By Stephen Adeleye.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Nigeria’s First Lady, has donated N50 million to 250 elderly citizens in Kogi, under her Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that each of the 250 beneficiaries would get N200,000 under the first lady’s RHIESS 2nd edition, tagged: “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Lifestyle”.
The President’s wife, while inaugurating the cheque presentation on Tuesday at Banquet Hall, Government House Lokoja, said the programm was designed to support the welfare of the elderly citizens annually.
Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by Kogi Governor’s wife, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, expressed her delight and commitment to ensuring the total wellness of the elderly citizens across the country.
“This programm is designed to support the welfare of our elderly citizens annually.
“250 elderly citizens, aged 65 and above in all 36 States of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) will be benefitting from scheme.
“The Governing Board of RHI has decided to increase the grant from N100,000 to N200,000 this year to provide further support to our elderly citizens this festive season.
“A total of N1.9 billion will be disbursed across the nation.
“The RHI Coordinators in the 36 States of federation, the FCT and DEPOWA have received N50 million 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 first lady said.
She commended all the State’ First ladies who doubles as the RHI State Coordinators, and partners for their efforts in making the day a reality.
The first lady congratulated the senior citizens who have been selected as beneficiaries, and urged them to prioritize their health.
She added: “I urge you to remember to prioritise your health even as we all enjoy and celebrate in the festive season.
“Eat well, stay hydrated, do little exercise like walking and getting adequate rest. Spend quality time with loved ones, and do what you enjoy and makes you happy.
“I wish all Happy holidays and Prosperous 2025”.
Some of the beneficiaries: Mr Olusegun Ayeniko, Asaje Comfort Taiwo, Usman Onalo and Memunat Adama, all expressed their gratitude to the first lady for prioritising the wellbeing of the elderly citizens in the society.
“We prayed God to continue to protect the first lady and her husband the President, and give them divine wisdom to take our county to greater heights, Ayeniko said.
The dignitaries at the occasion included: the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Dr Folashade Ayoade; Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs Margaret Oyibo; and Kogi Assembly Speaker’s wife, Hajia Zainab Yusuf.
Others were: Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Fatima Momoh; the Director General, Social Investment Program Agency, Hajia Aisha Omade; wife of Kogi Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hajia Kareemat Abdullahi, among others.
The dignitaries in their separate comments, all commended the first lady for her tireless commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the citizens especially the elderly.
They urged the beneficiaries to sustain continuous prayers for the President, the first lady, Kogi Governor and his wife as well as leaders at all levels for the betterment of Nigeria.
(NAN)
