide range of health services targeting senior citizens within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PBAT Medicare programme which was at the Akure residence of the Leader of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Chief Erastus Akeju, during the regular meeting of the elders, featured general medical consultations and routine check-ups, laboratory investigations, blood pressure and diabetes screening, as well as eye and dental examinations.
Beneficiaries also received essential medications, dietary supplements, health education, and professional counselling aimed at improving their overall well-being.
Speaking at the meeting, the Leader of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Chief Erastus Akeju, said the initiative was a product of extensive deliberations within the elders’ forum, designed to enhance the health, dignity, and lifespan of senior members of the ruling party. He added that while the programme was fully funded by Dr. Tunji-Ojo, its implementation owed much to the dedication and organisational strength of Chief Nimbe Tawose.
Chief Akeju described the Medicare project as a reflection of the Minister’s deep humanitarian commitment and unwavering loyalty to the reelection bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to him, the gesture reinforces APC’s enduring culture of honouring those whose sacrifices helped build the party.
“Our elders are the foundation upon which our victories stand. Their sacrifices, wisdom, and endurance shaped our journey. It is therefore both a moral duty and a political responsibility to prioritize their health and dignity,” he stated.
Chief Akeju further commended Dr. Tunji-Ojo for translating compassion into action through initiatives that directly impact lives.
In his remarks, Secretary of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Chief Ebenezer Alabi, disclosed that a monitoring team had been set up to ensure transparency, efficiency, and uninterrupted delivery of the Medicare services.
Facilitator of the programme, Hon. Ademola Ijabiyi, urged beneficiaries and party members not to take the Minister’s interest in elder welfare for granted. He cited the monthly elders’ meetings, job opportunities facilitated by the Minister, and various development projects across Ondo State as evidence of Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to humanity.
Also speaking, APC chieftain and National Chairman, Senior Citizen Centre, Abuja, Chief Ade Ayeni noted that opinion leaders under his coordination had been working tirelessly to mobilize support for the APC, particularly towards securing President Tinubu’s reelection.
A guest lecturer at the event, Dr. (Mrs.) Joy Eloho-Orji of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, educated participants on healthy living in old age, stressing that ageing is a natural transition rather than a disease.
She also advised elders on domestic safety precautions and urged political leaders to prioritise regular medical check-ups, including blood pressure and prostate screening.
Dr. Orji further encouraged adherence to prescribed medications, adequate sleep, and avoidance of smoking and alcohol.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Princess Bukky Abike-Oluderu, Hon. Tayelolu Owanikin, and Chief Sylvester Omotoriogun, expressed gratitude to Dr. Tunji-Ojo for the initiative.
They pledged renewed commitment toward advancing the ruling party that continues to recognize and honour its elder statesmen.
