The Association of Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries of Oyo and Osun States (AREHSPSOOS) has held its 2026 AREHSPSOOS Day, with a call on members to prioritise healthy ageing, social interaction and purposeful living.
The event, which featured sightseeing, a health lecture, medical screening and reminiscences of years in public service, brought together serving and retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries from the two states.
Delivering a health lecture at the event, a Consultant Family Physician, Dr. Oluwatoyin Olalemi, said old age should not automatically be associated with disease, noting that lifestyle choices and genetic factors significantly influence health outcomes.
She identified physical health, mental well-being, social interaction, purposeful living and personal fulfilment as key pillars of healthy ageing.
According to her, the quality of food and drinks consumed, environmental conditions and daily activities could significantly affect an individual’s health as they advanced in age.
Dr. Olalemi described the session as interactive, noting that participants shared experiences and ideas on how to maintain healthier lifestyles.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of AREHSPSOOS, Chief Adebisi Adesola, said the association instituted the annual celebration to coincide with the celebration of elderly people and provide members with an opportunity to relax, reconnect and share experiences outside their usual environment.
He said August 21 was chosen for the annual celebration, adding that the 2026 edition was the third since its inception.
Chief Adesola commended members for their cooperation, commitment and sacrifices during their years of public service, urging them to continue mentoring younger generations and serving as role models in their communities.
He stressed that retirement should not mean withdrawal from meaningful contributions to society.
“We are retired, but we are not tired. For us to live useful lives, we need to be useful. The experiences that we’ve all gathered, I advise that we continue to make use of them for the coming generations,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State Council, Comrade Olusegun Abatan, who was represented by the Assistant Secretary of the council, Comrade Banji Koleosho, commended the retirees for their contributions to the development of Oyo State.
He prayed for their continued good health, peace and prosperity.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Chief Bayo Oyero, welcomed members to the programme and expressed appreciation for their attendance.
He encouraged participants to use the occasion to reconnect with one another, share experiences and put into practice the health advice provided by the physician.
The event also provided an opportunity for the retired public servants to reminisce about their years of service while strengthening the bonds of friendship and camaraderie among members of the association.
