The Wife of the President of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended financial support to 250 elderly citizens in Ekiti State, with each beneficiary receiving ₦200,000 under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme. The presentation took place at Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, as part of the third edition of the Elderly Support Scheme tagged “Finding Joy in Old Age.”
Speaking on behalf of the First Lady, the Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, said the programme is being implemented simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). She added that beneficiaries also include veterans drawn from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
Senator Tinubu noted that a total of 9,500 elderly citizens were selected nationwide to benefit from the scheme, describing the intervention as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of senior citizens. She explained that the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative approved the disbursement of ₦1.9 billion for the exercise, with each state, the FCT and DEPOWA receiving ₦50 million.
According to her, the initiative goes beyond financial assistance and promotes healthy and active ageing among older persons. She encouraged beneficiaries to pay attention to their wellbeing by engaging in regular physical exercise and meaningful activities that keep their bodies and minds active. “The Renewed Hope Initiative is about restoring dignity and ensuring that our elderly citizens find joy and fulfilment in their later years. This support is designed to help them live healthier and happier lives,” she said.
The National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative further stated that since the inception of the current administration in 2023, the initiative has consistently celebrated senior citizens every December in recognition of their invaluable contributions to national development and community growth across the country.
In her welcome address, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the Convener of the Renewed Hope Initiative and First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for sustaining the Elderly Support Scheme. She described the programme as a reflection of the First Lady’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of senior citizens and veterans nationwide.
Dr. Oyebanji urged beneficiaries in Ekiti State to use the financial support wisely, especially during the festive season. She stressed the importance of meeting essential needs such as food, healthcare and medication where necessary, noting that the support was meant to ease daily challenges faced by the elderly.
In separate messages of appreciation, Elder Gabriel Oni and Chief Mrs. Musili Eyemugbayeho thanked the Wife of the President and the Ekiti State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for their care for senior citizens in Nigeria. They pledged continued support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ekiti State Government, while offering prayers for their success.
The event attracted government officials, community leaders and stakeholders who commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its impact, describing it as a timely gesture that reinforces efforts to ensure elderly Nigerians live with dignity, comfort and joy.
The scheme aligns with broader social goals.
