The Edo State Government, through the Office of the First Lady, has implemented the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) with the disbursement of fifty million Naira (N50,000,000) to 250 elderly persons across the state. The disbursement took place at the New Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City and formed part of activities under the Social Investment Programme themed “Finding Joy in Old Age.”
Speaking on behalf of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady and State Coordinator of RHI, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, said the scheme was designed to support 250 elderly individuals with N200,000 cash grants each. She explained that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of senior citizens in Edo State and ensuring they live with dignity.
At the event, Senator Tinubu commended the RHIESS initiative for promoting dignified ageing and social inclusion. She noted that the empowerment programme covers the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while also extending to selected groups aimed at improving welfare nationwide.
In her words, “This Scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 years and above in all the 36 states of the Federation and the veterans from the Defense and Police Officers Wives Association (POWA). These 9,500 selected beneficiaries will receive N200,000 each. The total sum to be disbursed is one billion, nine hundred million Naira. As approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Each state of the Federation will receive the sum of fifteen million Naira, including the FCT and the POA.”
Senator Tinubu further stated that since the inception of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has annually celebrated senior citizens every December. She said the celebration is meant to acknowledge the contributions of elderly citizens to nation building and to appreciate them through structured support under the scheme. She added that prioritising the welfare of the elderly is important to ensure they live in comfort, good health, and dignity.
The First Lady of Nigeria also advised the elderlies to find joy in their old age by remaining healthy and active, while nurturing both body and mind. She encouraged them to engage in charitable works, find purpose within their communities, and embrace compassion and care.
In her goodwill message, the wife of the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Barrister Nimata Umar Ikhilor, said caring for elderlies reflects the level of progress within a society. She described elderly persons as valued, respected, and a blessing to their communities and beyond.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Special Duties, Mrs. Betty Okonoboh, appreciated the attendees and beneficiaries of the third edition of RHIESS. She commended the efforts of the First Lady of Nigeria and the Office of the Edo State First Lady for organising the programme to honour elderly citizens.
The event also featured health talks delivered by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Andrew Iyamu, and the Managing Director of the Edo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Anthonia Njoku. Medical health outreaches were conducted during the programme.
A major highlight of the event was the disbursement of cash grants to beneficiaries, including Mrs. Agnes Ahamentalor, Mr. George Abulimen, and Mrs. Pius Victoria, among others. The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Senator Tinubu and Mrs. Anani. They said the gesture would improve their wellbeing and daily living.
