By Stanley Onyekwere
To cushion the effect of economic situation especially during this festive period, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled the Renewed-Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) to support vulnerable 250 senior citizens between 65 years and above each in Abuja and across the 36 states of the Federation, totally 9,250 beneficiaries.
Flagging off the maiden edition of the initiative with the theme: ‘ Better Days Ahead’, yesterday in Abuja, Oluremi Tinubu revealed that the RHIESS Governing Board had approved the sum of 950 million Naira for disbursement to the beneficiaries.
The First Lady, who was represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, explained that through the scheme, each state will receive N25m each, while the targeted beneficiaries will each receive N100,000.
She noted that the initiative was committed to ensuring that each state received the funds without discrimination, as the support fund will help to cushion the effect of the current economic situation and relieve burdens on the elders through the festive period.
According to her: “This scheme is to support Two Hundred and Fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
“These selected beneficiaries will receive a sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) each. This is to cushion the effect of the economic situation and to alleviate the burdens of our esteemed elders during this festive period.
“Each state of the federation will receive the sum of Twenty-Five Million Naira (N25,000,000). We are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination”.
Tinubu also emphasised the importance of prioritizing the elderly citizens, adding that the outreach was to honour their contributions and acknowledge the encounters they face.
Earlier in her welcome address, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, opined that the mission of the Initiative was not just the distribution of materials, but also to foster a sense of community, compassion and respect for elders, youths, girl child and widows.
She said: “Today, we gather not just to distribute items but to express our deep gratitude and respect for the wealth of wisdom and experience that our elders bring to our lives.
“In the fast-paced world we live in, it is essential to pause and appreciate the pillars of our community—the elderly. Their stories, guidance, and enduring spirits have shaped our collective journey”.
In her remarks the Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, revealed that the scheme would also provide humanitarian services for the elderly such as “free medical check-ups and free drugs, free eye check-ups and glasses, free high blood pressure check-up and counselling, free enlistment in the National Health Insurance scheme”.
She also appreciating the FCT Administration, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud for the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, through the creation of the FCT Women’s Secretariat.
