Nigeria’s first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 250 vulnerable elderly indigents in Anambra State with N250,000 cash each through the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, aimed at promoting the well-being of elderly citizens and ensuring they live with dignity and joy.
The empowerment took place on Tuesday in Awka, where the wife of the Anambra State governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, represented the first lady and supervised the distribution of funds to beneficiaries.
The scheme, themed ‘Finding joy in old age’, is in its third edition and is designed to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 years and above in each of the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, as well as veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association.
According to the programme, a total of 9,500 elderly persons are targeted nationwide, with N1.9 billion approved for disbursement by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Each state of the federation, including the FCT and DEPOWA, is to receive N50 million.
Dr Soludo, who read the speech of Senator Tinubu, said that since the inception of the current administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has made it a tradition to celebrate senior citizens every December in recognition of their contributions to nation-building.
She said, “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.”
She added, “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.”
Explaining the scope of the programme, she said the scheme supports 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.
“These 9,500 selected beneficiaries will receive N200,000 each,” she said.
She further stated, “The total sum to be disbursed is N1.9 billion as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Each state of the federation will receive the sum of N50 million, including the FCT and DEPOWA.”
Soludo said the timing of the scheme was important as the festive season approaches, stressing the need to prioritise elderly citizens.
“As we approach the festive season, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of prioritising our elderly citizens in our initiatives. They have walked difficult paths so that the younger generations may have smoother roads to travel,” she said.
“It is therefore our moral duty, and indeed our joy, to ensure that they live their twilight years in comfort, good health, and dignity,” she added.
She said, “Let us remember that ageing 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,” she added.
Expressing appreciation, Soludo conveyed the first lady’s gratitude to stakeholders supporting the programme.
She said, “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.”
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all Your Excellencies, the State Coordinators of RHI, and partners for your support with this scheme,” she said.
“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,” she added.
“Happy Yuletide Season. God bless Anambra State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she said.
