First Lady initiative lifts 9,500 elderly citizens with N1.9b

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has disbursed N1.9 billion to 9,500 elderly citizens nationwide.

The second edition of the RHI Elderly Support Scheme (RHEISS) was held simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday.

Reaffirming her commitment to the welfare of elderly Nigerians, the First Lady announced a significant increase in the support grant to N200,000 per beneficiary.

In a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, Senator Tinubu said: “The Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has decided to increase the grant from N100,000 to N200,000 this year to provide further support to our elderly citizens during this festive season.”

The initiative with the theme: “Total wellness – happy, healthy, and prosperous lifestyle,” aims to support elderly Nigerians 65 and above.

   Each state, the FCT, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) received N50 million, with 250 elderly beneficiaries in each location receiving N200,000.

The event also included free medical check-ups and the distribution of essential items.

“This programme is designed to reassure the elderly that they are loved and not forgotten, especially during the festive season,” the First Lady said.

She urged beneficiaries to prioritise their health and spend quality time with their loved ones.

This event, held simultaneously in all the states of the federation, is our way of supporting the welfare of our elderly citizens annually,” she said.

Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, applauded the First Lady’s initiative and called on Nigerians to support the Tinubu Administration.

“The President met a lot of rot on the ground when he assumed office, but things are already getting better, and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Matawalle said.

He announced additional support from the Ministry of Defence, pledging N200,000 each to 250 veterans in recognition of their service to the nation.

The event featured health screenings and the distribution of food items.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a timely and impactful gesture during the festive season. 

In Lafia, Nasarawa State, the wife of the governor, Hajiya Salifat Sule, also donated 250 wrappers to the beneficiaries across the 13 local government areas.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, hailed Senator Tinubu, saying: “We have a First Lady who cares and means well for this nation.”

Kogi governor’s wife, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, commended all wives of governors who are RHI state coordinators and partners for their efforts in making the day a reality.

Some of the beneficiaries in Kogi – Olusegun Ayeniko, Asaje Taiwo, Usman Onalo and Memunat Adama, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for prioritising the well-being of the elderly.

In Rivers State, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, said the governor directed the addition of 100 Rivers elders to the list of beneficiaries, bringing the total sum disbursed in the state to N70 million.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, said the initiative was a way of expressing gratitude to the elderly.

She said: “In the fast-paced world we live in, it is essential to pause and appreciate the pillars of our community—the elderly.

“Their stories, guidance, and enduring spirits have shaped our collective journey.”

In Zamfara, a beneficiary, Mallam Garba Sa’idu, promised to make judicious use of the money by establishing a small-scale business