• 36 states get N25 million each
• Beneficiaries get N100,000 each
• First Lady seeks prayers for President

Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, has inaugurated the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme in Abuja, specifically to support 250 senior citizens across the 36 states of the federation.

Those to benefit from the scheme are persons from age 65 years and above.

According to the President’s wife, the initiative is an economic empowerment programme borne out of a steadfast commitment to the well-being of elderly citizens and marking a significant stride in the collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.

She said that N950 million had been approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative for disbursement to states.

The First Lady, who spoke on the initiative, with the theme: “Better Days Ahead,” said through the scheme, each state would receive N25 million each, while the targeted beneficiaries would each receive N100,000.

The President’s wife, who was represented by wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, stated that the scheme was committed to ensuring that each state receives the funds without discrimination, adding that the support fund will help to cushion the effect of the current economic situation and relieve burdens on the elders through the festive period.

Senator Tinubu also emphasised the importance of prioritising the elderly citizens, adding that the outreach was to honour their contributions and acknowledge the encounters they face.

In her welcome address, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, stated that the mission of the RHI was not just the distribution of materials, but also to foster a sense of community, compassion and respect for elders, youths, girl-child and widows.

In her remarks, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, said the scheme would also provide humanitarian services for the elderly such as “free medical check-ups and free drugs, free eye check-ups and glasses, free high blood pressure check-up and counseling and free enlistment in the National Health Insurance scheme.”

Tinubu’s wife, who spoke at the programme in Lagos State, represented by Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, urged the senior citizens to embrace life to the fullest, prioritise their health, nurture their minds and strengthen bonds with their loved ones and with God.

She appreciated all Excellencies, state coordinators of RHI, and partners who have supported with free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items to the beneficiaries in ensuring the success of the programme.

She sought continued support and prayers for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Meanwhile, while presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries in Akure, Ondo State, on behalf of the President’s wife, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Ade Adetimehin, stated that the empowerment would go a long way towards cushioning the effect of the economic situation and alleviating the burdens of the elders during the festive period.