New Vision For Elder Care Systems Set For Unveiling

Nigeria is poised for a significant shift in the care landscape for its ageing population as a new digital and community-driven eldercare ecosystem launches officially on November 20, 2025, in Akure, Ondo State. The event, themed “Caring Forward – Building an Integrated Care System for the Older Generation in Nigeria and Beyond,” is positioned as […]

Nigeria is poised for a significant shift in the care landscape for its ageing population as a new digital and community-driven eldercare ecosystem launches officially on November 20, 2025, in Akure, Ondo State.

The event, themed “Caring Forward – Building an Integrated Care System for the Older Generation in Nigeria and Beyond,” is positioned as a sector-shaping forum bringing together policymakers, healthcare leaders, investors and families to reimagine ageing on the continent.

The initiative is led by Olayinka Aremu (née Ebisemiju), an Assistant Professor of Nursing in Ireland and doctoral researcher, whose professional experience abroad revealed deep gaps in Nigeria’s elder-support systems. She traced her motivation to the difficulty of coordinating reliable care for her 75-year-old mother from overseas.

“That experience changed everything,” she said. “While caring for other people’s parents abroad, I realised there was no system that supported mine. This project was born from that pain, from research, and from the clear need for evidence-based, person-centred care systems in Africa.”

Aremu noted that the structural weaknesses affecting older Nigerians have become unsustainable. “Those who invested their lives in others are now left to face old age alone. Our system was not built to support them at their most vulnerable, and that must change.”

The platform seeks to address these gaps through a technology-enabled model connecting older adults, families and verified care professionals. Features include AI-assisted assessments, telehealth, home and community-based services, family care dashboards, wellness kits, workforce empowerment programmes and plans for integrated care hubs across Nigeria and Africa.

The conference will host a lineup of sector leaders. Professor Oluwatoyin Musa of the University of Abuja will deliver the keynote address. Other speakers include Dr. Alonge of the Nigerian Medical Association (Ondo State), Hon. Omoyofunmi Segun, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, and Mrs. Mary Aliu, Director of Nursing Services, Ondo State Ministry of Health.

Royal Fathers expected at the event include the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi; the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II); and Oba Frederick Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugbo Land. Senior government officials, women leaders, pension administrators and community stakeholders are also due to attend.

One of the major highlights will be the unveiling of the initiative’s Advisory Board chaired by Professor Amanda Phelan, Professor of Ageing and Community Health in Ireland. “This is the right initiative at the right time,” Phelan said. “It merges research with compassion, connects technology with care, and reframes ageing as continuity rather than decline.”

A live expo will demonstrate the ecosystem’s digital tools, offering AI-driven assessments, access to care providers and free onboarding. Older persons will also receive health checks, including blood pressure, glucose and mobility screenings, while selected seniors will be presented with Smart Care Packages containing wellness kits and monitoring devices.

The event will also feature the commissioning of Care Action Ambassadors and the inauguration of the Elders in Care Council, a body of respected community leaders tasked with advising and advocating for older persons nationwide.