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The Centre for Happy Elderly People (CHEP) has marked its 20th anniversary, highlighting two decades of work in elderly care, advocacy, capacity development and nursing education.
Established in 2006 by Pastor Mrs. Adanoritsewo Lilian Sule-Jiringho, CHEP said its activities have focused on improving the welfare of older persons, particularly those who are vulnerable, neglected or lack adequate family support.
The organisation said its work began with its founder’s personal efforts to reach out to elderly people, understand their needs and provide assistance before the initiative developed into a formal organisation.
Over the past two decades, CHEP has operated elderly care programmes and the CHEP Old People’s Home in Lagos, providing accommodation and other forms of support for older persons.
According to the organisation, its approach to elderly care extends beyond basic needs to include the physical, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of residents.
CHEP said it has also used its programmes and advocacy activities to draw attention to challenges associated with ageing in Nigeria, including loneliness, neglect, poverty, abuse, inadequate healthcare and social isolation.
As part of its efforts to strengthen elderly care, the organisation established the Geriatric Human Resource Development Academy. CHEP said more than 300 geriatric care assistants have benefited from its training programmes.
Another milestone highlighted by the organisation is the establishment of the CHEP College of Nursing Sciences in Ota, Ogun State.
The college received accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) in May 2025.
CHEP said the nursing institution reflects its broader focus on professional healthcare education and the development of personnel capable of providing care to individuals, families and communities.
The organisation has also called for greater attention to geriatric and gerontological care in Nigeria, citing the need for stronger systems for healthy ageing, long-term care, social protection, healthcare and age-friendly communities.
As part of its 20th anniversary activities, CHEP said it is looking towards the development of a comprehensive age-friendly elderly care community that would provide residential care, healthcare and other support services for older persons.
It also called for partnerships with government institutions, businesses, philanthropists, faith-based organisations, healthcare professionals and members of the public to support sustainable solutions for elderly care.
The organisation’s anniversary fundraising initiative is expected to support the expansion of its facilities and services, including the proposed age-friendly care community.
Reflecting on the anniversary, Sule-Jiringho expressed appreciation to past and present staff members who contributed to the organisation’s development.
She acknowledged those who worked with CHEP during its early years when, according to her, resources were limited, as well as current employees who continue to provide care and support to residents.
“Your work matters. Your sacrifice matters. Your kindness matters. And the lives you have touched matter,” she said.
The founder also thanked her husband, Deacon Isaiah Oboyowa Jiringho, and their children, Jiringho Oyokonmino Joy, Jiringho Misan Blessing, Jiringho Oritsegbubemi Samuel and Jiringho Oritseremeyiwa Miracle, for supporting efforts to assist older persons in need.
She also acknowledged CHEP’s donors, including the David Oyedepo Foundation and Adino Capital Limited, among others.
Sule-Jiringho said the anniversary represented an opportunity to reflect on CHEP’s journey while looking ahead to the organisation’s next phase.
“As we celebrate 20 years of God’s faithfulness, may the next chapter of CHEP be greater, stronger and more impactful than the years behind us,” she said.
CHEP was established in 2006 and is marking its 20th year of activities in 2026.
