Nigeria’s First Lady Remi Tinubu has disbursed a cheque of N100,000 each, bags of rice and other items to the selected 250 elderly citizens of the South-East state.
While speaking on Thursday at the disbursement of the funds on behalf of the First Lady of the country, in a programme tagged, Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) with the theme “Better Days Ahead,” the wife of the Abia governor Priscila Otti explained that the economic empowerment programme is borne out of commitment to the well being of the elderly citizens in Nigeria.
She added that “the scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association”.
According to her, the essence of the scheme is to cushion the effect of the economic challenges at present and alleviate the burdens of the elders during this festive period.
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She disclosed that the total sum to be disbursed is N950 million as approved by the governing board of the Renewed Hope Initiative, which is the pet project of the First Lady of Nigeria. Each State of the Federation would receive the sum of N25 million.”
The First Lady urged the senior citizens to embrace life to the fullest, prioritize their health, nurture their minds and strengthen their bonds with loved ones.
“As we approach the festive period it becomes very important to emphasise the significance of prioritizing our elderly citizens in our Initiatives. By reaching out to our elderly this festive period, we not only honour their contributions but also acknowledge the unique encounters they face,” she added.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Blessing Felix, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Ogechi Oguama saluted the Wife of Mr. President and that of Abia State Governor for the Initiative. She said that the initiative is a sign that better days are ahead for Abia State under the leadership of Governor Otti.
The Commissioner said her Ministry would partner with the Office of the Wife of the Governor to make life better for the elderly by including them in the cooperative society which is domiciled in the Ministry.
Also speaking on behalf of the Wives of Mayors in the State, the Wife of the Mayor of Aba North, Mrs. Ifenyinwa Udeagbala said that the wives of the Mayors in the 17 LGAs are appreciative of the initiative and are solidly behind Mrs. Otti.
She assured that they would not abuse any of the programmes of the Wife of the Governor but would ensure that anything made for the people would get to them.
The facilitator of Abia State Forum for the Elderly Oti Nwaka applauded the scheme and said it is a sign of new hope for the elderly
The event which attracted many dignitaries saw the Wife of the Governor present cheques, bags of rice and other items to the beneficiaries
