The Diocese of Asaba (Anglican Communion) has reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating and caring for the elderly through its annual Elderly Week Celebration, themed “Aging Gracefully and Peacefully,” drawn from Psalm 92:12–14.
Representing the Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Kingsley Chukwukamandu Obuh, the Ven. Chukwudi Ekwemuka delivered a heartfelt charge to senior citizens aged 70 years and above, reminding them of their divine worth and enduring significance in the body of Christ.
“God delights in you; you are special people decorated with His grace,” Ven. Ekwemuka declared.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are rich or poor, man or woman, with children or without, you are precious to God. The grace of God will continue to be sufficient for you, and as you age, you will see His favor manifesting all over your life.”
He described old age as “a blessing and not a curse,” urging the elderly to take pride in their journey and to recognize longevity as a divine gift.
“Most of you seated here have been blessings to your families, communities, and the Church,” he said. “This is the time to remind you that God appreciates your service. Long life is not by human power or righteousness, it is purely by grace.”
The celebration, held at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Ibusa, Oshimili north local government area of Delta State, featured free medical outreach, courtesy of the Diocese of Asaba Agape Foundation (DAAF), the Diocese’s humanitarian arm.
Speaking to journalists, Rev’d Canon Nneoma Ijezie, Chaplain to the Elderly Care Ministry and Secretary of DAAF, said the programme underscores the church’s commitment to holistic ministry that touches lives beyond the pulpit.
“What is happening here today is that the Church, through DAAF, is reaching out to elderly people aged 70 years and above. However, no one is excluded. Even those below 70 receive free medical attention,” she explained.
“We have diocesan doctors, nurses, and laboratory scientists attending to all manner of ailments. For severe cases, we refer patients to our diocesan hospital for further care. This outreach is open to everyone, Christians, Muslims, and people of all backgrounds, because love and care know no boundaries.”
Rev’d Ijezie also lauded Bishop Obuh for his vision and leadership in sustaining the Elderly Care Ministry, which has run for over 15 years as one of the foundation’s outreach programmes alongside its Correctional Centre Ministry, Orphanage, and Food Security projects.
“Remembering the elderly at a time like this is something every church should embrace,” he added. “We are grateful to our Bishop for leading this charge and for showing that true ministry means service to all.”
One of the beneficiaries, Ven. Victor Chukwuma Okoji (Rtd), expressed gratitude to the Diocese for organizing the programme.
“I came to identify with this wonderful initiative and also to check my health. Everything is going smoothly, and I believe that whoever comes will receive healing,” he said. “God is using the organizers as instruments to touch lives. Those who come to Jesus never go home the same.”
The Elderly Week Celebration, observed every first Saturday of October, continues to serve as a platform for the Church to honor, care for, and spiritually uplift senior citizens who have dedicated their lives to faith, family, and community service.
“As you age gracefully,” Ven. Ekwemuka concluded, “may you continue to flourish like the palm tree and remain ever fresh in the courts of our God.”
