18th January, 2024
*Gifts N100,000 each to 250 beneficiaries
..Lady Fubara assures financial, and training support to Rivers farmers
By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu officially flagged off the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, a programme that is focused on ensuring that all citizens are supported to engage in productive activities that will enhance the socio-economic growth of the country at Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Speaking during the flag-off of the Elderly Support Scheme, an aspect of the Renewed Hope Initiative, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Senator Tinubu said the programme is borne out of a strong commitment to better the well-being of elderly citizens.
Represented by the wife of the Rivers State governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, Senator Tinubu declared that the flag-off ceremony marked a significant stride in the collective pursuit of establishing a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Senator Tinubu presented gift items including, one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) to each of the 250 benefiting elders selected from the three senatorial districts of Rivers State including non-indigenes.
She explained that reaching out to the elderly means that their concerns are prioritised in acknowledgement of their immense contributions to society, and to support them as they face unique economic and health challenges.
“This scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens, aged 65 and above. Those selected beneficiaries will receive a sum of N100,000 each. This is to cushion the effect of the economic situation in the country and to alleviate the burden felt by our esteemed elders.
“To our senior citizens, I urge you to embrace life to the fullest, prioritise your health, nurture your minds and strengthen your bonds with loved ones and with God. This programme serves as a renewed hope and prosperity for our revered elders and the nation.”
Senator Tinubu also assured that the young, old and less privileged persons will be assisted as a way of empowering families while training will be provided for farmers to access fertilizer, seedlings and equipment to boost agriculture.
On her part, Lady Fubara noted that “as a State, we believe that Nigerians need to stay healthy and fit at all times. The Renewed Hope Initiative is also dear to the heart of Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his administration and he is committed to ensuring its success in all ramifications.”
She assured of providing more financial and training support to the farmers to increase their productivity and ensure food sufficiency in the state in line with the goal of the initiative.
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof Ngozi Odu said the scheme is a cheering demonstration of concerns for the elderly who have been empowered with financial grants and taught the importance of regular medical checks to know their health status.
Prof. Odu later declared the medical outreach session open and became the first to undergo a medical examination to ascertain her health status.