Foundation To Address Rising Dementia Cases Launched

By Gbodiyan Oluwakemi Karen, Abuja

The family of the late Pa Mink Olamidimeji Ayinla has launched the Minkbrown Foundation to address the growing challenge of dementia in Nigeria through awareness, advocacy, caregiver support, and improved access to care.

At the event in Ibadan, Pa Mink’s daughter, Mrs Boladale Akiwumi-Kolapo, country director of Girl Effect Nigeria, highlighted the need to tackle the stigma and misconceptions surrounding dementia. She stressed that increased public awareness is crucial for early diagnosis, intervention, and better outcomes for those living with the condition.

According to her, the foundation would focus on awareness campaigns, caregiver support programmes, community outreach initiatives, and partnerships with healthcare professionals to strengthen dementia care services across the country.

Also, Pa Mink’s son-in-law, Mr Akin Kolapo, called for greater compassion toward people living with dementia.

]He noted that patients require kindness, empathy, encouragement, and supportive environments rather than stigma and isolation.

Kolapo explained that the foundation was established by individuals with firsthand experience of the challenges of dementia, adding that the organisation is committed to advocacy, support, and ensuring that affected individuals and their families know they are not alone.

“The foundation stands ready to assist in every capacity while working with stakeholders to improve support systems and ensure people living with dementia receive the care, dignity, and attention they deserve,” he said.

Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Pa Mink’s son, Mr. Olarewaju Ayinla, an assistant director with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), described him as a man of integrity, hard work, and excellence who inspired critical thinking and lifelong learning.

He recalled that Pa Mink was a devoted grandfather who supported his grandchildren academically, shared stories, taught cultural values, and gifted them books and musical instruments. Despite the effects of dementia in his later years, Ayinla said his father’s spirit, values, and love for family remained unwavering.