By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
First lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja commenced the maiden edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, RHI, with the sum of N950,O000 , ( Nine hundred and fifty thousand Naira to support and empower 250 elderly citizens aged 65 years and above across the country out of economic hardship.
The First lady, represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, also the National Vice Chairman of the RHI, said that this is the first of its kind in the nation.
The RHI scheme programme which holds in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, is for the elderly and other selected beneficiaries, who
will each receive the sum of One hundred thousand naira, (N100,000), to cushion the effect of economic crunch and to alleviate the burden of the elderly during this festive period.
Senator Tinubu said,” 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). We are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination.”
She noted that it is imperative to prioritize the elderly citizens particularly at this festive period not only to acknowledge their contributions but to acknowledge the encounters they face.
Sen. Tinubu further advised the Senior citizens to prioritize their health , nurture their minds and strengthen their bonds with
loved one and God.
The FCT Minister of State .Dr. Mariya Mahmoud noted that the distribution of cash and items is also to show gratitude for their wealth of wisdom and experience.
Mahmoud said,”Today’s distribution is a small token of the First Lady’s appreciation, a gesture that reflects her commitment to ensuring the comfort and well-being of those who have paved the way for us.”
“As we hand out these items, let us also take a moment to engage with our elders, to listen to their stories, and to learn from their rich tapestry of life experiences.”
The Minister also urged other critical Stakeholders’to emulate the First lady’s gesture to show love and warmth to the elderly and the less privilege throughout the year.
The Mandate Secretary FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Hon. Adedayo Benjamin – Laniyi stated that the First lady Renewed Initiative is to reach out to the elderly people in the society to put a smile on their faces during this festive period.
Furthermore, the elderly citizens from the six a Area Councils of the FCT got humanitarian services like free medical check up , free drugs, free eye check up and glasses, free high blood pressure check up, counseling and free enlightenment in the National Health Insurance Scheme.
