Ogun NUJ Chairman, Wale Olanrewaju, Marks Golden Age by Empowering 50 Elderly Persons

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, celebrated his 50th birthday in a remarkable display of compassion and service by empowering 50 elderly men and women from across the state. He described the gesture as both a personal thanksgiving and a call to collective humanity.

According to the celebrant, sharing joy with the aged is a modest way of recognising the wisdom that comes with age and expressing gratitude for God’s grace, mercy, and faithfulness over the past five decades.

“Our elders represent wisdom, sacrifice, and resilience. Many laboured quietly to build families, communities, and institutions from which we benefit today. It is therefore both a duty and an honour to recognise and support them, not just with words, but with tangible acts of compassion,” Olanrewaju said.

Reflecting on moral lessons from his late parents, Comrade Olanrewaju described giving to the elderly as a humble way of honouring their memories, wishing they were alive to witness the celebration, which he said reflects the foundation they laid for his life and achievements.

He also expressed deep appreciation to the 50 beneficiaries, declaring that he symbolically adopted them as his parents. “From today, I see you as my fathers and mothers. Your prayers will be constant in my life, and I will never take your presence for granted,” he said.

Olanrewaju thanked members of his NUJ executive, colleagues, family, partners, and well-wishers for supporting the “Gifting the Aged” initiative, which embodies ideals of service and humanity.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, said the celebration was deliberately designed to go beyond mere festivity. He noted that the NUJ Chairman chose to give back meaningfully to society at a time when many would focus solely on personal celebration.

Comrade Adigun praised Olanrewaju’s leadership style, describing him as “a man whose golden age celebration reflects golden values of kindness, empathy, and responsibility.” He added that the presence of all the beneficiaries affirmed that meaningful change is possible when people unite with a shared sense of purpose.

Dignitaries and colleagues, including NUJ National Officer Comrade James Sowole, commended the celebrant for living the core values of journalism. Comrades Abiodun Taiwo and Kemi Orunsolu described Olanrewaju as a bridge-builder whose life at 50 has been defined by service.

The Vice Chairman of the Council, Abiodun Lawal, also applauded the chairman for choosing the elderly as the focus of his celebration, saying the gesture “sets a standard worthy of emulation.”

The emotional high point of the event came when Mrs. Olanrewaju, the celebrant’s wife, eulogised her husband as “a compassionate man who finds joy not in what he gets, but in what he gives.” She thanked God for his life and prayed for continued strength and wisdom as he journeys into the next phase of life.

The celebration culminated in the distribution of essential food packs—including rice, beans, garri, noodles, and other cooking staples—to the beneficiaries, carefully selected to sustain them for a reasonable period.

Responding on behalf of the elderly, Mrs. Adijatu Ayelabola expressed gratitude for the kind gesture, stressing that if more well-meaning individuals emulate this act, the world would be a better place for all.