Tinubu gives ₦50m to 250 elderly in Akwa Ibom

Ini Billie, Uyo

Nigeria’s First Lady and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has disbursed ₦50 million to 250 elderly persons in Akwa Ibom State under the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).

Each beneficiary received ₦200,000 in the third edition of the scheme, which is aimed at ensuring senior citizens live with dignity and joy.

Speaking on Tuesday in Uyo during the presentation ceremony, themed “Finding Joy in Old Age,” Senator Tinubu said the annual celebration of elderly Nigerians every December was in recognition of their invaluable contributions to nation-building.

The First Lady, who was represented by the Akwa Ibom State First Lady and RHI State Coordinator, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, said the initiative prioritises the welfare of elderly citizens, particularly during the festive season.

She explained that having invested in building the nation for the benefit of younger generations, senior citizens deserved to enjoy their later years in comfort, good health and dignity.

“Through this scheme, we continue to express our gratitude and care for the men and women who laboured to build the Nigeria we are proud of today,” she said.

According to her, the scheme supports 250 vulnerable elderly persons aged 65 and above in each of the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

She added that a total of 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide would each receive ₦200,000, amounting to ₦1.9 billion approved by the RHI Governing Board, with ₦50 million allocated to each state, the FCT and DEPOWA.

Mrs Tinubu urged senior citizens to find joy in old age by staying healthy and active through regular exercise and meaningful engagement, while also encouraging Nigerians to embrace community, compassion and care.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Abasiama Idiong thanked Senator Tinubu and Lady Obareki for the gesture, describing it as a show of genuine care and compassion.