The ceremony was held on the 29th of April 2022 at the Tom and Carolyn Walker Hall, Dominican University in Ibadan. It began with the celebration of the Holy Mass at the Dominican Chapel and was presided by Rev. Fr. Modestus Ngwu, OP, the Prior Provincial of the Province of the St. Joseph the Worker in Nigeria and Ghana. In his homily, he affirmed the bold step taken to care for the elderly, and he strongly emphasized the need to appreciate the lives of the elderly while they are still here living with us.
While delivering his opening remarks, the Chairman, Emeritus Prof. Ibi Ajayi, commended and encouraged all members to make an effort and be committed in ensuring that the organization has a solid foundation. Mr. Vincent Emeke, OP unveiled the road map of ILADECAF. Speaking on behalf of the members of St. Vincent Ferrer Lay Dominican Fraternity, Mr. Emeke, OP presented the vision, mission, and goal of the Elderly Care Foundation. In his speech, he said that the Lay Dominican professionals conceived the foundation to cater to the health needs of the aging population. It thus focuses on those who once kindly and devotedly cared for us. In addition, the foundation will help the elderly accept their developmental stage of life and be mentally, physically, and spiritually alert to cope with the inherent and natural demands of aging.
On another note, the official inauguration and commissioning of the Administrative Office of the Board of Trustees (BOT) were done in the presence of Barr. Temitayo Ladipo, Mrs. Patricia Oha, OP, the moderator of the fraternity, and Rev. Fr. Francis Chiadi, OP, the promoter of the Dominican Family. Each member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) pronounced their commitment to ILADECAF as they took the oath of office. Members of the Board include Mrs. Otunba Lateefat Koiki – Chairman, Prof. Ambrose Aiyelari – Alternate Chairman, Prof. Adenike E. Emeke, OP – Secretary, Mrs. Patricia Elunwa Oha, OP – Treasurer, Prof. Wuraola Sokunbi – Medical Adviser 1, Dr. Bukola Omobowale – Medical Adviser 2, Dr. Tominiyi Owolabi – Legal Adviser, Mrs. Adeteju I. Oluwa – IT/ Media Adviser, Mr. Vincent A. Emeke, OP, and Mrs. Beatrice Chizor Ibeh, OP. Other members, however, shall be formally admitted to the Board of Trustees upon approval.
Other guests who were present at the ceremony were likewise acknowledged. Among them were Bishop Ayo-Maria Atoyebi, OP, and Very Rev. Msgr. Emmanuel Bolaji Yakubu, who represented his Bishop, Emmanuel A. Badejo; the Dominican friars, Dominican sisters, St. Rose of Lima Fraternity, members of the lay faithful, and other health care professionals.
OPSTUDENTATE MEDIA
