FOMWAN Bauchi Plans Gymnastic Centre for Senior Citizens’ Wellness
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bauchi State chapter, has announced plans to establish a gymnastic centre within its primary healthcare facility to promote the wellness of senior citizens.
Hajiya Habiba Usman, the state chairperson, disclosed this on Saturday during a one-day health education engagement with senior citizens in the state.
She emphasized that elderly individuals are among the most vulnerable in society, making it essential to equip them with knowledge on maintaining good health.
The sessions covered topics such as nutrition, maternal and child health (MNCH), and the dangers of consuming foods with artificial preservatives and harmful chemicals. Participants were also encouraged to prioritize regular healthcare checkups.
“This initiative is in collaboration with the Bauchi State Senior Citizens Association. We engaged elderly participants in health education to enhance their well-being, and we plan to establish a gymnastic centre within our primary healthcare facility to encourage physical activity,” Usman stated.
She highlighted the importance of discussing maternal and child health, as senior citizens play key roles in their families and should be well-informed to support access to healthcare for mothers and children.
Usman called on the Bauchi State government to provide palliatives, shelter, and free healthcare for senior citizens, noting that many lack caregivers or stable housing and struggle with self-care.
“We mobilized about 100 senior citizens through community leaders, as they are custodians of our society,” she added, urging philanthropists and development partners to extend support to elderly welfare initiatives and fast-track the establishment of the planned centre.
Ms. Zainab Hassan, a representative of the Bauchi State Network for Civil Society Organisations (BASNEC), reiterated the need to prioritize senior citizens’ welfare, noting that the Bauchi Consultative Forum on Aging had previously provided support to elderly individuals.
She encouraged artisans among senior citizens to continue utilizing their skills and called for training programs to transfer their expertise to younger generations.
Expressing appreciation, Alhaji Mohammadi Maimako, the Ward Head of Dawaki, commended the initiative and advocated for continuous awareness campaigns on healthy lifestyles, nutrition, and wellness for the elderly.
