No fewer than 250 vulnerable elderly women aged 65 years and above in Kogi State have benefited from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Elderly Support Scheme.
Speaking during the third edition of the scheme at the Government House, Lokoja, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, reiterated that the RHI Elderly Support Scheme is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that elderly citizens, especially women, are not left out of national development and social welfare programmes.
The First Lady, who was represented by the Wife of the Kogi State Governor and Coordinator of RHI in the state, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, stressed the importance of showing genuine care and concern for elderly citizens across the country.
She noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative has made it a tradition to celebrate elderly men and women in recognition of their invaluable contributions to nation-building.
According to her, the scheme is designed to support 250 vulnerable elderly women aged 65 and above in each of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as beneficiaries from the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA).
Senator Tinubu disclosed that a total of 9,500 beneficiaries across the states, the FCT and DEPOWA would receive ₦200,000 each, amounting to ₦1.9 billion, as approved by the Governing Board of the RHI.
She explained that each state, the FCT and beneficiaries from DEPOWA would receive ₦50 million, which would be credited directly to beneficiaries’ accounts, while selected beneficiaries were presented with cash during the event for symbolic purposes.
The First Lady emphasized that prioritizing the welfare of the elderly is imperative, especially during the festive season, and encouraged them to find joy in old age, remain purposeful in building their communities and continue to show compassion and love.
She also advised the elderly to remain active, prioritize their health and continue to play vital roles in nurturing the younger generation, adding that those still active should engage in charitable activities to maintain physical and psychological wellbeing.
