From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
No fewer than 250 elderly citizens in Ebonyi State yesterday benefited from the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme.
The third edition of the programme was held at the Banquet Hall of the Old Government House, Abakaliki.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was represented by the wife of the Ebonyi State governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru.
The programme, with the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative Special Investment Programme designed to promote the dignity and well-being of senior citizens across the country.
It was disclosed that 9,500 elderly persons nationwide were selected as beneficiaries, drawn from the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, as well as wives of defence and police officers.
Mrs Nwifuru said each beneficiary received a cash grant of N200,000 and a 50kg bag of rice, bringing the total nationwide disbursement to N1.9 billion.
“Under the scheme, each state, including the FCT and the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, received an allocation of N50 million to support 250 elderly citizens aged 65 and above,” she said.
In a message to the beneficiaries, the first lady explained that the initiative was established to appreciate senior citizens for their contributions to nation-building.
She noted that since 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative had sustained the tradition of celebrating and supporting elderly Nigerians every December, urging them to prioritise their health, remain active and maintain strong community ties in order to age with joy, dignity and gratitude.
Speaking on behalf of the governor’s wife, Professor Nkechi Echiegu described the programme as life-changing and thankimed Mrs Tinubu for remembering the elderly and adding life to their years, while praying for the sustainability of the initiative.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Barrister Felicia Nwamkpuma also commended the first lady, President Bola Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru for their commitment to improve the lives of vulnerable citizens, assuring them of continued support.
Speaking to the media, some of the beneficiaries thanked the wife of the president for remembering the elderly ones and the wife of the governor for her accountability which they said had endared her to Ebonyi people.
