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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Convener of the National Pre-Retirement Summit, Eugenia Ndukwe, has announced plans to establish centres across Nigeria where older people can receive care, learn, earn and remain active in their communities.
Ndukwe, founder of XEM Consultants, said the initiative would begin with a flagship centre in her hometown, Agulu, Anambra State, in honour of her mother, Mrs Evelyn Iloanya.
Speaking in Abuja, she said the Evelyn Iloanya Ageing Centre for Productivity and Empowerment would commence full operations in the first quarter of 2027.
“We will accommodate those who wish to reside there and those who will be coming for daily visits. It will be a home of purposeful ageing, not a waiting or transit place for the end,” she said.
Ndukwe said the model would combine residential care with learning, enterprise, mentorship, healthcare and community engagement.
Residents aged 65 and above would have access to accommodation, nutrition, caregiving, routine medical checks, medication supervision and wellness monitoring.
They would also take part in low-stress enterprises suited to their interests, skills and capabilities, including gardening, food processing, traditional cooking, tailoring, crafts, soap and bead making, snail farming and sachet water production.
“Every elder earns from what they produce,” she said.
She said the initiative would provide income and companionship, reduce loneliness and help older people retain a sense of dignity and purpose.
“It will also create jobs, stimulate local enterprises and contribute to preserving indigenous languages and cultural heritage.
“My mother’s mobility is weakened by age, but her mind, her hands and her words remain strong. So are those of millions of our mothers and fathers. They deserve a home for purpose,” she said.
