GRAF Marks 16th Anniversary, Renews Call for Medical and Financial Support for Older Persons

To promote healthy ageing, former President of the Senate, Senator Pius Anyim, has urged older persons to embrace regular physical exercise and maintain a godly lifestyle.

Senator Anyim made the appeal in Abuja during the Sixteenth Anniversary Celebration of the Graceful Ageing Fellowship (GRAF), themed “The Gift of GRAF: Extraordinary Blessings to Humanity.

He further encouraged older adults to continue contributing their knowledge and experience to national development.

Commending GRAF for its sustained efforts in promoting graceful ageing over the past sixteen years, Senator Anyim advised the elderly to adopt healthy eating habits and consistent exercise as part of their daily lifestyle.

Earlier, the International Coordinator of GRAF, Senator Eze Ajoku, explained that the Fellowship has, through its programmes, championed the wellbeing, dignity, and inclusion of older persons. These efforts include exercise sessions, teachings on graceful ageing, and Bible study fellowship.

“Every Saturday morning, we gather to move our bodies, stretch our muscles, and renew our strength, as Isaiah 40:31 reminds us: ‘They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.’ Through these gatherings, many have discovered renewed energy, improved mobility, and a stronger sense of community,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the instructors and coordinators who lead the exercise sessions, acknowledging their dedication as a life-giving service to members.

Speaking further, Senator Ajoku highlighted the role of GRAF’s last-Saturday seminars, during which pastors provide spiritual nourishment and medical professionals share health guidance. According to him, these sessions have saved lives, reduced anxiety, deepened knowledge, and empowered older persons. He emphasized that the active participation of members remains the backbone of GRAF’s ministry.

He noted that in the past year, GRAF was blessed with the Daily Graceful Ageing Devotional, which has become a source of morning inspiration for many within and beyond Nigeria.

“As we celebrate today, let us remember 3 John 1:2: ‘Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.’ This captures GRAF’s mission—prosperity of spirit, strength of body, clarity of mind, and joy in old age,” he added.

Senator Ajoku used the occasion to call on the Federal Government to introduce medical support and financial incentives for older persons. He also urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Older Persons Bill to guarantee social security for the elderly.

Some members and beneficiaries of GRAF expressed gratitude to God for the impact the Fellowship has made in their lives over the past sixteen years. They commended the organisation’s leadership for its dedication and encouraged other religious bodies to emulate GRAF’s commitment to the rights and wellbeing of older persons.

Highlights of the 16th Anniversary celebration included exercise sessions, a medical outreach, cutting of the anniversary cake, and thanksgiving.