As part of efforts to put smiles on older people’s faces, Project Gray Elderly Care Initiative (PGECI), an elderly care and support organization that helps the poorest and potentially vulnerable in Nigeria with food supplies , housing, healthcare, empowerment and una voice, is currently sending food support to underprivileged older people across the country.
In its “Project Grant a Wish” campaign launched in December 2021, the organization has sent more than 100 boxes of staples to the elderly residents of the Isakaba slum community in Ikota, Agbede Eleja Aro and Eyita in the Ikorodu council. , Lagos.
In a conversation with Newslodge, PGECI founder Vera David-Emesiobum Doudeyeh said that the items provided were rice, yams, green bananas, sweet potatoes, beans, gari, tomato paste, bell peppers, salt, onions, powdered milk. , bottles of peanuts, wheat flour, oats, condiments, peanut oil and fruits, among others.
He added that diabetic and non-diabetic older adults were also taken into consideration, and the boxes were packed according to the health status of the recipient older adults.
Speaking about how she ventured out to care for the elderly, she said: “My relationship with my grandmother Isu as a child inspired my work. I lost my grandparents at an early age, but I had the privilege of spending a little time with Grandma. She was sick and had bowel incontinence. If Mom wasn’t around, it’s up to me, a four-year-old, to take care of her. My love and compassion for Grandma knew no bounds. When she died I was heartbroken.
Growing up, I identified a social gap: older adults go through a lot of difficulties due to non-inclusive social policies. I knew the right thing to do was step in and help, although I didn’t know how deep to go until I realized that helping and working closely with older people was my purpose; As I grew in the knowledge of God, I realized that I had to start the work that I do in PGECI ”.
Doudeyeh said his next project would be Ijebu Itele in Ogun state and another community in Cross River state.
The organization also visited the palace of the Eleyita from the land of Eyita, Ikorodu, Oba Memood Olatunji Oyebajo, before meeting with the inhabitants of the community.
Expressing his appreciation, the traditional ruler praised the initiative and encouraged them not to rest on their oars.