Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
The Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), has empowered 250 elderly men and women in Ebonyi State through its second edition.
The project led by the Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, took place at the Women Development Center, Abakaliki, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, with the theme “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Lifestyle,”.
₦200,000 cash grants, bags of rice, and other essential items aimed at improving the welfare of senior citizens during the festive season were distributed during the event.
Senator Tinubu, represented at the program by the wife of Ebonyi State governor Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, reaffirmed her commitment to the welfare of elders.
Nwifuru emphasized the program’s significance in ameliorating the challenges faced by the aged across the nation.
“The Governing board of the Renewed Hope initiative has decided to increase the grant from 100,000 to 200,000 this year to provide further support to our elderly citizens during this festive season.
“A total of one billion, nine hundred million naira (1,900,000,000)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 each out of which N200,000 will be distributed today to each beneficiary.
“In addition to this, free medical checkups and other sundry items will be provided.
“I commend all our state first ladies/ RHI state coordinators and partners for their efforts in making this day a reality.
“I congratulate all our senior citizens who have been selected as beneficiaries. I urge you to remember to prioritize your health even as we all enjoy and celebrate in the festive season”.
The governor’s wife also visited mothers who had recently delivered their babies at the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital and presented cash gifts, diapers, and other essential items to the mothers.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Barr. Felicia Nwankpuma, in her remarks, commended Senator Tinubu for her inclusive and impactful initiatives for the masses.
According to her, Tinubu had consistently supported both men and women in need, describing her as a genuine and generous leader.