The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday empowered 250 less-privileged elderly citizens in Nasarawa State with a total of N50 million to improve their livelihoods.
The disbursement, held in the state capital, Lafia, is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme of the current administration. Each beneficiary received N200,000 to enhance their quality of life.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Shela Akabe, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens. “This scheme is designed to support elderly citizens aged 65 and above across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association,” Akabe explained.
The initiative allocates N50 million to each state and the FCT, amounting to N1.9 billion nationwide, and is aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda, which promotes inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
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Tinubu noted that over the last two years, she had supported more than 100,000 women petty traders, small business owners, and persons living with disabilities with financial grants to grow their businesses. She urged the elderly to find joy and purpose in their later years through community, compassion, and care.
The First Lady of Nasarawa State, Silifat Abdullahi-Sule, commended Tinubu for her support of vulnerable groups in the state. She said the beneficiaries were carefully selected from all 13 local government areas and encouraged them to use the funds to improve their livelihoods.
The disbursement is expected to provide financial relief to senior citizens, particularly as the festive season approaches.