BY EVELYN ZORZOR
THE wife of the President and National Chairman, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu has rolled out the third edition of its Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) in Delta State, providing financial assistance to 250 elderly citizens as part of efforts to improve their welfare and overall well-being.
The event, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba, was organised under the Renewed Hope Initiative Social Investment Programme and attracted beneficiaries drawn from across the state, including retired defence and police officers as well as veterans.
Speaking at the programme, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, represented by the wife of the Governor Deaconess Tobore Oborevworri reaffirmed the commitment of the initiative to supporting vulnerable groups, particularly senior citizens, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
According to her, a total of 9500 beneficiaries across the 36 states of the federation and from among wives of police officers and veterans were simultaneously being empowered.
She noted that the Elderly Support Scheme was designed to appreciate the contributions of older Nigerians to nation-building and to ensure they live their later years with dignity, comfort and joy.
The theme of the programme, “Finding Joy in Old Age,” according to her, underscores the importance of caring for the elderly and recognizing them as a vital part of society whose experiences and wisdom remain invaluable.
In her remarks, Delta State First Lady and RHI State Coordinator, represented by the wife of the Secretary to State Government, Dr Josephine Emu described the initiative as timely and compassionate; stressing that caring for the elderly is both a moral responsibility and a societal obligation.
Deaconess Oborevwori said the scheme aligns with her initiative, the You Matter Charity Foundation and the Delta State Government’s commitment to inclusive governance and social protection, adding that the support would go a long way in easing the financial burdens faced by senior citizens.
She assured that the state would continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to implement programmes that promote the welfare of vulnerable groups, particularly the aged.
A total of N1.9bn was distributed among the elderly citizens, with each beneficiary receiving a cash gift off N200,000 and a bag of rice respectively. Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke during the event, expressed gratitude to the First Lady and the Delta State Government for the gesture, describing it as a source of encouragement and renewed hope.
They commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for remembering the elderly and called for the sustenance and expansion of the programme to reach more senior citizens across the country.
The event featured the presentation of financial support to beneficiaries and was attended by top female government officials, political office holders’ wives and female party leaders
