By Victoria Okpanachi
Nigeria’s First Lady and National Chairperson of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has disbursed ₦200,000 to 250 beneficiaries in Kogi State under the Elderly Support Scheme of the programme.
The event, which is the second edition, took place in Lokoja with the Theme: “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Lifestyle” with the aim of improving the welfare of elderly citizens in the state.
While giving the cash to the beneficiaries, Sen. Tinubu, who was represented by the Wife of the State Governor and the RHI Coordinator for the State, Hajiya Sefinat Ododo, highlighted that the initiative is designed to annually support 250 elderly citizens aged 65 and above.
She said that this gesture reflects her commitment to improving the living conditions of vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly, across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and Veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association
Sen. Tinubu noted that the grant for the initiative has increased from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 per beneficiary this year. The increment is part of efforts to provide additional financial relief to the elderly during the festive season, demonstrating her commitment to supporting senior citizens across the nation.
According to her, a total of ₦1.9 billion will be disbursed nationwide under the Elderly Support Scheme. With each state receiving ₦50 million, and ₦200,000 to each elderly beneficiary.
In addition to the cash grants, the initiative will also provide free medical check-ups and other essential items for the elderly.
Contributing, the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Joel Oyibo, praised the first lady for her compassionate gesture while referring to her as a woman with a heart of gold.
Mrs. Oyibo urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the financial support provided, while encouraging them to invest the money in maintaining a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Fatima Momoh, expressed appreciation to the first lady for initiating this impactful programme, emphasising its role in promoting overall wellness and healthy living.
She also commended Hajiya Sefinat Ododo for her dedication to the vision, highlighting her commitment to ensuring the welfare of the elderly in the state.
The State Coordinator Social Investment Program Agency, Hajiya Aishat Omade, used the forum to applaud the first lady for the initiative.
She emphasised the significance of the programme in promoting healthy living among senior citizens, describing it as a step toward enhancing their quality of life.
Mrs Grace Olushola and Mr Usman Onalo who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked Sen. Tinubu for being intentional about senior citizens and putting smiles on their faces during this period.
