At least two hundred and fifty elderly citizens in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria, have benefited from the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, highlighted the theme of the programme, “Finding Joy in Old Age,” explaining that it is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative Special Investment Programme for the elderly and is designed to promote the well-being and dignity of senior citizens across Nigeria.
Senator Oluremi, who was represented by the wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Mrs Mary Nwifuru, disclosed that a total of 9,500 elderly citizens nationwide were selected as beneficiaries of the scheme, drawn from the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as wives of defence and police officers.
Mrs Nwifuru said that each beneficiary received a cash grant of N200,000, amounting to a total disbursement of N1.9 billion nationwide, in addition to a 50 kg bag of rice per person, as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She also said that under the programme, each state of the federation, including the FCT and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), received an allocation of N50 million to support 250 elderly citizens aged 65 years and above.
In a message to the beneficiaries, the First Lady emphasised that the initiative was designed to recognise and appreciate senior citizens for their immense contributions to nation-building.
She noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative has, since 2023, made it a tradition to celebrate and support elderly Nigerians every December.
She encouraged senior citizens to prioritise their health and happiness by remaining active, engaging in regular physical exercise, and fostering community relationships, stressing that ageing with gratitude goes beyond longevity and includes being surrounded by love, care, and respect.
Speaking on behalf of the Ebonyi State First Lady, Professor Nkechi Echiegu described the programme as life-changing, noting that the theme, “Finding Joy in Old Age,” aptly captures the essence of the initiative.
She thanked the First Lady of Nigeria for remembering the elderly and for adding “life to their years,” while praying for the continuity of the programme.
She also urged beneficiaries to enjoy life, remain hopeful, and embrace joy in their old age, noting the excitement and gratitude displayed by the elderly as they received their alerts.
Also speaking, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Barrister Felicia Nwamkpuma, commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; and the Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, alongside his wife, for their commitment to impacting lives.
She assured them of massive and continuous support ahead of the 2027 elections.
The event ended on a happy note, with beneficiaries expressing joy and appreciation for the timely intervention, particularly as the festive season approaches.