By Ovat Abeng
First lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has uplifted 250 elderly persons with cash gifts totaling N1.9 billion across the 36 states of the federation and FCT ahead of the 2025; Christmas celebration.
The Paradise News gathered that the support programme which is the third edition with the Theme; “Finding Joy in old age”, is an initiative of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), designed to support the welfare of elderly citizens annually.
In Anambra state, Senator Tinubu, represented by the wife of the state governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo handed over the money to 250 beneficiaries at the Light House Bouquet hall Awka, on Tuesday.
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Each beneficiary received N200,000 from the 50 million naira shared disbursed to Anambra state.
Her address read: “I am delighted to join you today at the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) with the Theme: “Finding Joy in Old Age”. This social investment programme embodies our ongoing effort to ensure that our elderly citizens live with dignity and joy, in a nation that genuinely cares for its own.
“Since the inception of this administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has made it a tradition to celebrate our senior citizens every December, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to nation-building. Through this scheme, we have continued to express our gratitude and care for the men and women who have laboured to build the Nigeria we are all proud to be part of today.
“This scheme is to support Two Hundred and Fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA). These Nine thousand five hundred (9500) selected beneficiaries will receive Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000) each.
The total sum to be disbursed is One Billion Nine Hundred Million Naira (N1,900,000,000) as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Each state of the federation will receive the sum of Fifty Million Naira (N50,000,000), including FCT and DEPOWA.
As we approach the festive season, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of prioritizing our elderly citizens in our initiatives. They have walked difficult paths so that the younger generations may have smoother roads to travel. It is therefore our moral duty, and indeed our joy, to ensure that they live their twilight years in comfort, good health, and dignity.
“My advice to our senior citizens is to do all that is possible to find joy in old age, let us also find purpose in community, compassion, and care. Let us remember that aging gracefully is not just about longevity but about being surrounded by love, support, and respect.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active. Nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement. Those of us who are active should continue to engage in charitable work and, in so doing, find joy in helping others.
“I say thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and your prayers for our great nation. May God continue to grant you good health, peace, and renewed hope.
“Iextend my heartfelt appreciation to all Your Excellencies, the State Coordinators of RHI, and partners for your support with this scheme.
“As the year draws to a close, I wish each of you a peaceful and joyous holiday season, and I pray that 2026 will bring renewed hope and greater accomplishments for us all and our beloved nation, Mrs Tinubu concluded.
The beneficiaries who spoke with Journalists, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Tinubu and Mrs Soludo, stating that the grant would greatly assist them during the festive period and beyond.
The event also witnessed the presence of wife of the State Deputy Governor, Mrs Olachi Ibezim, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon Ify Obinabo, Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Ben Obidike, wife of APGA National Chairman, Mrs Amarachukwu Ezeokenwa, APGA women leader in the state, Lady Esther Onyekesi, among others.
