About 250 elderly men and women aged 65 and above have benefited from the 2nd edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
According to the First Lady, 250 citizens from each of the 36 states of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will benefit from the kind gesture.
The programme is also designed to support the welfare of the elderly citizens annually.
The Administrator, Office of the First Lady of State, Edesili Anani, who represented the First Lady of Nigeria at the event, said the beneficiaries will also include veterans from Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
Mrs Tinubu noted that the governing board of RHIESS decided to increase the yearly grant from N100,000 to N200,000 this year to provide further support to the elderly citizens during this festive season.
“A total of N1. 9 billion will be disbursed across the nation. The coordinators in the 36 States of the Federation, the FCT and DEPOWA, have received N50 million each, out of which N200,000 will be distributed today to each beneficiary.”
The First Lady noted that besides the support, a free medical check-up and other sundry items will be provided. She urged them to remember prioritizing their health and celebrate the festive season.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, commended the President and his wife for the initiative, which he said will go a long way in meeting their needs as they celebrate the festive season.
“I want to welcome you to this programme, which is a brain child of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. We should appreciate her for this great and kind gesture.
“This is to let you know that we have a First Lady that cares, and she remembered you at this festive period as she is a woman that means well for this nation.
“The President has spoken in volumes as he has continued to support his wife and want you to know that a new Edo is rising.
“With the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and the Renewed Hope Initiative of our First Lady, our future is secured, and Edo is rising again. This Christmas will be full of joy. Enjoy the festive season.”
The State woman leader of the ruling APC in Edo State, Betty Okoebor, thanked the President and the First Lady of Nigeria for the initiative which she said will go a long way in meeting the needs of the people of Edo State who are beneficiaries in the Renewed Hope Initiative.
One of the beneficiaries from Ovia South West, Rosemary Elawure, aged 79, said he was shocked that she got the First Lady’s grant and never expected it.
“I thank the President, his wife, and Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo. They made it happen.”
