For many elderly people, ageing can sometimes come with loneliness, isolation and fewer opportunities to socialise. But at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre, those realities gave way to music, laughter, friendship and renewed memories as senior citizens gathered for an evening of entertainment and celebration.
The Centre, located on the outskirts of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, came alive as dozens of elderly residents and regular visitors turned out for a special “Karaoke Hangout: Golden Voices and Golden Memories”, designed to promote social interaction, emotional well-being and active ageing.
From old-time favourites to contemporary tunes, the senior citizens took turns at the microphone, singing and dancing while cheering one another on. The evening also featured a karaoke challenge, “Complete the Lyrics” and “Name That Artist” competitions, with winners receiving prizes.
The event provided more than entertainment. For the participants, it was an opportunity to reconnect with friends, showcase talents they might otherwise keep hidden and enjoy a sense of belonging.
Special Guest and Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, added a personal touch to the occasion by presenting gifts as prizes to winners of the various competitions and games.
Addressing the gathering, Lady Obareki explained that the event represented the fulfilment of a vision by her late mother, Patience Umo Eno, to create a recreational space where elderly people could enjoy their later years in dignity, companionship and happiness.
She said the vision was to ensure that senior citizens were not left isolated at home, but had a place where they could meet, interact, have fun and maintain meaningful social connections.
Lady Obareki expressed appreciation to Governor Pastor Umo Eno for supporting the vision and ensuring that the Centre had become a reality, stressing that its significance went beyond the physical structure to the care and attention given to the state’s ageing population.
She also commended the Delivery Advisor of the Centre, Dr Itawan James, as well as its staff and caregivers, for creating a welcoming environment and providing services including medical checks, dental care and eye examinations for the elderly.
Lady Obareki encouraged more senior citizens to make regular use of the Centre, describing it as a place for recreation, networking and continued engagement.
Earlier, Dr Itawan James explained that the karaoke hangout was organised to celebrate senior citizens and give them an atmosphere in which they could relax, express themselves and build friendships, particularly as Akwa Ibom State marks its 39th anniversary.
Dr James said the Centre remained committed to programmes that improve the quality of life of elderly people, noting that those who had contributed immensely to the development of society deserved spaces where they could enjoy companionship and continue to participate actively in community life.
The senior citizens themselves were at the heart of the celebration. They expressed gratitude to the organisers, describing the gathering as a welcome opportunity to escape routine, meet friends, sing, dance and simply enjoy themselves.
The event reflects the broader “Care for the Elderly” thematic area of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), under which more than 12,000 senior citizens are beneficiaries of the State Government’s welfare package through the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly.
The initiative underscores a growing recognition that support for older persons should extend beyond financial assistance to include companionship, recreation, healthcare, dignity and opportunities for social participation.
The Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre provides care, recreational activities and a community network for elderly citizens, offering them an opportunity not only to receive support, but to remain socially connected and celebrated as valued members of society.
