Comedian Young Elder shares why he is building a nursing home for the elderly

• Old age is a feared and dreaded phase, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, where the elderly are often neglected and abandoned.

• The primary cause of fear among senior citizens is often due to incapacitation, age-related ailments, and loneliness.

• Japheth Orobosa Efosa, the Young Elder and Grand Comedian of the Federal Republic, believes in building a nursing home to honor and positively impact the elderly.

Old age is often regarded as the most feared and dreaded stage of human existence, particularly in developing nations such as Nigeria, where the elderly frequently face neglect and abandonment by both the State and, in certain instances, their own families.

The predominant source of this apprehension stems from the incapacitation, age-related health issues, and isolation that frequently affect senior citizens.

However, for Japheth Orobosa Efosa, recognized as Young Elder and Grand Comedian of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the establishment of a nursing home for the elderly represents a means to honor this demographic and positively influence their lives.

In an interview with Sunday Telegraph, Young Elder, whose comedic style focuses on family themes and often imitates the elderly, explained that after spending over a decade in the comedy industry, drawing upon the wisdom of older individuals, he views this initiative as a way to give back to those who have imparted their knowledge.

Efosa emphasized the importance of young people doing everything possible to support their parents, who have made significant sacrifices to ensure their well-being.

Furthermore, he urged the younger generation to avoid the pitfalls of seeking rapid wealth, asserting that true success is a gradual process achieved through hard work, consistency, and perseverance.

He said: “Growing up in a polygamous and struggling family was tough for me. I remember attending Oregbeni Estate Primary School, Patricia Group of Schools, and the University of Benin where I studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering, graduating in 2012. It was tough.

“So, living my dream was almost impossible, but I persevered and resolved that once I become somebody in the society I must contribute to the upliftment of others. My preference here is the elderly whom I mimic and whose image and wisdom I depict in my comedy.

The primary motivation behind our initiative to build a nursing home for the elderly is this.

He urged the government at all levels, as well as compassionate Nigerians, to consistently offer support to those in need within society.

Born in Benin City, Edo State in 1988, Young Elder possesses a natural talent for humor. His rapid ascent in the entertainment industry can be attributed to his bravery and dedication, marked by a determination to create a positive influence through his creative endeavors.

He recalls with nostalgia: ” My career as an MC began in 2005 while in secondary school at a wedding reception where the MC failed the couple. My friends who knew my ability encouraged me to take up the microphone. My superlative performance that day endeared me to all. It paved the way that opening a floodgate of invitations as an MC for weddings, birthday parties, and MC for companies’ annual general meetings and sundry events.

“I must also commend those from whom I have received mentorship. The likes of Winlos and Home of Lafta trained me on branding, storytelling, consistency, and monetization.

“I have collaborated with prominent figures in the industry like Funny (Sabinus), Nedu Wazobia, Charles Inojie, Charles Awurum as well as performed at notable standup comedy shows which featured stars like Alibaba, Akpororo, Desktalker among others.”

The contributions of Young Elder to societal advancement and ethical rejuvenation have consistently garnered attention, resulting in a significant number of awards and recognitions from various organizations and institutions.

Among these accolades was a Certificate of Appreciation from the Police Campaign Against Cultism in Anambra State, acknowledging his efforts in producing morally uplifting content. Additionally, he received the Award of Excellence as the Best Online Comedian of the Year 2021 from the Edo Festival and Award (UK), as well as the Distinguished Vocational Service Award (DVSA) from Wellspring University on July 24, 2021, in recognition of his substantial impact on youth and society, and for embodying the role of a Modern-Day Advocate of Hard Work. Furthermore, he was honored with the Golden Voice Award in 2025 by the National Directorate of Moral Rebirth Squad of Atmosphere of Love Chaplaincy.