SUNSHINE FOUNDATION PUT SHINE ON YOUTHS’ FACES

 

In furtherance of the 2013 World Day for the Elderly, the Sunshine Foundation led by Barr. Mrs. Rose Odiete, hosted youths drawn from different areas of Lagos in a public lecture with the theme:’ Prevalent Habits that Hampers Graceful Ageing’ at the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos. The event chaired by Honourable Justice  Lateef Lawal – Akapo, of the Lagos State Judiciary, featured eminent and experienced speakers which include Mr. Festus Unuigbe, Mrs. Aina Odion – Akhaine, Dr. Femi Fasanmade, medical consultant, College of Medicine, University of Lagos,  Mr. Lekan Olajumoke and Mr. Lanre Olusola, Life Style Instructor, among others. The special guest of honour Dr. Femi Olugbile, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Lagos State was ably represented by Mrs. Omowunmi George.

The event that was held on Nigeria’s 53 Independence anniversary day, was a double prong celebration for the participants, especially the elderly whom our society has neglected and the youths who are aspiring for good and positive pointers to lead and live a good life that will be of benefit to the larger community. Mrs. Odiete stated,’ what we are doing today is to engaged the young minds and this   is the Foundation’s  way of honouring our senior citizens, advancing  the ideals of God intent for creating man, to live life and doing it more abundantly.

L-R:Chairman, Safra Foods limited, Festus Unuigbe; Convener, Barrister Rose Odite; Rose Odite; deputy Director, Health Education, Lagos State Ministry of Heaklth, Mrs. Omowunmi George; Hon. Juistice Lateef Lawal-Akapo and Deputy Director, Education, Babatunde Omibeku at a Seminar organised by Sunshine Foundation to commemorate the UN special day for the Elderly at Unilag, Lagos.

 Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited medical team overseen by Mr. Enobong Amiang, Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist and Wellness Champion, supported the programme that was well attended. Over 500 participants were tested for various health issues – glucose, TC, HDL, LDC, TG, Hepatitis B and C as well HIV 1& 2. This brought big relief to all the people who did the test to ascertain their status.

All the facilitators who spoke passionately, agreed on the fact that,  it is better to go  through the little pains of life when young by living a  moderate life,  obeying the laws of God, loving more and daring to make a positive different that  will help the individual to live a good and enjoyable live at old age. Mrs. Odiete revealed that the Foundation action is informed by a thorough researched she carried out on the challenges of the elderly and the difficulties of caring for them. She believed that, the participants who were attentive would surely have a change of attitude and learn to ignore negative ways of life that would affect them in future. The lecture treated all matters that relate to the – body, spirit, and soul. The young people were given tips on how to live a good life and doing it well no matter the individual level in life. Parents were also advised to lay a solid foundation for their children by teaching them the good things of life.

The Chairman urged the Foundation not to relent in her effort in chatting a new course for the young generation. An  initiative he believed  will go a long way to add value to the overall well being of the lager Nigerian community health, increase life expectancy, reduce their visits to the hospital, saving a lot of lives, causing the society less pain and stress. Mrs. Omowunmi George added that the action if well taken help curb a lot of unhealthy life style that is injurious to not only the person but also society as a whole. She stressed that the provision of health care is better done via taking preventive measures than curative approach… This could be achieved through what the Sunshine Foundation is doing. The youths were asked to see every challenge of life as an opportunity to discover self more, learn and make progress for the betterment of all.

Mrs. Odiete  revealed that  the Foundation will continue to  ensure she provide the elderly and the youths with professional  and scientific tips that will enhance their wellness by periodically organizing  lectures and seminars. Many students attended the event called on corporate organizations to support such novel idea the ways they are doing for entertainment for balance, since health is wealth.