Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has allocated N200,000 each to 250 elderly men and women across Anambra State as part of the second edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).
The distribution took place at the Women Development Centre in Awka on Wednesday, under the supervision of Dr. Nonye Soludo, the wife of Anambra State’s governor.
During the event, which gathered beneficiaries from all 21 local government areas and 326 wards of the state, Dr. Soludo addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of health and wellness.
She noted that the initiative aims to support the welfare of elderly citizens aged 65 and above across all 36 states in Nigeria, as well as in the Federal Capital Territory and among members of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
“This programme is designed to support the welfare of our elderly citizens annually,” Soludo communicated, relaying the First Lady’s commitment to enhancing the lives of Nigeria’s senior populace.
She highlighted the increased grant from N100,000 to N200,000 this year, made possible by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative, ensuring a total of N1.9 billion will be disbursed nationwide, noting that each state, including the FCT, along with DEPOWA, is allocated N50 million for this purpose.
According to Mrs. Soludo, “I bring you greetings from Nigeria’s First Lady, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who this money came from and special appreciation to her. This programme is designed to support the welfare of our 250 elderly citizens annually.
“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.
“A total of N1.9billion will be disbursed across the country. The RHI coordinators in the 36 states of the federation, the FCT and DEPOWA have received N50million each, out of which N200,000 will be distributed today to each beneficiary. In addition to this, free medical check-ups and other sundry items will be provided.
“I congratulate all our senior citizens who have been selected as beneficiaries. I urge you to remember to prioritise your health even as we all enjoy and celebrate in the festive season. Eat well, stay hydrated, do little exercise like walking and getting adequate rest. Spend quality time with loved ones and do what you enjoy and makes you happy. I wish you all happy holidays and a prosperous 2025.”
The Anambra Governor’s wife emphasized that this initiative is a steadfast commitment to foster a more inclusive and compassionate society for Nigeria’s elderly, heralding a brighter future for senior citizens in the nation.
The beneficiaries, who met strict health, age, and economic criteria, received not only cash grants but also essential items like gallons of vegetable oil, traditional wrappers, and wellness packages, including free medical check-ups.
Dr. Soludo urged the elderly to prioritize their health by consuming natural foods and engaging in light physical activities, especially during the festive season.
Expressing gratitude, beneficiaries such as Mrs. Medina Ifeanyi from Ogbaru and Mr. Isaac Uche from Ihiala thanked the First Lady and Dr. Soludo for this unprecedented support, describing the gesture as a historic milestone for the state.
Also in attendance were prominent figures, including Mrs. Oluchi Ibezim, the wife of the deputy governor of Anambra State, and Mrs. Amara Ezeokenwa, wife of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), among others.
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