Karaoke, laughter and thoughtful gifts turn senior citizens’ centre into a celebration of life, friendship and cherished memories
By Chioma Vivian James
The Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre in Akwa Ibom State came alive with music, laughter and cherished memories on Friday as dozens of senior citizens gathered for an evening of karaoke, games and social interaction.
The colourful event, tagged “Karaoke Hangout: Golden Voices and Golden Memories,” transformed the centre into a vibrant community space where elderly residents and regular visitors were given the opportunity to relax, showcase their talents and celebrate life in the company of friends and well-wishers.
The initiative was designed to promote social connection, emotional wellbeing and active ageing, while providing senior citizens with an avenue to interact, have fun and build meaningful relationships.
The evening featured karaoke sessions, a karaoke challenge, “Complete the Lyrics” and “Name That Artist” competitions, as well as other fun games that gave participants opportunities to win prizes.
Adding a special and deeply personal touch to the celebration was the presence of the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, who attended with thoughtful gifts for the senior citizens.
The gifts were distributed as prizes to winners of the various singing competitions and games, further heightening the excitement and ensuring that participants felt appreciated and celebrated.
Bringing a Mother’s Vision to Life
Addressing the gathering, Lady Helen Obareki described the event as a significant moment in the fulfilment of her late mother’s vision of creating a recreational environment where senior citizens could enjoy companionship, dignity and happiness after years of contributing to the development of the state.
She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness the vision become reality, noting that the centre was conceived as a place where older people could come together, socialise and enjoy life rather than experience loneliness and isolation.
Lady Helen also commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for supporting initiatives targeted at improving the welfare of senior citizens.
According to her, the significance of the centre goes beyond the physical structure, stressing that its real value lies in preserving and implementing the vision of providing care, recreation and companionship for the state’s ageing population.
She thanked the Delivery Advisor of the centre, Dr Itawan James, alongside the staff and caregivers, for maintaining a welcoming environment and providing additional services for the elderly.
She particularly acknowledged the medical routines and checks, including dental and eye-care services, while encouraging senior citizens to make regular use of the centre for recreation, networking and social interaction.
Celebrating the Elderly Through Recreation
Earlier, Dr Itawan James explained that the karaoke hangout was organised to fete senior citizens in an atmosphere of warmth, friendship and celebration as Akwa Ibom State marked its 39th anniversary.
She emphasised the centre’s commitment to creating programmes that enrich the lives of elderly citizens and provide opportunities for them to remain socially active.
Dr James noted that senior citizens had contributed immensely to the growth and development of society and deserved spaces where they could relax, express themselves and enjoy meaningful social interaction.
She said the centre would continue to explore programmes that would enable elderly residents to discover and showcase their talents, strengthen friendships and enjoy their later years in a supportive environment.
Senior Citizens Applaud Initiative
The senior citizens responded with enthusiasm throughout the evening, singing along to familiar tunes, participating in the games and cheering fellow participants during the competitions.
They expressed appreciation to Lady Helen Obareki, the management of the centre and other stakeholders for dedicating an evening entirely to their happiness and relaxation
For the elderly residents, the event offered more than entertainment. It provided an opportunity to reconnect with friends, share memories, discover hidden talents and experience the sense of belonging that comes from being valued by the wider community.
The programme also reinforced the importance of recreation and social interaction as essential components of healthy and dignified ageing.
Government’s Continued Support for Senior Citizens
“Care for the Elderly” is one of the thematic areas of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), through which more than 12,000 senior citizens have reportedly benefited from the Akwa Ibom State Government’s welfare package for the elderly under the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly.
The Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre is positioned as a hub for comprehensive care, recreational activities and community support for older citizens.
The karaoke hangout therefore served as another demonstration of the centre’s broader objective of ensuring that ageing is accompanied by dignity, companionship, care and opportunities for continued social participation.
Dignitaries Grace Event
Among dignitaries who attended the event were the Member representing Ikono State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Asuquo Udo; wife of the Deputy Speaker, Mrs Enobong Edidem; wife of the Member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Mrs Nsikak Eric Akpan; and Chairman of Nsit Ibom Local Government Council, Mrs Otobong Aaron.
Others included the President of WALGON, Mrs Akaninyene Udo; wives of the Chairmen of Nsit Ubium, Mkpat Enin and Itu Local Government Areas; wife of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Mrs Idara Ekong; Honorary Special Advisers to the Governor and other stakeholders.
As the music faded and the evening drew to a close, the laughter and smiles shared by the senior citizens underscored a simple but powerful message: growing older should not mean growing isolated.
At the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre, the golden years are being given a new soundtrack — one filled with friendship, laughter, music and treasured memories.
