From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
First Lady of Nigeria Oluremi Tinubu has commended the government of Akwa Ibom Stat for adopting the vision of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), with the aim of gifting 500 elderly, aged 65 years and above monthly allowances of N50,000 each (N3.250 million monthly).
In a statement issued by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, she gave the commendation when she had audience with the Wife of the Akwa Ibom State Govenor, Patience Eno in her office at the State House, Abuja.
The First Lady, while noting that the elderly have served their time in life and should be cared for in their old age, she emphasised the importance of paying greater attention to them.
“It is easy to bypass them, so to speak, because their voice is no more loud. They need our attention. I commend the Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency Pastor Eno for buying into the vision of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, RHIESS”.
She congratulated the Governor for his victory at the Supreme Court, upholding him as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
“It is now time to work fully. Let us put politics behind and face governance.”
Earlier, Mrs Eno explained that she was at the State House to update the First Lady on the RHIESS.
“My husband, the governor has decided to adopt the RHIESS programme as initiated by you and says that it would now be a monthly programme. He recognises that it is a highly laudable one and it really brings joy and hope to the elderly.”
The wife of the Governor stated that Akwa Ibom State will now host 500 elderly, aged 65 years and above every month and give them N50,000 in addition to other items and free medical checks.
Mrs Tinubu, had through the Renewed Hope Initiative on December 21, 2023, held the maiden edition of the elderly Support Scheme, nationwide, where 250 elderly per state, the FCT and the Veterans of the Armed Forces aged 65 years and above were given N100,000 each in addition to other items and free medical checks.