We would attend forums, seminars, workshops, high level round tables, panel, meeting and even cultural exhibitions in order to dialogue discussions on issues related to the development and sustainability of our objectives. All these and more we hope will create greater crucial steps towards better caring for the aged particularly in Africa.
At Ronnie – Alice Memorial Foundation our valued approach is built around our concept of promoting ageing with honor and dignity. It was from this concept that we derived our initiative of action which involves both humanitarian and developmental approach. A thorough and demanding deliberation revealed that Nigeria with a population of over 150 million people has only five NGOS that promote the welfare of the aged.
The ultra-modern complex for the aged by Ronnie-Alice Memorial Foundation at Isheri, Lagos State on completion would accommodate at least a hundred residents who would be made to live in a community setting. The initiative behind our inclusion of other auxiliary services like the day center, would definitely make our residents to age with honor and dignity.
Ronnie-Alice Memorial Foundation was established in the year 2004 and registered as an NGO in Nigeria with a board of trustees. The organization was publicly presented to the world on the 13th of October 2006 at the prestigious Eko Hotel L’e Meridian in Lagos State. The State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for youth culture and sports, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele at a grand occasion that was chaired by Ambassador Olushola with various state dignitaries in attendance. The event was widely reported in the media.
Major construction works on the first phase of the Ultra-Modern complex has since been completed.
Work is however yet to commence on the remaining part of the complex that consist of a three storey structure.
The inability of our donors to fulfill their financial pledges has stalled the commencement of operation at the complex. Relatively, the foundation requires at least $100,000.00 (a hundred thousand dollars) for the fencing of the complex and for the furnishing of the completed structure along with other remedial works and logistic needed to make the completed section habitable for residents. Overall the foundation needs $500,000.00 (five hundred thousand dollars) for the successfully construction of the three storey wing of the ultra-modern complex.
Ronnie-Alice Memorial Foundation has its Nigeria secretariat located at 8A Ayodeji Otegbola Street, Gbagada Phase 2 Lagos, Nigeria with a Chief Operating Officer in the person of Engineer Tommy Madichie, and a United States secretariat located at 19403 Tasmania Place, Katy Texas 77449 under the supervision of the chairperson Mrs. Alero Hans.
In Africa, there are no legislated social security provision for the aged and Ronnie-Alice Memorial Foundation intends to change the present legislative attitude towards the plight of the age in Nigeria.
The present existing pension and retirement schemes in the country only assures a satisfactory level of life after retirement to only a rich minority of the aged. There is no legislative assistance act that deals with financial provisions for those ageing without retirement benefits.
No legal provisions have also been made in the form of financial aids to organizations where resources could be at least supplemented in other to meet the financial upkeep of the resident. There are other challenges facing the aged in Nigeria. Our collective effort toward supporting this cause is the only vehicle that would usher in substantive progress and etch a symbolic lasting impression on the Africa society.
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