The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday disbursed a total of N50 million to 250 elderly vulnerable women and men drawn from across the 13 local government areas of Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the second edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, in Lafia, the state capital, Tinubu narrated that the programme was designed to support the welfare of the elderly citizens, aged 65 years and above in all the 36 states of the federation.
She explained that a total of N1.9 billion had been earmarked for distribution to the aged women and men across the country including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja which is aimed at cushioning the effects of economic challenges being faced by the citizens.
The First Lady who was represented by the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Aisha Rufai-Ibrahim, further explained that veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association would also benefit from the gesture.
She said, “The Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has decided to increase the initial grant of N100,000 to N200,000 this year in order to provide further support to our elderly citizens during this festival season.
“A total of N1.9bn will be disbursed across the nation. The RHI coordinators in the 36 states of the federation, the FCT and DEPOWA have received N50m each, out of which N200,000 will be distributed to each beneficiary.”
Tinubu further announced free medical care for the elderly, which would soon commence across the country in order to improve their health statuses.
She also expressed her gratitude to the Nasarawa State First Lady, Salifat Abdullahi-Sule, and all the other state First Ladies in the country for their sacrifices and commitment to the well-being of their people.
“I congratulate all the senior citizens who have been selected as beneficiaries, but I want to urge you all to prioritise your health, eat well, stay hydrated, and do little exercises regularly. You also need adequate rest, and try to spend quality time with your loved ones”, she added.
Also speaking at the event, the wife of the governor, while carrying out the symbolic presentation of cash and wrappers to the beneficiaries, applauded the donor for her tireless efforts in adding value to the vulnerable women and men in society.
The Nasarawa State First Lady, therefore, appealed to the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money and items given to them to justify the efforts of the President’s wife.
