22nd December, 2023
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday launched the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) poised to support vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the federation during this festive period.
Tinubu, at the maiden edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elders Support Scheme (RHIESS), in Lagos, held at Lagos House, Ikeja, noted that the initiative themed, “Better Days Ahead” is an economic empowerment programme for the well-being of elderly citizens across the country.
The First lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu who presented the cash and gift items to the beneficiaries on behalf of Senator Tinubu, said that the gesture marked a significant stride in the government’s collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.
She emphasized that over 250 beneficiaries selected from all the 20 Local Government Areas, LGAs and 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs were given N100,000 each.
According to her, “the total sum disbursed is N950,000,000 as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative and each state of the federation received N25,000,000 which includes beneficiaries from Lagos State.
“We are committed to ensuring that each State benefits from this gesture without discrimination and this is to cushion the effect of the economic situation and to alleviate the burdens of our esteemed elders during this festive period,” she added.
She pointed out that the event holds simultaneously in all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, emphasizing that veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) would also benefit from this initiative.
Tinubu, therefore, charged the senior citizens to embrace life to the fullest, prioritize their health and strengthen their bonds with loved ones and with God, stressing that these are the key ingredients to a rich and fulfilling life in their golden years.
In support of this initiative, Sanwo-Olu’s wife, in her own capacity also supported the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) with presentation of gift items and foodstuffs to the 250 beneficiaries.
The maiden edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) featured the presentation of cash token to beneficiaries, free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items.