It was a day of joy, gratitude, and emotion at Solomon Ground, Olateju Street, as Dr. (Mrs.) Iyabo Oyeyemi Ayoola, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Central Internal Audit and founder of The Visioners Foundation, reached out to 500 senior citizens in the Mushin and Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye communities with cash gifts and food items.

The event drew elderly residents from both Mushin and Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye, many of whom are not members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who gathered to witness what was described as “an act of love and gratitude to our elders.”

Speaking at the event, Distinguished Senator Ganiyu Olarewaju Solomon (GOS), the political apex leader in Mushin and Odi-olowo Ojuwoye and member of the Lagos State Governor's Advisory Council, commended Dr. Ayoola for her unwavering generosity and commitment to the welfare of the people of Mushin and Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye.

“Dr. Ayoola has shown, time and again, that service to humanity goes beyond holding an office, for over a decade, she has supported families, empowered youths, and now she is remembering our elders who stood by the party and the community in all seasons. She is indeed a mother to all.” Senator GOS said. 

He also prayed for her continued strength and success, noting that her philanthropic spirit aligns with the progressive ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.

In her remarks, Dr. Iyabo Ayoola explained that the initiative was borne out of appreciation for the loyalty and sacrifices of elderly citizens, especially those who have supported the party and contributed to the stability of the community over the years.

“Our elders are the backbone of our political and social stability. They have stood with us through thick and thin, and this is just a small way of saying thank you for their loyalty, prayers, and wisdom.” she said. 

Speaking with Mushines News, Senator Solomon described the gesture as “worthy of praise and emulation,” calling on well-meaning individuals in the community to extend similar support to the less privileged and elderly.

“This is a worthy act to be praised and emulated by others within the community,” he said. “We must support people like her because it is not easy to give out money and food to this number of people. What she has done deserves commendation.” 

Dr. Ayoola further told Mushines News that the beneficiaries were carefully selected across all wards in Mushin and Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye, regardless of political affiliation.

“This gesture is to say thank you to our elders in the community,” she explained. “Many of them have been very helpful during elections, and we made sure that not only APC members benefited because it is not only APC supporters who voted for the party.”

Former Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye, also lauded Dr. Ayoola’s compassion said. “Dr. Ayoola’s consistency in quietly touching lives is a reminder that leadership is about service, not titles.”

Each of the 500 elderly beneficiaries received ₦20,000 in cash, along with bags of rice and garri. According to many of them, the gesture would bring much-needed relief amid the current economic hardship.

Mrs. Alalade Elizabeth, one of the beneficiaries from Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye, could not hold back her excitement.

“I’m so happy today because I’m not a member of the APC, yet I was remembered and included,” she said. “The money and food will go a long way in helping me buy what I need without worry. God bless Dr. Ayoola.”

Another recipient, Mr. Sunday Akinwunmi from Mushin, expressed appreciation to the donor.

“We old people often feel forgotten, but today, we know we still matter,” he said. “May God continue to bless our leaders.”

Other dignitaries like The Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, Chief Mrs Kehinde Ajinni, APC, Lagos Chapter Women Leader, Alhaji Babatunde Shitta-bey, APC Chairman, Mushin LGA Chapter, and host of others joined the donor in presenting the gifts to the beneficiares. 

The event ended with cheers, songs of appreciation, and prayers for the donor, as residents described the gesture as “timely, touching, and inspiring.”