By Kingsley Omonobi

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has announced the disbursement of N1.9 billion across Nigeria through the second edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).

Beneficiaries of the program, aged 65 and above, will receive N200,000 each alongside other palliatives such as rice, vegetable oil, and free medical check-ups.

Speaking at the Defence Officers Mess on Tuesday, the First Lady emphasized the program’s aim to support the welfare of elderly citizens annually. She disclosed that RHIESS coordinators in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) had each received N50 million to implement the scheme.

“The Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has increased the grant from N100,000 to N200,000 this year to further support our elderly citizens during the festive season,” Mrs. Tinubu said. “A total of 250 elderly citizens from each state and the FCT, along with veterans from DEPOWA, will benefit from this scheme.”

She urged the elderly to prioritize their health, advising them to eat well, stay hydrated, exercise lightly, and spend quality time with loved ones.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, lauded the initiative, pledging 250 additional packages for veterans, bringing the total to 500 beneficiaries. He appealed for patience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms, assuring that they aim to improve the standard of living for all Nigerians.

“This is the first initiative of its kind in the history of our armed forces,” Matawalle said. “We are committed to supporting this program annually.”

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, represented by Air Commodore Idorenyin Bassey, praised the First Lady for her compassion and commitment to the welfare of senior citizens. “Today’s event is a reminder that the contributions of our senior citizens are not forgotten,” he said.

DEPOWA President Mrs. Oghogho Musa highlighted the growing elderly population, citing UN statistics that project the global number of people aged 65 and above to double by 2050. She emphasized the importance of initiatives like RHIESS to provide care and support for the elderly.

Present at the event were the presidents of NAOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA, and POWA, alongside other dignitaries.