The Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has put smiles on the faces of 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).
The first Lady disclosed this during the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI Elderly Support Scheme in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
According to her, these selected beneficiaries will receive a sum of one hundred thousand Naira (N100,000) each.
She said, “this is to cushion the effect of the economic situation and to alleviate the burdens of our esteemed elders during this festive period”.
The Nigerian First Lady also said that “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) as they are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination”.
The First Lady noted that as the festive season approaches, it becomes very important to emphasize the significance of prioritizing the elderly citizens in the initiatives by reaching out to the elderly during this festive period, they not only honour their contributions but also acknowledge the unique encounters they face.
“To our senior citizens, I urge you to embrace life to the fullest, prioritize your health, nurture your minds, and strengthen your bonds with loved ones and with God. These are the keys to a rich and fulfilling life in your golden year”, she said.
She equally extends her heartfelt appreciation to all Excellences, State Coordinators of RHI, and Parmer’s who have supported with free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items to the beneficiaries as the case may be, in ensuring the success of this programme.
This period should be a time of joy and comfort for all, even as they hope for a greater Nigeria, in security, education, health, employment and business opportunities for all.
She urged continued support and prayers for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, as they look forward to better days ahead.
The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa represented by the Director of Veteran Affairs, Defence Headquarters, Major General Dahiru Salihu sincerely appreciated the First Lady for yet another kind and thoughtful gesture towards their retirees.
The Defence Chief said that “the First Lady has demonstrated once again, that the welfare of members of the Armed Forces serving their retirees and their families is of paramount importance to her”.
According to him, this noble act once again is one for which you will remember dearly and posterity will judge you for repeatedly bringing renewed hope to members of the armed forces and their families.
He noted that it is pertinent to state that the beneficiaries of her generosity today are noble and honorable men, who efficiently and diligently dedicated their lives in the service of our dear nation Nigeria.
He also re -emphasise that her noble acts of catering for the welfare of their widows as they previously witnessed here, and their retirees, will surely have a multiplier effect on the morale and efficiency of sovereign members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Police.
Earlier, the National President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, Mrs Oghogho Musa said the Renewed Hope initiative aims to alleviate the economic situation of their elderly citizens.
“And today they have veterans from the defense and Police Officers Wives Association. Those were the beneficiaries, she said.
She added that this is coming at this time of the year, particularly the period to express more love, peace and joy.
“This is the second time as a defense and Police Officers Wives Association. We are having the real privilege to host our mother, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria when he was here four weeks ago and today she’s here please can we applaud her please with a standing ovation” she added.
Many dignitaries were in attendance.
The theme of the event is “Better Days Ahead”.
Dominica Nwabufo
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