Tinubu’s wife doles out N1.9b to elderly, veterans

• Increases cash support from N100,000 to N200,000
• Urges senior citizens to prioritise health, happiness
• Lagos, Ebonyi enrol beneficiaries for one year free medicare

At the second edition of the yearly Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, in Lagos, yesterday, 250 beneficiaries from Lagos received N200,000 each. In all, N1.9 billion will be distributed across the country to senior citizens.

Mrs Tinubu in a statement by her spokesperson, Bukola Kukoyi, disclosed “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 senior citizens during this festive season.

In Oyo State, the First Lady, MrsTamunominini Makinde, who represented Mrs Tinubu, explained that the scheme targeted 250 senior citizens aged 65 and above across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

The gesture was replicated in Nasarawa, Ebonyi and Delta states, where the respective first ladies represented Tinubu.

Addressing participants at the event in Lagos, Mrs Tinubu emphasised the importance of ensuring a ‘Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Lifestyle’ for elderly Nigerians.

Represented by the First Lady of Lagos State and State Coordinator of RHI, Dr IbijokeSanwo-Olu, she explained that the concept of RHIESS reaffirmed her commitment to improving the welfare of senior citizens.

She noted that the increased disbursement of the cash and other gift items to 250 elderly aged 65 years and above represented an increase in the grant from N100,000 to N200,000 per recipient.

Highlighting the scope of the initiative, Tinubu announced that N1.9 billion would be disbursed nationwide as a way of bringing joy and comfort during the festive season to the select beneficiaries.

“I commend all our state first ladies, RHI state coordinators and partners for their efforts in making this day a reality,” she said, adding that the scheme underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to the well-being of the elderly.

The First Lady encouraged the beneficiaries to maintain their health by eating nutritious food, staying hydrated, engaging in light physical activities, and spending quality time with loved ones.

“As we celebrate this festive season, I urge you to prioritise your health, do what makes you happy and enjoy this special time with family and friends,” she advised.

The elderly support scheme, spearheaded by the First Lady, is to address the needs of vulnerable groups across the country.

In supporting the initiative, the First Lady of Lagos, in partnership with the Lagos State Health Management (LASHMA), registered the beneficiaries for one year of free healthcare in any hospital registered with the agency.

The beneficiaries were also educated about LASHMA activities and how to manage their health aside from screening for blood pressure, and eye tests among others.

While reiterating her unwavering dedication to the welfare of Nigerians, the First Lady extended her best wishes for the holiday season and a prosperous 2025 to the elders and everyone in general.

Responding to the gestures, one of the beneficiaries, Mojisola Alabi, expressed gratitude for the financial and medical support, which she described as a lifeline during challenging times.

She appreciated Mrs Tinubu for her unwavering commitment and support to the elderly, noting that the RHI of her office had been beneficial to the vulnerable ones and the public.

According to the Oyo governor’s wife, the RHI coordinators in the 36 states, the FCT and DEPOWA received N50 million each, from where each beneficiary got N200,000.

Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, commended the initiative, urging beneficiaries to use the money judiciously.

Some of the beneficiaries thanked Mrs Tinubu, saying it will go a long way in helping them, particularly during this festive period.

Represented in Delta by MrsToboreOborevweri, the First Lady advised the beneficiaries to eat healthily, stay hydrated, engage in little exercises, like walking, and get adequate rest.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta provided 50kg of rice for each elderly while the wife, Tobore, assisted with medical and other sundry items.

Wife of Ebonyi State Governor, MrsUzoamakaNwifuru, who represented Mrs Tinubu, noted that the programme, was designed not to only support the welfare of the elderly yearly but also veterans from DEPOWA.

Mrs Nwifuru said that 250 beneficiaries of the scheme had also been enrolled into the State Health Insurance programme under her pet project, Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation (BERWO).