The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed her commitment to the welfare of elderly Nigerians through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). 

Speaking during the second edition of the RHI Elderly Support Scheme (RHEISS), held across all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and for military veterans, the First Lady announced a significant increase in the support grant to ₦200,000 per beneficiary.

According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said: “The Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has decided to increase the grant from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 this year to provide further support to our elderly citizens during this festive season”.

She revealed that a total of ₦1.9 billion will be distributed, benefiting 9,500 elderly citizens nationwide.

The initiative, themed “total Wellness – Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Lifestyle,” aims to support elderly Nigerians aged 65 and above. 

Each state, the FCT, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) received ₦50 million, with 250 elderly beneficiaries in each location receiving ₦200,000.

“This programme is designed to reassure the elderly that they are loved and not forgotten, especially during the festive season,” the First Lady emphasized. 

First Lady encourages out-of-school girls not to lose dreams.

She further urged beneficiaries to prioritize their health and spend quality time with their loved ones, noting that the event also included free medical check-ups and the distribution of essential items.

The First Lady reiterated the administration’s commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians, stating, “this event is holding simultaneously in all the states of the federation. It is our way of supporting the welfare of our elderly citizens annually.”

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, applauded the First Lady’s initiative and called on Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. 

“The President met a lot of rot on the ground when he assumed office, but things are already getting better, and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Matawalle said.

Dr. Matawalle also announced additional support from the Ministry of Defence, pledging to provide ₦200,000 each to 250 veterans in recognition of their service to the nation.

The event featured health screenings and the distribution of food items, further underscoring the government’s commitment to a holistic approach to elderly care. 

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a timely and impactful gesture during the festive season.