Yuletide: First Lady Gifts 250 Elders N50m In Lagos

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday disbursed N50 million to 250 elderly residents in Lagos State. She said the fund is part of the N1.9 disbursed across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory through her Renewed Hope Initiative programme.

Beneficiaries of the donation aged 65 and above got N200,000 each tagged, Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).

Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of Lagos State Governor Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu at the state House, Ikeja, gave N50 million to 250 beneficiaries in Lagos, noting that the donation was increased to N200,000 this year from N100,000 that was provided last year for the elderly citizens during this festive season.

At the short ceremony, there were three leaders from each Senatorial District: Lagos West, Alhaja Mojisola Alabi, Lagos West, Mr Adebayo Adeoye, and Lagos East, Mrs Esther Mamora.

Mrs Sanwo-Olu said, “I am delighted to join you all today at the second edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), which has the theme Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Lifestyle.

“This programme is designed to support the welfare of our elderly citizens annually. 250 elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 federation states, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) will benefit from this scheme.

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

“A total of N1,900,000,000 will be disbursed across the nation. The RHI Coordinators in the 36 federation states, the FCT and DEPOWA, have received N50 million each, 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.

“I commend all our State First Ladies/RHI State Coordinators and partners for making this day a reality.

“I congratulate all our senior citizens who have been selected as beneficiaries. I urge you to remember to prioritise your health even as we all enjoy and celebrate the festive season. Eat well, stay hydrated, and exercise – like walking and getting adequate rest. Spend quality time with loved ones, and do what you enjoy and make you happy.”

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Alabi said the money was coming at the right time, saying, “We give thanks to Allah and Her Excellency Oluremi Tinubu for the gift. I confirm that I got the N50,000. This will be used to purchase foodstuffs and take care of my children. May God bless Oluremi and her husband.”