The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) continued its mission to support elderly citizens nationwide with the 2nd edition of its Elderly Support Scheme held in Lokoja, Kogi State. The event, hosted at the Banquet Hall, Government House, underscored the federal government’s commitment to promoting the wellness and care of senior citizens during the festive season.
Representing Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the Kogi State Governor, Sefinat Ohunene Usman Ododo, revealed that the annual grant for beneficiaries had been increased from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 this year. She announced that a total of ₦1.9 billion had been disbursed across the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory and DEPOWA, each receiving ₦50 million. The support also includes free medical checkups and essential items.
Mrs. Sefinat Ododo commended the role of state First Ladies, RHI state coordinators, and other partners in ensuring the program’s success. She urged beneficiaries to prioritize their health, encouraging them to eat well, exercise, and rest adequately during the festive period.
In her remarks, the wife of Kogi State’s Deputy Governor, Mrs. Margaret Joel Salifu, praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her dedication to elderly welfare. She expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards improving the lives of vulnerable citizens.
Similarly, the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Fatima Momoh, applauded the First Lady’s efforts. They described the program as a beacon of hope, emphasizing the importance of honoring and supporting elderly citizens across Nigeria.