The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, marked his 50th birthday in a rare display of compassion and service, as he empowered 50 aged men and women drawn from across the State, describing the gesture as a personal thanksgiving and a call to collective humanity.

The celebrant, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, said celebrating with the aged persons is a modest way of acknowledging the demand for wisdom that the age represents and heartfelt expression of gratitude for God’s grace, mercy, and faithfulness over the past five decades.

"Our elders represent wisdom, sacrifice, and resilience. Many laboured quietly to build families, communities, and institutions from which we benefit today, and it is therefore both a duty and an honour to recognise and support them, not just with words, but with tangible acts of compassion", Olanrewaju disclosed.

While fondly remembering his late parents, Comrade Olanrewaju described the giving to the aged as his humble way of honouring their memories, and wished they witnessed the celebration as they laid the foundation of who he has become today. 

Olanrewaju further expressed deep appreciation to the 50 aged men and women who honoured his invitation, declaring that he was symbolically adopting them as his parents. “From today, I see you as my fathers and mothers. Your prayers will be constant in my life, and I will never take your presence for granted,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.

He thanked members of his NUJ executive, colleagues, his immediate family, partners and well-wishers for standing by him and supporting the "Gifting the Aged" initiative, symbolizing ideals of service and humanity.

Earlier, while welcoming guests at the event, the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, said the celebration was deliberately designed to go beyond merriment, noting that the NUJ Chairman chose to “give back meaningfully to society at a time many would focus solely on personal celebration.” 

Comrade Adigun commended Olanrewaju’s leadership style, describing him as “a man whose golden jubilee reflects golden values of kindness, empathy and responsibility.” He said the presence of all the beneficiaries affirmed that meaningful change is possible when people come together with a shared sense of purpose.

Dignitaries and colleagues, including a National Officer of the NUJ, Comrade James Sowole, praised the celebrant for living the core values of journalism, while Comrades Abiodun Taiwo and Kemi Orunsolu, described Olanrewaju as a bridge-builder whose life at 50 has been defined by service. 

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Council, Abiodun Lawal, applauded the chairman for choosing the aged as the focus of his celebration, saying the gesture “sets a standard worthy of emulation.”

The emotional high point of the event came when the celebration was capped by the wife of the celebrant, Mrs. Olanrewaju, who eulogised her husband, describing him as “a compassionate man who finds joy not in what he gets, but in what he gives.” She thanked God for his life and prayed for continued strength and wisdom as he journeys through the next phase of life.

The highlight of the event is the distribution of essential food packs containing rice, beans, garri, noodles and essential cooking ingredients to beneficiaries, carefully selected to sustain them for a reasonable period. 

Reacting on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Adijatu Ayelabola appreciated the kind gesture of the celebrant, stressing that if well meaning individuals can emulate this act, the world will be a better place for all to live.