Minister Lauds Renewed Hope Initiative Over Elderly Support Scheme

Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, has applauded the support programme for elderly persons under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

She said the elderly must feel valued, protected and supported by the society.

Mahmoud spoke yesterday at the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative under the Social Investment Programme for the Elderly Support Scheme at the Centre for Arts and Culture, Garki, Abuja.

She described the event’s theme, “Finding Joy in Old Age,” as apt, stressing that old age should be a season of dignity, fulfilment, and peace rather than neglect, loneliness, or hardship.

The minister highlighted how the programme embodied the compassionate vision of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Initiative has continued to cater for people across different segments of society, including the elderly and other vulnerable groups.

“By prioritising elderly welfare, the Office of the First Lady reaffirmed that those who laboured in their youth deserved care, respect, and security in later years,” she said.

Mahmoud, who reaffirmed that the well-being of senior citizens remained a top priority in society, added that the FCT Administration, through its Women Affairs Secretariat, was committed to social protection, healthcare access, emotional support, and social inclusion for the elderly, recognising that true joy comes from feeling seen, heard, and appreciated.

She described the event as more than an intervention, but also a statement of gratitude and a call to action for families, communities, and institutions to uphold the dignity of the elderly, draw from their wisdom, and ensure that no one is left behind.

The minister commended the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat for their consistency and partners for their support and urged the beneficiaries to stay hopeful and engaged.

The FCT mandate secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, in her remarks, described the elderly as custodians of culture, wisdom and bearers of collective memory.

Benjamins-Laniyi said in recognition of the roles played by the elderly in the society, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the governing council of the Renewed Hope Initiative, directed all state chapters to recognise, celebrat, and bring joy to the elderly.