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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu in collaboration with the Wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscila Otti have disbursed cheques of N100,000 each, bags of rice and other items to selected 250 elderly citizens of Abia State .
Speaking while disbursing the funds and the other items during a programme tagged, Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) with the theme “Better Days Ahead”, Mrs. Tinubu
explained that the economic empowerment programme was born out of commitment to the well being of the elderly citizens in Nigeria.
Represented by the Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscila Otti, the First Lady added, “the scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association”
She said that the essence of the scheme was to cushion the effect of the economic challenges at present and alleviate the burdens of the elders during this festive period.
She disclosed that the total sum to be disbursed throughout the country was N950m as approved by the governing board of the Renewed Hope Initiative, which is the pet project of the First Lady of Nigeria. “Each State of the Federation would receive the sum of N25m”
The First Lady urged the senior citizens to embrace life to the fullest, prioritize their health, nurture their mind and strengthen their bond with loved ones.
“As we approach the festive period it becomes very important to emphasis the significance of prioritizing our elderly citizens in our Initiatives. By reaching out to our elderly this festive period, we not only honour their contributions but also acknowledge the unique encounters they face”
Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Otti also used the occasion to fete the physically challenged in the state with cash, wrappers and food items.
She assured them of her support and integration in the scheme of things in the state, adding that she invited them to the event to show them sense of belonging.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Blessing Felix, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Ogechi Oguama lauded the Wife of Mr. President and that of Abia State Governor for the Initiative.
The Commissioner said her Ministry would partner the Office of the Wife of the Governor to make life better for the elderly by including them in the coorperative society which is domiciled in the Ministry.
