FIRST LADY DISBURSES N200,000 EACH TO 250 ELDERLY PERSONS IN OGUN
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The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday disbursed N200,000 each to 250 elderly persons in Ogun State under the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, aimed at promoting dignity, care and wellbeing among senior citizens.
Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, made the presentation at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta. She explained that the humanitarian gesture marks the third edition of the programme, with the theme “Finding Joy in Old Age.”
According to the First Lady, the social investment programme reflects the commitment of the current administration to ensuring that elderly citizens live with dignity and joy in a country that genuinely values and cares for them.
She disclosed that since the inauguration of the administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has consistently celebrated senior citizens every December in recognition of their immense contributions to national development.
Mrs Tinubu said the scheme is designed to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in each of the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, as well as veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 9,500 nationwide, with each receiving N200,000.
“As we approach the festive season, it is crucial to prioritise our elderly citizens in our initiatives,” she said, noting that older Nigerians had endured hardship to create better opportunities for younger generations.
She described caring for senior citizens as both a moral duty and a source of joy, stressing the need to ensure that they spend their later years in comfort, good health and dignity.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the First Lady encouraged them to find purpose and joy in old age, emphasising that ageing gracefully goes beyond longevity and includes being surrounded by love, support and respect.
She also urged them to remain healthy and active through regular exercise, meaningful engagement and, where possible, continued involvement in charitable activities.
“I thank you for your service, your sacrifices and your prayers for our great nation. May God grant you good health, peace and renewed hope,” she said.
Citing the National Population on Ageing report published by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development in 2020, Mrs Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s ageing population is growing and increasingly in need of care due to social, health, economic and financial challenges.
She said the erosion of traditional family support systems has made interventions such as the Renewed Hope Initiative critical in providing succour to elderly citizens, particularly during the festive season.
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