Gilbert Ekugbe
The Federal Government has been urged to make food security and practical welfare support for elderly Nigerians two clear national priorities, as growing numbers of older citizens in rural and low-income communities struggle with hunger and isolation.
In a statement on Thursday, philanthropist Ben Edem urged initiatives such as local food banks for the elderly in society.
He observed that while many humanitarian programmes focus on children, youth and families, elderly people are often left out.
“Many of them worked hard all their lives but can no longer earn enough to feed themselves. Some have lost their spouses or children. Others live with relatives who are also struggling financially,” he said.
To Ben, this is a quiet humanitarian crisis that many people prefer not to talk about.
He said the food bank initiative came from his personal encounters with older people who were going through serious hardship.
“Instead of treating elderly people as mere charity cases, the initiative was built around dignity, respect and personal connection. The work recognises that hunger among older people is not just about lack of food. It is also about isolation, poor health, loss of income, and the painful feeling of being abandoned.”
He pointed out that his Local Food Bank for the Elderly, under the Rural Food Bank Support Foundation, is already providing essential food, care and dignity to vulnerable seniors across Lagos and Ogun states.
The initiative distributes rice, garri, beans, noodles, cooking oil, seasoning and toiletries to elderly beneficiaries.
Volunteers and community leaders also conduct home visits for those unable to attend distributions, offer companionship, and provide small grants to help some restart modest trading businesses.
“To some of our beneficiaries, a pack of food goes beyond the stomach,” Edem said.
“It restores their hope and reminds them that they are not alone.”
Many of the elderly people reached by the programme spent decades raising families and contributing to their communities, yet now face hardship due to lost income, weak family support and limited access to social welfare.
The foundation has organised communities into zones with local coordinators and volunteers to identify those in need and maintain regular contact.
It reports reaching thousands of elderly people in more than 30 communities.
Edem noted that while many humanitarian efforts focus on children and families, older citizens are often overlooked.
He called for stronger partnerships with government agencies, businesses, religious institutions and individuals to expand support.
Advocates say grassroots efforts like the Local Food Bank for the Elderly demonstrate what is possible, but lasting change requires the Federal Government to prioritise consistent food programmes and practical support systems that uphold the dignity of senior citizens.
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