First Lady Tinubu doles out N50 million to 250 Lagos Elderly

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday doled out N200,000 each to 250 elderly people in Lagos State as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), a social investment programme designed to promote dignity, care and joy in old age.

Speaking at the event held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Tinubu said the scheme reflected the administration’s resolve to prioritise elderly citizens who had contributed significantly to nation-building but now required support and reassurance in their later years.

The event, themed “Finding Joy in Old Age,” brought together beneficiaries, coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and other stakeholders.

“I am delighted to join you today at the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme. This social investment programme embodies our ongoing effort to ensure that our elderly citizens live with dignity and joy, in a nation that genuinely cares for its own,” the First Lady said.

Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu,  explained that since the inception of the administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative had made it a tradition to celebrate senior citizens every December in recognition of their invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s development.

According to her, the current phase of the scheme would support 250 vulnerable elderly persons aged 65 and above in each of the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as veterans drawn from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 9,500 nationwide.

Each beneficiary, she disclosed, would receive a cash grant of N200,000, with a total disbursement of N1.9 billion approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

She added that each state, including the FCT and DEPOWA, would receive N50 million under the scheme.

“As we approach the festive season, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of prioritising our elderly citizens. They have walked difficult paths so that the younger generations may have smoother roads to travel,” she said.. adding that “It is therefore our moral duty, and indeed our joy, to ensure that they live their twilight years in comfort, good health and dignity.”

The First Lady urged senior citizens to remain positive and purposeful despite the challenges associated with ageing, encouraging them to stay active, healthy and engaged within their communities.

“My advice to our senior citizens is to do all that is possible to find joy in old age. Let us find purpose in community, compassion and care,” she said, saying that “Ageing gracefully is not just about longevity but about being surrounded by love, support and respect.”

She further encouraged elderly Nigerians who are still active to engage in charitable and community work, noting that helping others can be a source of fulfilment and joy.

“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active. Nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Tinubu added.

She expressed appreciation to state governors’ wives, RHI state coordinators and partners for their support in implementing the scheme across the country, describing their collaboration as critical to its success.

The First Lady thanked senior citizens for their service, sacrifices and prayers for the nation, while offering prayers for their continued good health and wellbeing.