The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, through the inauguration of the ‘Renewed Hope’ Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), put smiles on face of elderly persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in the FCT.
The initiative aims to support 250 senior citizens aged 65 years and above in each of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mrs. Tinubu, represented by the wife of the vice president, Hajia Nana Shettima, announced that the Governing Board of the ‘Renewed Hope’ Initiative had approved the disbursement of ₦950 million for the Elderly Support Scheme. Under the scheme, each state will receive ₦25 million, and the targeted beneficiaries will receive ₦100,000 each.
The Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD) had submitted list of beneficiaries. Five elderly persons with disabilities were presented with grants award of 100, 000 Naira each making it a total of five hundred thousand naira (N500,000) only.
About 45 persons with disabilities also received food items such as rice, noodles, oil, beans, maggi, detergents, yam, food condiment and toiletries. The total number of NWD members who benefited were 50 persons with disabilities and the general total was 250 persons in the FCT.
The theme of the scheme is “Better Days Ahead,” and its goal is to provide financial support to elderly citizens, particularly during the festive period, to alleviate the economic challenges they may face.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, emphasised that the initiative was not only about distributing items but also expressing gratitude and respect for the wisdom and experience that elders bring to the community.
The Elderly Support Scheme includes additional services such as free medical checkups, free eye checkups and glasses, free high blood pressure checkups and counselling, and enlistment in the National Health Insurance Scheme.
The Executive Director of Network for Women with Disabilities, Lois Auta in a statement made available to Inclusive News Network appreciated Hon. Dayo Benjamins-Laniyi and Dr. Asmau Musa Adamu for ensuring PWDs benefited from the grants and food palliatives.
“We also appreciate Her Excellency, Senator Remi Tinubu for the benevolence, philanthropy and kind actions of inclusiveness and helping the vulnerable groups in society.” Auta said.
Pictures from the event;
