The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the ‘Renewed Hope’ Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) in Abuja to support two hundred and fifty (250) senior citizens aged 65 years and above in each of the thirty-six (36) states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mrs Tinubu, during her address at the event on Thursday, 21 December 2023, disclosed that the sum of nine hundred and fifty million naira (N950, 000,000) had been approved by the Governing Board of the ‘Renewed Hope’ Initiative for disbursement to states, as part of the Initiative Elderly Support Scheme.
Better Days Ahead
Speaking on the theme of the scheme “Better Days Ahead”, the First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the vice president, Hajia Nana Shettima, said through the scheme, each state will receive twenty-five million naira (N25,000,000) each, while the targeted beneficiaries will each receive one hundred thousand naira (N100,000).
She stated that the scheme was committed to ensuring that each state received the funds without discrimination, adding that the support fund will help to cushion the effect of the current economic situation and relieve the burden on the elders throughout the festive period.
“This scheme is to support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA). These selected beneficiaries will receive a sum of one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) each. This is to cushion the effect of the economic situation and to alleviate the burden on our esteemed elders during this festive period.
The total sum to be disbursed is nine hundred and fifty million naira (N950,000,000) as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Each state of the federation will receive the sum of twenty-five million naira (N25,000,000). We are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu also emphasized the importance of prioritizing the elderly citizens, adding that the outreach was to honour their contributions and acknowledge the encounters they face.
A Show of Gratitude to the Elderly
Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that the scheme was not just to distribute items but also to express gratitude and respect for the wisdom and experience that elders bring.
“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.
A simple gift can bring a smile, warmth, and a sense of belonging to those who may feel overlooked or lonely, especially during this time of the year.
I understand that the mission of the ‘Renewed Hope’ Initiative is not just about distributing material items.
It is also about fostering a sense of community, compassion, and respect for our elders, youths, the girl child, and widows,” Mahmoud said.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
For her part, Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration, said that a total of two hundred and fifty (250) elderly persons from the six Area Councils of the FCT would benefit from the scheme.
Benjamins-Laniyi added that other services lined up for the elderly include free medical checkup and free drugs, free eye check-up and glasses, free high blood pressure check-up and counselling, and enlistment in the National Health Insurance Scheme, among others.
She said that the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, were vigorously implementing President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda.
“This is exemplified in the creation of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, and of course, which culminates in our various intervention programmes we have carried out so far, especially our gathering here today,”said Mrs Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration.
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