The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, on Tuesday empowered 250 elderly citizens in Akwa Ibom State with N200,000 each.
The empowerment took place at the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) with the theme, “Finding Joy in Old Age,” held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo.
The programme formed part of a nationwide social investment effort aimed at easing financial pressure on elderly persons and promoting their overall well-being, especially those considered vulnerable within their communities.
Senator Tinubu, represented by the State Coordinator of RHI, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, said the social investment programme reflects RHI’s commitment to ensuring that elderly citizens live with dignity and joy in a nation that cares for its people.
She said since the inception of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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.
“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,” she said.
She explained that the scheme is designed to support two hundred and fifty vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 years and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
The wife of the President advised senior citizens to do all that is possible to find joy in old age, saying that ageing gracefully is not only about longevity but also about love, support and respect.
She encouraged the elderly to stay healthy and active, while nurturing their bodies and minds through regular exercise and meaningful engagements.
Setting the tone for the event, the Focal Person for the RHI in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Emem Orok, said the RHI Elderly Support Scheme of the First Lady of Nigeria and National Chairman of RHI, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has provided relief, reassurance and renewed hope to the elderly in the states and the FCT.
She added that the initiative continues to strengthen trust between government programmes and senior citizens across different communities nationwide.
She said the scheme reminds the elderly that they are valued, loved and remembered.
A goodwill message was received from the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Etukudo, who praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her commitment to improving the well-being of Nigerians, describing it as a call to action.
The commissioner said collective responsibility is required to protect elderly welfare across states and communities.
Speaking for the beneficiaries, Mr Abasiama Idiong thanked Senator Oluremi Tinubu, saying the support would help them meet their needs.
The high point of the event was the symbolic presentation of cheques, as the hall erupted with excitement when beneficiaries received credit alerts of N200,000, while a performance by the Young Professionals added colour to the programme.
