The First Lady and wife of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday, gave N200,000 each to 250 elderly persons in Ogun State as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme.
Represented by the state governor’s wife, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, at the event held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Mrs Tinubu said the initiative, themed “Finding Joy in Old Age,” is in its third edition. She described the programme as part of the administration’s efforts to ensure that elderly citizens live with dignity and comfort.
“The scheme supports 250 vulnerable elderly citizens in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA),” she said. Tinubu added that a total of 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide would receive N200,000 each, amounting to N1.9 billion, as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She urged the elderly to prioritize health, engage actively in life, and find purpose and joy in old age. “Those of us who are active should continue to engage in charitable work and, in so doing, find joy in helping others,” she said.
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The First Lady’s intervention comes against the backdrop of a growing elderly population in Nigeria, many of whom face social, health, and financial challenges, according to the 2020 National Population on Ageing report published by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
The initiative, she said, demonstrates the government’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of senior citizens and ensuring their well-being, particularly during the festive season.