The Kwara State Government in North Central Nigeria has unveiled plans to establish a geriatric centre as part of a strategic effort to institutionalise care for the elderly and simultaneously create employment opportunities within the state.

This significant move was announced during the celebration of the 2025 National Older Persons Day, held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall, opposite the Government House in Ilorin.

The event, which was organised by the Ministry of Social Development in collaboration with the Brafem Geriatric Foundation, also featured the launch of the Kwara State Indigenous Crafts and Awards. This new platform is designed to celebrate the creativity and resilience of the state's elderly artisans.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Innah Fatimah Imam, stated that society must adapt to changing times by creating structured systems specifically designed to cater for the aged population.

"The world is evolving, and people are becoming more engaged with work and business. It's not neglect, but reality that many may not have time to cater to their parents," she said.

According to her, the government is developing a system where trained caregivers will look after the elderly.

She added that a proposal for a geriatric centre is before the governor, and it will be sited at the Amoyo Rehabilitation Home, while the project will create jobs and strengthen nursing care in the state.

The Commissioner added that the day was set aside to celebrate the state's senior citizens  their health, experiences, and contributions to community life while encouraging younger generations to value indigenous craftsmanship.

Delivering a goodwill message, Princess Risikat Omolara Yusuff, Chairperson, Board of Trustees of the OneFoundation and the Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his "transformational leadership and people-oriented governance."

She described the governor's approach as a model of inclusiveness that recognises both the elderly and the youth.

"We are ready to complement the government's efforts at all levels.

"Our collaboration with youth and international organisations like IOM and SOS Nigeria has yielded success stories in employability and entrepreneurship and we are proud to align this energy with the state's vision for social development," she said.

In her keynote address, Executive Director of the Brafem Geriatric Foundation and Kwara State Coordinator on Ageing Affairs, Mrs Beatrice Oyegbade, recounted the foundation's 16-year journey of service to the elderly, highlighting achievements in community advocacy, medical outreach, caregiver training, and social support.

According to her, "Brafem Foundation has reached all 16 local government areas, providing free drugs, food, and counselling to senior citizens.

She disclosed that the foundation has also trained health workers in geriatric care and strengthened collaboration with both state and federal governments.

However, she noted that challenges remain, including poor funding, lack of infrastructure, and absence of a comprehensive state policy on ageing.

Oyegbade called for the establishment of a Geriatric Social Care Unit in Kwara State and the provision of mobility resources like ambulances to enhance emergency response for the elderly.

According to her, "Our elders are the custodians of history and wisdom, let us build a Kwara where every older person lives with dignity and purpose."

The event drew dignitaries from across the state, including local government chairmen, humanitarian advocates, and traditional leaders, with a display of locally made crafts by elderly artisans and awards recognising outstanding contributions to community service.

Kwara State has an average population of 116,000 adults aged 60 years and above, out of approximately 14.8 million population of older persons in Nigeria.