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Mrs Soludo urges elders to shun processed foods, embrace healthy living
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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
A total of 250 elderly vulnerable citizens aged 65 and above in Anambra State have benefited from the third edition of the Federal Government’s 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 ₦200,000 each, with additional support of a wrapper, a bag of rice and extra transport cash courtesy of Anambra First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo.
Wife of the Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, while reading the address of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the presentation, expressed delight at joining the elderly citizens at the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme.
According to Mrs Tinubu, 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.
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.
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“As we approach the festive season, it is crucial to prioritise our elderly citizens. They have walked difficult paths so that younger generations may have smoother roads to travel. It is our moral duty and our joy to ensure they live their twilight years in comfort, good health, and dignity,” she stated.
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.
“Aging gracefully is not just about longevity; it is about being surrounded by love, support, and respect. Stay healthy and active. Nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement. Those who are able should continue to serve through charitable work and find joy in helping others,” she said.
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.
Mrs Soludo encouraged the elderly to devote time to daily exercise and maintain backyard gardens where they could grow vegetables and other natural foods to eat.
She further urged 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 a sense of purpose are critical to healthy ageing.
