First Lady Remi Tinubu Empowers 250 Elderly Persons In Edo

Wife of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to senior citizens with the disbursement of financial support to 250 elderly persons in Edo State under the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).

The third edition of the scheme was held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, with the theme ‘Finding Joy in Old Age’.

The programme forms part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)’s annual social intervention efforts designed to enhance the wellbeing and dignity of elderly Nigerians.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu described the initiative as a clear reflection of a compassionate and people-centred government that recognises the sacrifices and contributions of senior citizens to national development.

She emphasised that the scheme was aimed at ensuring comfort, care, and improved living conditions for the elderly.

Senator Tinubu was represented by the Edo State Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, who noted that since the inception of the current administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has consistently honoured senior citizens every December.

She explained that the gesture was in recognition of their invaluable role in building the nation.

According to her, the Elderly Support Scheme targets 9,500 vulnerable persons aged 65 years and above across the 36 states of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as veterans drawn from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

Each beneficiary is to receive ₦200,000, with a total of ₦1.9 billion approved for the programme by the Renewed Hope Initiative Governing Board.

She added that ₦50 million has been allocated to each state, including the FCT and DEPOWA, for disbursements.

“As the festive season approaches, it is important that we remember and prioritise our elderly citizens. They endured difficult journeys so that younger generations could have better opportunities. Ensuring their comfort, health, and dignity is both our responsibility and our joy,” she said.

The First Lady encouraged senior citizens to remain hopeful, active, and socially engaged, stressing that graceful ageing is not only about long life but also about community support, compassion, and care. She urged those who are able to continue contributing to society through charitable acts and meaningful engagements.

She also expressed appreciation to the Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the state coordinators of the Renewed Hope Initiative, and partner organisations for their continued collaboration and support.

Senator Tinubu concluded by wishing Nigerians a peaceful and joyous festive season and expressed confidence that 2026 would usher in renewed hope and greater achievements for the nation.

In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser on Health to the Edo State Government, Dr. Andrew Iyamu, highlighted the importance of supporting vulnerable groups, describing care for the elderly and the less privileged as a service to both God and humanity.

Dr. Iyamu offered practical health advice to senior citizens, urging them to avoid standing up abruptly from bed in the morning.

He explained that sitting for two to three minutes before standing helps prevent postural hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure that can lead to dizziness or collapse.

He also encouraged light physical exercise in the early hours of the day, between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., noting that morning sunlight boosts Vitamin D production essential for strong bones and teeth.

However, he cautioned against exercising under intense afternoon sunlight due to the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

Several beneficiaries, including Madam Agnes Akhamentalor from Edo Central, Mrs. George Abhulimen from Edo South, Mr. Etiake Bernard, and Mrs. Emorkidi Kate from Edo North, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the First Lady for the financial support, describing the gesture as timely and impactful.