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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The Mayor of Dunukofia Local Government Area, Anambra State, Hon. Chijioke Ozumba, successfully hosted the recent commemoration of World Alzheimer’s Day at the Comprehensive Health Centre (CHC), Ukpo, with a charge on elderly persons to still embrace life with gratitude and a positive mindset.
This year’s theme, “Ask about Alzheimer’s, Ask about Dementia,” highlighted the urgent need for greater awareness, early detection, and community support for families and individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Comprehensive Health Centre, NAUTH, Ukpo, the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation of Nigeria (ADAN), the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation (ADF), attracted medical experts, dignitaries, community leaders and residents of Dunukofia.
A major highlight of the programme was the Dunukofia Mayor’s special interaction with elderly citizens aged 75 years and above. The Mayor dined with them, shared drinks, engaged in heart-to-heart chats, and appreciated their lifelong contributions to the community.
In his remarks, Ozumba, a lawyer, emphasized his administration’s long-term commitment to the aged, stating: “Our elders are the pillars upon which our communities stand. As we mark World Alzheimer’s Day, we are not only raising awareness about dementia but also celebrating you—our fathers, mothers, and grandparents. My administration remains committed to ensuring that you are cared for, respected, and never forgotten. And as long as I remain in office, this health program will be sustained annually for the benefit of our people.”
Earlier, the Head of CHC Ukpo, Dr. Chijioke Ezenyeaku, thanked the Mayor for bringing such a programme to the grassroots. “This initiative is timely. Preventive health saves lives, and today’s programme has brought awareness and care directly to those who need it most.”
The Chief Medical Director of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Professor Joseph Ugboaja, represented by Prof. Chigozie Ifeadike, noted: “This programme demonstrates the value of partnership between government and health institutions. What Dunukofia LGA is doing here is a model that should be replicated across the state.”
A former minister, Iyom Josephine Anenih, described the initiative as people-centered leadership. “This kind of health programme is a clear demonstration of empathy, foresight, and inclusiveness. Hon. Ozumba has shown what it means to lead with the heart, in line with the Solution Agenda of Governor Soludo.”
The leader of Ndi Otu Odu Nneni in Anaocha LGA, Iyom Uzoaku Enukeme, represented by Iyom Dolly Echendu, praised the Mayor’s compassion for the aged, adding: “I was sent here not only to witness this programme, but also to learn how it is being done so that we can replicate the same in Neni. What the Mayor has started is worthy of duplication across Anambra.”
The commemoration also featured welcome concerts, medical talks, caregiving demonstrations, and interactive sessions, leaving participants better informed about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and general wellness.
Elderly participants expressed joy and gratitude. An octogenarian, 82-year-old Chinaka Okeke remarked: “This is the first time in many years that we are celebrated like this. The Mayor has shown us that we still matter.”
Reflecting on the celebration, a community leader from Ukpo, Chief Clinton Nwabueze described the 2025 World Alzheimer’s Day commemoration in Dunukofia as a landmark health advocacy and celebration of life. He said the event further strengthens the LGA’s position as a model of responsive leadership and grassroots healthcare under the solution agenda of Gov. Soludo.
