The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday supported 250 elderly military and police veterans with N200,000 cash each and food palliatives during the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), held at Mambilla Barracks, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Tinubu called on Nigerians to prioritise the welfare of elderly citizens, describing the initiative as a social investment programme designed to ensure dignity, comfort, and well-being for senior citizens, particularly those aged 65 and above.
She said the programme reflects a moral duty owed by society to older Nigerians, stressing that the elderly deserve to live their later years in comfort, good health, and dignity after contributing to national development.
The First Lady highlighted the importance of community, compassion, and active engagement in promoting the well-being of older persons, urging Nigerians to show care and solidarity toward senior citizens across the country.
Mrs Tinubu also encouraged elderly citizens to maintain healthy lifestyles, remain active, and nurture both body and mind, while appealing to Nigerians to engage in charitable acts that promote joy, unity, and shared responsibility.
According to her, the initiative has, since 2025, celebrated the contributions of senior citizens by recognising their sacrifices in nation-building.
She disclosed that this year’s programme would support 9,500 selected beneficiaries nationwide, including elderly citizens across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and military and police veterans.
“Each beneficiary will receive N200,000, bringing the total disbursement to N1.9 billion,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu expressed appreciation to state coordinators, partners, and stakeholders for their support in implementing the nationwide programme, while wishing Nigerians a festive season and a prosperous 2026.
“As we approach the festive season, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of prioritising our elderly citizens in our initiatives,” she said.
“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. Ageing gracefully is not just about longevity but about being surrounded by love, support, and respect,” she said.
In a goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), represented by the Director of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Adisa Adegbenga, said the programme reflected compassion, patriotism, and leadership.
He commended the First Lady for her commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, particularly vulnerable groups, noting that the initiative inspired hope and confidence across the nation.
“Today’s programme, which focuses on the welfare and dignity of military and police veterans, is a cause that resonates deeply with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.
“These men and women served our nation with courage, discipline, and selfless sacrifice, often under very demanding conditions. Their service laid the foundation for the peace, security, and stability we continue to safeguard today.”
In her welcome remarks, the President of DEPOWA, Mernan Oluyede, said the RHIESS reflected collective compassion, gratitude, and responsibility toward military and police veterans.
She described the beneficiaries as men and women who devoted the prime of their lives to the defence, security, and stability of the nation.
According to her, through the Elderly Support Scheme, a total of 250 defence and police veterans within the Federal Capital Territory are receiving financial support as part of a nationwide initiative covering the 36 states and the FCT.
“The Renewed Hope Initiative continues to stand as a beacon of empathy and leadership,” she said.
“By prioritising the welfare of the elderly, particularly those facing health and social challenges, you affirm the principle that service to the nation must always be honoured, remembered, and rewarded with dignity.”
Mrs Oluyede expressed appreciation to Mrs Tinubu for her consistent support to DEPOWA and her understanding of the sacrifices made by military and police veterans nationwide.
