Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday, through the Renewed Hope Initiative under the Elderly Support Scheme, disbursed the sum of Twenty-Five Million Naira (N25,000,000) to 250 elderly men and women from the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta state.
The cash presentation which simultaneously took place across the states of the federation, was held in Delta State at the Banquet hall, Government House, Asaba.
The Wife of Delta State governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori who represented Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the event, provided clothing materials and deployed a team of Medical experts from the Asaba Specialist Hospital to carry out free health checks and dispense medications to the elderly citizens as support for the gesture.
In her address, Senator Tinubu expressed joy at the inaugural edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) themed “Better Days Ahead.” She emphasized that the economic empowerment program symbolizes a dedication to the well-being of elderly citizens, representing a significant step forward in the collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Senator Tinubu noted that the scheme aims to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association, adding that the selected beneficiaries are to receive a sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) each to alleviate economic burdens during the festive period.
According to the First Lady, the total sum to be disbursed is Nine Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N950,000,000), as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. She stressed that each state of the federation will receive Twenty-Five Million Naira (N25,000,000) without discrimination.
She further emphasized the importance of prioritizing elderly citizens during the festive season, honouring their contributions, and recognizing the unique challenges they face. To the senior citizens, she urged embracing life, prioritizing health, nurturing minds, and strengthening bonds with loved ones and with God for a rich and fulfilling life in their golden years.
Tinubu appreciated all who supported the event with free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items to the beneficiaries.
Welcoming the senior citizens, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori who spoke through the Director General, You Matter Charity Foundation, Barr Lawrentta Ogbedo, expressed great pleasure at the presentation of the cash sums, adding that the gesture of the Renewed Hope Initiative is timely and commendable.
While acknowledging the challenging economic situation in the country, she highlighted the impact of the scheme on families, particularly the elderly, who now face financial difficulties.
The Governor’s wife appreciated Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s efforts to alleviate the economic strains on the senior citizens during the festive period adding that the gesture is well appreciated by the people of the state.
She noted that through her pet project, the You Matter Charity Foundation, elderly persons in the state will continue to receive the needed attention through the various programs encapsulated in her vision of creating a world where everybody is valued.