Two hundred and fifty elderly persons in Anambra State were on Tuesday, handed cash of two hundred naira each under 3rd Edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).
This year’s event with the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ is a social investment programme which embodies the commitment of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s ongoing effort to ensure that the elderly citizens live with dignity and joy.
The scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens, aged 65 and above in each of the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
A total sum of One Billion Nine Hundred Million Naira as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative, will be disbursed to a total of 9,500 beneficiaries with each state of the federation, including Anambra, receiving the sum of Fifty Million Naira, including the FCT and DEPOWA.
The wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, who presented the cash support on behalf of the Nigerian First Lady, said since the inception of the Bola Tinubu administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has made it a tradition to celebrate the senior citizens every December, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to nation-building.
She revealed that through the scheme, the administration has continued to express its gratitude and care for the men and women who have laboured to build the Nigeria everyone is proud to be part of today.
The first lady emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of the elderly citizens as the festive season approaches.
“They have walked difficult paths so that the younger generations may have smoother roads to travel. It is therefore our moral duty, and indeed our joy, to ensure that they live their twilight years in comfort, good health, and dignity.
“My advice to our senior citizens is to do all that is possible to find joy in old age, let us also find purpose in community, compassion, and care. Let us remember that aging gracefully is not just about longevity but about being surrounded by love, support, and respect.
“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. Those of us who are active should continue to engage in charitable work and, in so doing, find joy in helping others.
“I say thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and your prayers for our great nation. May God continue to grant you good health, peace, and renewed hope,” the first lady said.
The Anambra First Lady on her capacity, also gave bags of rice, cloth, as well as additional cash support to the beneficiaries.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike noted that the Anambra State First Lady has been consistent in providing succour for the elderly in the state, and has always complemented the Nigerian First Lady’s support with her own assistance, to ensure that more people in Anambra State benefits from empowerment programmes of government.
On her part, the State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the money they received, reminding them that they can still engage in some meaningful ventures even with their age.
This she said, will ensure that they are not overly dependent on their children for provision.
