Wife of the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Hajiya Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya, on Tuesday, 16th December, 2025, reaffirmed her commitment to the welfare, dignity and wellbeing of elderly citizens during the Third Edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Gombe.
In a welcome address, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilisation, Fini David, expressed appreciation to stakeholders and beneficiaries for their presence at the event. She described the Renewed Hope Initiative as a timely intervention that reflects compassion, inclusiveness and strong leadership, while commending the wife of the governor for her consistent advocacy and support for women, the elderly and other vulnerable groups across the state.
Speaking at the programme themed “Finding Joy in Old Age,” Hajiya Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya described the scheme as a vital social investment initiative that highlights collective responsibility toward senior citizens. She said the programme, championed at the national level by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, reflects a shared national resolve to ensure that elderly Nigerians live their later years with dignity, care and joy.
The First Lady recalled that since the inception of the present administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has consistently celebrated senior citizens every December in recognition of their immense contributions to nation-building. According to her, Gombe State remains committed to aligning with this vision while strengthening local efforts aimed at supporting elderly persons across various communities.
She explained that the third edition of the scheme is designed to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 years and above in each of the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory and beneficiaries drawn from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA). She stated that a total of 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide will receive ₦200,000 each, bringing the overall disbursement to ₦1.9 billion, as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Each state, including the FCT and DEPOWA, is allocated ₦50 million under the scheme.
Hajiya Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya stressed the importance of prioritising the welfare of elderly citizens, noting that they have made enormous sacrifices to pave the way for younger generations. She described care for senior citizens as both a moral duty and a shared responsibility that must be embraced by families, communities and government at all levels.
She encouraged elderly persons to remain positive, active and socially engaged, noting that joy in old age is nurtured through good health, meaningful relationships and continued service to humanity. She also urged those who are still physically active to contribute to society through charitable activities and community-based engagements.
The First Lady expressed deep gratitude to elderly citizens in Gombe State and across Nigeria for their service, sacrifices and prayers for the nation. She offered prayers for their continued good health, peace of mind and renewed optimism in the years ahead.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the APC Women Leader, Hajiya Lumbi Abubakar, and the Wife of the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Binta Barnabas Malle. They commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its positive impact on the lives of elderly citizens and praised the First Lady of Nigeria for her compassion-driven leadership and commitment to social welfare.
They encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the support provided while offering prayers for the continued success of the initiative and sustained development in Gombe State. As the year draws to a close, Hajiya Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya wished all beneficiaries and residents of the state a festive season.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of prizes to winners of the Every Home a Garden competition at the state level.
