PICTORIAL: First Lady Donates N1.9bn To Elderly Persons Nationwide

A total of 250 elderly persons from each state of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory received the sum of N200,000 each at the 2nd edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI Elderly Support Scheme RHEISS.

The initiator of the scheme and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu urged the elderly to prioritise their heath and spend quality time with their loved ones.

According to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said the programme which held in all the states of the Federation including the FCT and for military veterans, has 250 beneficiaries per state, FCT as well as military veterans, each receiving N200,000.00.

“The Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has decided to increase the grant from N100,000 to N200,000 this year to provide further support to our elderly citizens during this festive season.

“A total of One Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira (N1,900,000,000) will be disbursed across the nation. The RHI Coordinators in the 36 States of the federation, the FCT and DEPOWA have received Fifty Million Naira (N50,000,000) each, out of which N200,000 will be distributed today to each beneficiary.

In addition to this, free medical check-ups and other sundry items will be provided,” the statement added.

According to the First Lady, the programme is aimed at reassuring the elderly that they are loved and not forgotten, especially during the festive season.

She reiterated the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu to the wellbeing of all Nigerians.

“I am delighted to join you all today at the 2nd edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) with the theme: “TOTAL WELLNESS – Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Lifestyle.” This event is holding simultaneously in all the States of the Federation,” she said.

She added that the programme is designed to support the welfare of the elderly citizens annually. “Two Hundred and Fifty (250) 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) will be benefiting from this scheme”.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu, who he said, met a lot of rot on the ground when he assumed office.

He assured that things are already getting better in the country, assuring that light is evident at the end of the tunnel.

The minister also announced that in addition to the 250 elderly being supported by the RHI, the Ministry will support an additional 250 veterans with N200,000.00 each.

While appreciating the First Lady for always putting the Veterans and their widows in mind, Matawalle noted that the RHI has continued to touch the lives of the ordinary Nigerian in remarkable ways.

The programme which holds in all the States of the Federation also featured free medical checkup for the beneficiaries and provision of various food items.