Lagos Ease Burden On Elderly Caregivers With Cash, Free Healthcare
By Sherif Salau
The Lagos State Government has provided financial assistance and free healthcare services to elderly persons living with disabilities and ageing caregivers responsible for children with disabilities as part of efforts to improve their welfare and quality of life.
The intervention was delivered through the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) at the 2026 Older Persons with Disabilities and Elderly Caregivers Support Programme, held on Monday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The programme, themed “Ageing with Dignity,” was designed to address the challenges confronting older persons with disabilities and elderly parents who continue to shoulder the responsibility of caring for children with disabilities despite their advancing age.
Speaking at the event, LASODA General Manager, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, said the initiative was aimed at providing targeted assistance to two vulnerable groups whose welfare often requires greater attention and sustained government support.
Beneficiaries received financial support and access to free medical services, including dental examinations, consultations, scaling and polishing, blood pressure checks and basic medications.
The programme also featured health education sessions covering ageing with disabilities, the demands of long-term caregiving and the management of hypertension among older people.
Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, described the intervention as part of the state government’s commitment to promoting the welfare, inclusion and dignity of older residents and persons living with disabilities.
He said the initiative aligned with the state’s THEMES Plus development agenda, which seeks to ensure that vulnerable groups are not excluded from government policies and social support programmes.
One of the beneficiaries, 75-year-old Eyitayo Aridegbe, expressed appreciation for the intervention, revealing that he had never undergone dental screening, scaling and polishing before participating in the programme.
He commended LASODA for providing the medical services and financial assistance, describing the gesture as a welcome relief.
The latest intervention forms part of LASODA’s annual support efforts aimed at improving access to healthcare and providing financial relief for older persons with disabilities and elderly caregivers.
For many ageing caregivers, who continue to provide support for family members living with disabilities despite the physical and financial demands, the assistance offers some relief from the challenges associated with long-term caregiving.
Through the programme, the Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social protection and ensuring that older persons and residents with disabilities continue to receive attention, support and opportunities to live with dignity.
