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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
A total of 250 elderly vulnerable citizens, aged 65 and above, in Anambra State have benefitted from the 3rd edition of the Federal Government Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
With the theme “Finding Joy in Old Age”, the beneficiaries received cash gifts of N200, 000 each with additional support of a wrapper, bag of rice and extra cash gift for transport, courtesy of Anambra First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo.
Wife of the Anambra governor, while reading the address of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the presentation, yesterday, at the Awka Light House, expressed delight at joining the elderly citizens at the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme.
Mrs. Tinubu said the social investment programme reflects the present administration’s commitment to ensuring that elderly citizens live with dignity, joy, and a sense of belonging in a nation that genuinely cares for its people.
She noted that since the inception of the administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has consistently celebrated senior citizens every December, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to national development.
“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.
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Mrs. Tinubu explained that the scheme supports 250 vulnerable elderly citizens, aged 65 and above, in each of the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, as well as veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
She disclosed that, in total, 9,500 beneficiaries, nationwide, received ₦200,000 each, amounting to a total disbursement of ₦1.9 billion as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative, while each state, including the FCT and DEPOWA, will receive ₦50 million.
Mrs. Soludo further encouraged the senior citizens to find joy in old age by remaining active, engaging in community life, and nurturing compassion and care.
The Anambra First Lady also advised elderly citizens not to yield to pressure from their children to remain idle at home or depend solely on processed foods, stressing that such practices are detrimental to their health and well-being.
Mrs. Soludo, who is also the founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, urged senior citizens to remain physically active, engage in meaningful daily routines, and prioritise the consumption of natural foods over processed alternatives.
“Many parents are still active and productive, but the moment their children begin to make money, they are asked to stay idle at home while being fed with all kinds of processed foods. This is not healthy,” she said.
She further encouraged elderly citizens to remain engaged in activities such as walking to the market, tending their gardens, and staying socially active, noting that physical movement and purpose are critical to healthy ageing.
