Sola Sobowale Opens Elderly Care Home In Ibadan

 

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde commissioned the facility on Tuesday.

Veteran Nollywood actress Sola Sobowale has opened an elderly care facility, Joseph and Esther Homes, in Akobo, Ibadan, Oyo State, inspired by her parents and her experience working as a caregiver in the United Kingdom.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde commissioned the facility on Tuesday during an event that also featured the launch of Sobowale’s book, Built From the Break.

Named after her parents, Joseph and Esther Olagookun, the residential care home is designed to provide older adults with a safe, supportive environment where they

can live with dignity, independence, and access

Makinde formally commissioned the facility by cutting the ribbon after touring its indoor and outdoor sections.

The event attracted several government officials and prominent Nollywood personalities, including actors Kunle Afolayan, Femi Adebayo, Ibrahim Chatta and veteran actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello.

Also in attendance were former Lagos State Commissioner for Information Steve Ayorinde, comedian Gbenga Adeyinka and the chairman of Lagelu Local Government Area, alongside other dignitaries.

Why Sobowale established the facility

Joseph and Esther Homes was named in honour of Sobowale’s parents, both educators. Her father was a retired principal, while her mother served as a headmistress.

The facility operates under the tagline, “Live Well, Age Well, Thrive Together,” with a philosophy centred on providing older people with personalised accommodation, professional care, security and opportunities for community living.

Describing its vision, the home adopts the principle: “We do not replace family. We help families care better.”

The approach is intended to support families who may struggle to provide constant care for their ageing relatives because of work commitments, distance or other responsibilities, particularly those living abroad.

It also emphasises maintaining communication with relatives while ensuring residents receive appropriate attention and support.

Although the facility has been unveiled, full operations are expected to commence later in 2026.

Makinde praises Sobowale’s initiative

Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Makinde congratulated the actress, describing her vision as a quiet but deeply impactful initiative that promotes the traditional values of caring for parents and older people.

He praised the decision to create a place where elderly Nigerians can receive care in a safe, secure and dignified environment.

The Oyo governor described the project as an extraordinary gesture driven by Sobowale’s love for her parents and concern for the welfare of older people.

He also urged wealthy and influential Nigerians to use their resources, positions and intellect to improve society rather than oppress others.

Mr Makinde, who recalled that his late mother lived with him until her death, also spoke about Nigeria’s culture of family support and the importance of preserving it while responding to the changing needs of modern families.

He also announced that the access road leading to the facility, already being rehabilitated by the Lagelu Local Government, would be extended to the home’s frontage. The road would also receive solar-powered streetlights to improve accessibility and security.

Credit: Premium Times