By Blessing Bature
The growing burden of dementia and the lack of adequate support systems have continued to expose critical gaps in care and awareness across communities. In response, a family has launched the Minkbrown Foundation, a family-driven initiative focused on improving dementia awareness, support, and care for affected persons and their caregivers.
Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in brain function that affects a person’s memory, thinking, reasoning, behavior, and ability to carry out daily activities. It is not a single disease, but an umbrella term for several conditions that cause damage to brain cells.
Speaking at the launch of the Minkbrown Foundation, and the celebration of life at Pa mink Oladimedji's funeral the first daughter of the late Pa Mink Oladimeji Ayinla, Boladale Akiwumi-Kolapo who is also the Country Director of Girl Effect Nigeria said raising awareness remains critical to tackling dementia in the country.
She stressed the need for greater support systems for families and caregivers, noting that many people are left confused and unprepared when dealing with dementia cases at home.
“I hope we can create awareness, we can create the resources and the means to support family members, because carers need help,” she said,
while expressing appreciation to her mother for her strength and sacrifices during the family’s experience with the condition.
Akiwumi-Kolapo reflected on the emotional and physical toll dementia can take on caregivers, adding that many families struggle silently without adequate understanding of how to manage the condition.
She also shared personal memories of her late father, describing him as deeply loved by the family, and noted that the experience of caring for him was both challenging and transformative for those involved.
According to her, the launch of the Minkbrown Foundation is a tribute to his memory and a commitment to supporting other families facing similar struggles.
“Every family going through this is not alone,” she said, calling for collective support for the foundation’s mission.
She further acknowledged the support of extended family members who stood by them during the period, describing their presence as a source of strength and comfort.
Akiwumi-Kolapo added that while the initiative was initially planned as a private moment, the family now hopes to expand its reach and impact, calling on the public to support the foundation as it develops further programmes and interventions.
Assistant director with Federal Road Safety Corps in Nigeria, FRS, Olarewaju Ayinla paid a glowing tribute to his late father, describing him as a man who inspired critical thinking, hard work, and excellence in all aspects of life.
He was also celebrated as an extraordinary grandfather whose presence left lasting impressions on his grandchildren.
According to him, he was kind and gracious, often supporting them with schoolwork, sharing stories, and teaching them about culture and tradition. He also gifted them books and musical instruments, leaving behind lessons they say will remain with them for a lifetime.
He described him as a blessing beyond measure and a treasured gift whose love, wisdom, and presence enriched everyone who knew him.
He noted that although dementia gradually affected his memory in his later years, it never diminished his spirit, the values he upheld, or the love he shared with family and friends.
He expressed gratitude to God for his life, finding comfort in the cherished memories and enduring legacy he leaves behind.
The FRSC Assistant Director, emphasised the importance of preserving the values of integrity, honesty, and discipline within the family.
He said he hopes the family remains united while ensuring that the younger generation continues to uphold the principles their late father lived by.
According to him, his father was a man of unwavering integrity and honesty, qualities he said were deeply rooted in his character and never compromised.
“I’m also passing these values on to my children and siblings,” he said, noting that discipline remains essential in raising responsible children.
He stressed the need for “old-school discipline” in parenting, where children are corrected when they go wrong, adding that proper guidance and moral upbringing should not be abandoned in modern times.
He further encouraged families to instill strong moral education and ensure children are taught what is right from wrong.
In the same vein, the son-in-law to Pa Mink Oladimeji Ayinla, Akin Kolapo, said Patients with dementia need kindness and empathy; they must not be stigmatised. They need encouragement, support, and a more nurturing environment, one that allows them to thrive, saying that those around them must do their best to guide and support them, helping facilitate their healing journey.
He said Minkbrown Foundation is created by Pa Ayinla's family support people with Dementia, and letting them know they are not alone no matter what, the foundation stands ready to assist in every capacity.
He noted that Pa Ayinla, the father of his wife and her four siblings, was a truly great man whose impact would not be forgotten.
Describing his personality, he said the late patriarch was kind-hearted, generous, and selfless.
According to him, Pa Ayinla never denied his children anything within his capacity to provide. “Once it is within his power to give, even when it costs him personally, he will still give,” he said, adding that this rare generosity defined his life.
No comments
Post a Comment