First lady Remi Tinubu lifts the aged at Christmas in Nasarawa

NKRUMAH BANKONG-OBI/Lafia

The First lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has provided succour to the needy aged population in Nasarawa State. The intervention came in form of N50 million to ease the burden of celebrating the festivities distributed to selected 250 elderly citizens of the State.

In her address read by Hajia Aisha Rufai Ibrahim, the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Nasarawa State at the event, the First lady said, “A total of one billion of naira, nine hundred will be disbursed across the nation. The RHI Coordinators in the 36 States of the Federation, the FCT and DEPOWA have received fifty million naira (N50,000,000) each, out of which N200,000 will be distributed today. in addition to this, free medica; check-ups and other sundry items will be provided.”

While congratulating the beneficiaries, she implored them to look after themselves and keep maintain healthy habits at all times. “I urge you to remember to prioritize your health even as we all enjoy and celebrate in the festive season. Eat well, stay hydrated, do little – like walking and getting adequate rest. Spend quality time with loved ones, and do what you enjoy and makes you happy,” she admonished.

In an address of welcome, Hussaini Usman, permanent secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Health said the offering became imperative to ameliorate the challenges associated with old age.

He noted that records from the United Nations show that the world is aging, hence people require some level of support to help them cope when the body has lost some vigour and no longer functions as it used to be, hence livelihoods are impacted. This is why, the permanent Secretary noted, initiatives have been carefully fashioned, to bring the need support to the beneficiaries to enable the live healthily. He expressed hope that they will put the items given to them to good use.

Mrs. Tosin Akabe, the wife of the deputy governor of Nasarawa State in a goodwill message, thanked the wife of the President and the First Lady of Nasarawa State for standing strong for the vulnerable, especially the aged.

She called on family members to ensure that items meant for the beneficiaries are used for their good. “Families around, please we want you to make these elderly ones happy. Use whatever you are given here happy. Make sure, if you buy clothes, sew it and let them wear and be sure it goes to the beneficiaries.”