By Dayo Johnson Akure

A total of 250 elderly persons in Ondo state, have benefitted from the Renewal Hope initiative Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Each of them received financial support of N200,000 in Akure, the state capital.

Mrs Tinubu, speaking, through the wife of the Ondo state governor, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, said the initiative, RHIESS reinforced the Federal Government’s commitment to social protection and inclusive governance, saying the initiative was aimed at ensuring that senior citizens live their later years with dignity, comfort, and a renewed sense of belonging in society.

She explained that the scheme brought together beneficiaries, government officials, development partners, and coordinators of the Renewed Hope Initiative from across the federation.

The scheme, according to her “is aimed at providing social protection and economic relief for elderly Nigerians, particularly those with limited means of livelihood, in line with the Federal Government’s renewed focus on inclusive welfare and social support.

Mrs Tinubu described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the present administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life of senior citizens and ensuring that no segment of society is left behind in national development efforts.

According to her, the scheme targets 250 vulnerable elderly persons aged 65 years and above in each of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

She said that “this was in addition to selected beneficiaries from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA). Each beneficiary received N200,000, bringing the total number of beneficiaries nationwide to 9,500.

The First Lady said that yhe Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative approved a total disbursement of ₦1.9 billion, with ₦50 million allocated to each state, the FCT, and DEPOWA, to ensure fair and transparent distribution of the funds.

She noted that since the launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative in 2023, the programme has become an annual event held every December to honour elderly Nigerians who have made immense contributions to the country’s development.

According to her “Our senior citizens laboured tirelessly to build the Nigeria we know today. They endured challenges and made sacrifices so that younger generations could have better opportunities.

” It is therefore our responsibility and indeed our joy to care for them and ensure that they live their twilight years in comfort and dignity,” she said.

She however, urged elderly Nigerians to remain active, healthy, and engaged in their communities, stressing that ageing gracefully is not merely about longevity but about maintaining a sense of purpose and being surrounded by love and support.

“As much as we provide financial support, we must also encourage our senior citizens to nurture their physical and mental wellbeing through regular exercise, meaningful engagement, and community service. There is great joy in helping others and staying connected,” the First Lady added.

Mrs Tinubu also commended state governments, coordinators of the Renewed Hope Initiative, and partner organisations for their collaboration, noting that the success of the scheme was a reflection of shared responsibility and collective commitment to national development.

She expressed optimism that the intervention would help beneficiaries meet basic needs and celebrate the holidays with greater comfort as
the festive season approaches, while she offered prayers for good health, peace, and renewed hope for elderly Nigerians and the nation at large.

“The Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme forms part of a broader social investment framework under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritises social welfare, economic inclusion, and protection of vulnerable groups.

She added that “The initiative underscores the administration’s focus on people-centred governance, particularly at a time when many elderly Nigerians face economic hardship and limited access to social support.

While appreciating the gesture of the first Lady, the beneficiaries described the intervention as timely and impactful, especially during the festive period, they said that the N200,000 support would significantly help them meet their basic needs, including food, healthcare, and daily expenses, especially amid the rising cost of living.

One of them, Mrs Elizabeth Ayodele, said the scheme had lifted a heavy financial burden and given them renewed hope, describing it as a demonstration that their contributions to society over the years are being recognised and valued.

Ayodele lauded and the organisers for prioritising the welfare of senior citizens and ensuring that no segment of society is left behind.