The Lagos State First Lady, Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has said senior citizens must continue to feel valued and cared for, stressing that growing old should not mean being forgotten by society.

According to a statement released by the Lagos State Government on Monday, Sanwo-Olu spoke during a visit to senior citizens in Badagry Central Local Government Area, Badagry West Local Council Development Area and Olorunda LCDA under an elderly support initiative.

She said the programme was designed not only to provide financial assistance to older persons but also to demonstrate love, respect and appreciation for their contributions to society.

“Growing old should never mean being forgotten by the society they helped to build,” Sanwo-Olu said, stressing that senior citizens should remain included and valued whether or not they were still working or able to perform activities they once could.

According to the statement, Sanwo-Olu described Badagry as “a place with a rich history, deep cultural heritage and people whose contributions remain an important part of Lagos’ story.”

She recalled that the first phase of the elderly visitation programme in the Badagry division began on 29 July with visits to senior citizens in Oori-Ade, Amuwo-Odofin and Ojo, where beneficiaries received food items and cash support.

Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the elderly support initiatives of the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, saying interventions aimed at improving the welfare and dignity of older persons should be sustained.

She said the Lagos, Ikorodu and Epe Divisions had already been covered by the ongoing visitation programme, with Badagry now included.

According to her, Ikeja remains the only division yet to be reached under the programme.