Motilayo Abisola Omoniyi (née Olapade Agoro), the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Angy Care Health Foundation, a registered charity, both in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, is a practical nurse based in the United Kingdom and is passionate about charity works. In this interview with ADEOLA OJO, on her charity mission in Nigeria which catered to several underprivileged persons, especially the aged, widowed and physically-challenged as well as need for Nigerians to embrace care homes to nurture the elderly in their twilight years.
You seem to have a passion for the elderly, is there any reason for this?
At Angy Care Health Foundation, our work with older adults is driven by a deep respect for the wisdom, experiences and contributions they have made to society. I personally hold the elderly in high esteem because they are living archives of history, culture, and family values. Unfortunately, many older adults face loneliness, neglect, and a lack of adequate support—issues that can have serious impacts on their mental and physical well-being.
You are advocating a culture that is alien to Nigerians, what is the difference between this and having them in professional settings like care homes?
In Nigeria, while our cultural tradition rightly values keeping older relatives at home, the reality is that modern lifestyles, urban migration, and economic pressures often mean families are unable to provide the consistent care and attention their elderly loved ones need. This is where well-managed professional care homes can play an important role—not as a replacement for family love, but as a complement to it.
A professional care home offersspecialised care for age-related health conditions, including dementia, mobility challenges, and chronic illnesses, social interaction with peers, reducing loneliness and isolation, safety and supervision in an environment designed to prevent accidents and respond quickly to health emergencies, structured daily activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The difference between keeping an elderly person at home and placing them in a professional care setting lies in the level of specialised care, medical attention, and social engagement they receive. At home, love and familiarity are strengths, but families may lack the time, skills, or resources to meet complex care needs. In contrast, a good care home blends professional expertise with a homely atmosphere, ensuring both dignity and quality of life.
I believe Nigeria is reaching a stage where a balanced approach is needed—maintaining our cultural values of respect and closeness, while also embracing structured, professional care systems that can better support our ageing population. It is not about abandoning tradition, but about enhancing care through innovation and compassion.
What were you able to achieve during your last charity mission?
Yes, I was in Nigeria recently, and by God’s grace, it was a fruitful mission. During the visit, Angy Care Health Foundation held a free medical outreach that provided hundreds of older adults with vital services, including eye tests, prescription glasses, blood pressure monitoring, free medication, and counselling. We also distributed food parcels and mobility aids to those in need. It was heartwarming to see the joy and relief on the faces of beneficiaries who often lack access to basic health support.
How did you identify beneficiaries?
We work closely with local community leaders, churches, mosques, and volunteers who help us identify older adults who are truly in need—especially those who are widowed, disabled, isolated, or living in poverty. We also accept direct walk-ins on the day of outreach events, ensuring a first-come, first-served model that remains fair and transparent. Our goal is to reach those who are often forgotten or left behind.
AS someone that resides outside the country, what influenced the charity mission in Nigeria?
Absolutely. While I live and work in the UK, Nigeria is my homeland—it’s where my roots are. Many of our older adults back home face challenges such as inadequate healthcare, poor social support, and limited awareness about age-related conditions. I strongly believe that dignity in ageing should not be a privilege but a right, regardless of location. Extending my efforts to Nigeria is simply my way of giving back and bridging the gap where help is most needed.So, I am passionate about community health, especially as it relates to older adults, and I am deeply committed to creating lasting change for vulnerable populations through advocacy, outreach, and compassionate service, both in Nigeria and the UK.
How does your mission affect the people?
Angy Care Health Foundation is dedicated to supporting older adults through health outreach, food distribution, social connection, and digital empowerment. We provide free medical aids like prescription glasses and blood pressure monitors, run food banks, offer counselling services, and create opportunities for older adults to learn basic digital skills.
I was inspired to start the foundation after witnessing firsthand the loneliness, neglect, and health issues many older adults face—both in the UK and Nigeria. It became clear to me that ageing populations need more advocacy, more care, and more visibility. My late father, ReverendOlapade Roland Agoro, and grandparents also played a huge role in shaping this mission, as I saw how vital it is to support our elders with love, respect, and practical assistance.
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