The Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, has supported 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 years and above in Ekiti State with N100,000 each.
The President’s wife’s largesse to the elderly in Ekiti was aimed at cushioning the effects on the economic situation of the country and alleviating their burden during the festive period.
Senator Tinubu’s financial support for the elderly which was tagged “Better Days Ahead” is an economic empowerment borne out of a steadfast commitment to the well-being of the elderly citizens and it marks a significant stride in the nation’s collective pursuit for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Presenting the cash support to the Ekiti beneficiaries in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, Senator Tinubu disclosed that the sum of N950 million was earmarked for disbursement to the elderly citizens in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
Represented by the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Senator Tinubu explained that N25 million would be shared with elderly citizens in each of the states of the federation and the FCT as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Senator Tinubu said: “This scheme is to support Two Hundred and Fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
“These selected beneficiaries will receive a sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) each. This is to cushion the effect of the economic situation and to alleviate the burdens of our esteemed elders during this festive period.
“We are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination. As we approach the festive season, it becomes very important to emphasize the significance of prioritizing our elderly citizens in our initiatives.
“By reaching out to the people who are elderly this festive period, we not only honour their contributions but also acknowledge the unique encounters they face.”
The President’s wife appreciated the wives of the Governor, State Coordinators of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and partners who have supported free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items to the beneficiaries.
The wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Oyebanji, also advocated for prayers for President Bola Tinubu for him to lead the nation aright and for his wife (Senator Remi) to keep on making a difference in the lives of Nigerians especially the less privileged.
The benefiting elderly citizens were full of praises and prayers for Mrs Tinubu for doling out N100,000 to each of them as financial support at a time they least expected. They also hailed Dr Oyebanji for her acts of kindness to the less privileged.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Ekiti All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Forum, Prof. Muyiwa Igbalajobi, hailed Senator Tinubu for what he described as “her uncommon care for the elderly and prioritizing their welfare.”
Another senior citizen, Chief Ronke Okusanya, said it was fulfilling for governments at both federal and state levels to take interest in the matters of the elderly.
She said: “The welfare of the elderly is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Help us appreciate Mrs. Remi Tinubu for this gesture and we also appreciate our First Lady in Ekiti for what she has been doing for us.”
The beneficiaries offered words of prayers for President Tinubu, Mrs Tinubu Governor Oyebanji and Dr Oyebanji for giving them hope and making them happy during the Yuletide season.
Offering prayers both in Christian and Islamic ways, they prayed for the success of the Tinubu Administration to make a difference in the country and also prayed for long life for the President and First Lady.