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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed N25 million to 250 vulnerable elderly people through her foundation, Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) in Kebbi State.
Each 250 senior citizens were given N100,000 each with 10kg bags of rice, 10 pieces of macaroni,free medical treatment and free drugs among others things.
While distributing the items, Tinubu, who was represented at the flag off of the RHIESS in Birnin Kebbi by the Kebbi State Governor’s Wife, Hajiya Zainab Idris, who is also the state Coordinator of the initiative, said the present administration would continue to support the senior citizens, women and youths of the country.
According to her, “this scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
“These selected beneficiaries will receive a sum of N100,000 each. This is to cushion the effect of the economic situation and to alleviate the burdens of our esteemed elders during this festive period.”
Tinubu added that the a total sum to be disbursed is N950 million as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
According to her, each state of the federation will received the sum of N25 million.
“We are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination,” she said.
Tinubu, who emphasised the significance of prioritising the elderly people in the initiative, said reaching out to them was part of honouring their contributions and acknowledged the unique encounter they faced.
“To our senior citizens, I urge you to embrace life to the fullest, prioritise your health, nurture your minds, and strengthen your bonds with loved ones and with God. These are the keys to a rich and fulfilling life in your golden years,”.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Aisha Maikurata in her remark,said that the state government initiated free medical outreach and distributed assorted food items to the elders in the state.
She said: “our ministry is supporting with the free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items to the beneficiaries as the case may be, in ensuring the success of this programme”.
Maikurata thanked the first lady, the state government and the wife of the governor for their efforts in ensuring the success of distribution the gesture to the beneficiaries.
While speaking on behalf of other Commissioners in the state, Comrade Nura Bala Fingila appreciated the gesture of the first Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu extended to the elderly citizens in the state and her support to the Wife of the Kebbi State Governor,Hajiya Zainab Nasir Idris Idris.
He added that,the Governor wife has been take care of the women ,youths and children in the state through various empowerments and initiatives.
While thanking the first lady, Alhaji Ahmad Mahmud, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, assured that the gesture would be judiciously used for the purpose it was meant to achieve.
