Oluremi Tinubu unveils expended elderly support scheme

By Kunle Sanni

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on elderly citizens to prioritize their health and spend quality time with loved ones.

She made this appeal during the second edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), which took place across all 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and extended to military veterans.

The programme, themed “Total Wellness – Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Lifestyle,” provided financial and medical support to 250 elderly beneficiaries aged 65 and above in each state, FCT, and among military veterans. This year, the financial grant was increased from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 per beneficiary, with a total disbursement of ₦1.9 billion nationwide.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady emphasized the importance of caring for the elderly, particularly during the festive season. “This programme is aimed at reassuring the elderly that they are loved and not forgotten. It is our way of showing support and ensuring their well-being,” she said.

The initiative also offered free medical check-ups and distributed essential food items to the beneficiaries.

Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, commended the First Lady for her dedication to veterans and their families. He announced an additional ₦200,000 support for another 250 veterans, funded by the Ministry of Defence.

The First Lady reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians and urged citizens to maintain hope as the government continues to address challenges.

The programme is part of the First Lady’s broader Renewed Hope Initiative, which focuses on improving the welfare of vulnerable groups across Nigeria.