GRAF Celebrates 15th Anniversary As A Former Minister Of Justice Seeks Legal Framework On Older Persons Welfare

A former Chaplain of Aso Villa, Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba has advised Christians to always embrace lifestyle that will guarantee them a healthy and responsible graceful ageing.

Venerable Onwuzurumba gave the advice in his sermon to mark the 15th Anniversary of a Faith Based Non Governmental Organization, Graceful Ageing Fellowship, GRAF, in Abuja

He described old age as a blessing hence the need for christians to shun act that could deny them of the divine blessing.

Venerable Onwuzurumba whose message centered on the theme of the Anniversary “A balanced lifestyle”, also stressed the need for older persons to always live a Godly live worthy of emulation

In a remark, a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo commended GRAF for being in the forefront of promoting healthy living and graceful ageing among Nigerianns.

While congratulating the Fellowship on its fifteenth anniversary, Chief Ojo advised older persons to always exercise, eat natural foods and fruits and desist from unhealthy lifestyle and foods.

The former Minister of Justice who expressed concern over challenges confronting pensioners and some older persons in the country emphasized the need for legal framework that would improve their wellbeing in line with international best practi

On her part, the Guest Speaker, , Dr Ada Mac-Odigee, Lecturer at the National Open University, NOUN, Headquarters Abuja called for continuation sensitization campaign and advocacy towards ensuring better living condition for older persons in the country.

She also emphasized the need for them to eat right, exercise regularly and be committed to the service of God and humanity.

Earlier, the International Coordinator of Graceful Ageing Fellowship, GRAF, Senator Eze Ajoku, OFR, said the Fellowship had in last fifteen years promoted healthy living through its various activities among the old persons and the younger ones both in Nigeria and other countries.

“GRAF was born out of a sickness experience I had back in 2009, through that experience, I was introduced to a healthy living lifestyle by Doctor N.A Onuoha .Thereafter the Holy Spirit then encouraged me to teach my age mates what I had learnt which had led to my recovery and this is how was GRAF” birthed Senator Eze Ajoku said

In his words”GRAF activities were started in Port Hacourt, Enugu, Aba, Owerri, Jos, Minna, Makurdi, Lagos, Ghana, Liberia and Cote D’ivore but later refocused to Abuja because of funding and stamina to cover the expansion . GRSF is not funded except membership support therefore we welcome friendly supports”.

According to him, GRAF is involved in providing standard weekly exercises, regular health and wellness talks using professionals (Doctors, Dieticians and other health professionals), mental /Spiritual health teachings, free health screenings, media outreach on healthy livings, generally encouraging people to be proactive and preventive about their health conditions.

“The theme of this year’s celebration, “A Balanced Lifestyle,” could not be more fitting. A balanced lifestyle is essential to ageing gracefully. It is about nurturing the body, mind, and spirit; prioritizing health and wellness; cultivating meaningful relationships; and maintaining a strong connection to faith. As we age, a balanced lifestyle ensures that we can continue to live vibrant, active, and fulfilling lives. Let this theme guide our reflections today and inspire us to make choices that promote wellness in every aspect of life” He noted

Members of GRAF who spoke on the 15th Anniversary expressed gratitude to God for giving them the grace to witness the anniversary.

Highpoints of the Anniversary were health talks, dancing competition among members ,awards to deserving members and others