First Lady Tinubu Disburses ₦1.9bn to 9,500 Elderly Nigerians Nationwide Under Renew Hope Initiative

…As Renew Hope Initiative provides ₦200,000 support and healthcare services to senior citizens across 36 states and FCT

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has supported 9,500 vulnerable elderly Nigerians across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory under the Renew Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, with each beneficiary receiving ₦200,000 in financial assistance aimed at improving their overall wellbeing.

The programme, which also covers veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association, has a total disbursement of ₦1.9 billion, as approved by the Renew Hope Initiative.

The disclosure was made at the third edition of the Renew Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme held at the Local Government Staff Training School Hall, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady, who was represented by the Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, described the initiative as a strategic social investment programme designed to ensure that elderly citizens live in dignity, comfort, and joy.

She stressed the need to prioritize senior citizens, particularly during the festive season, noting that they had worked tirelessly to lay a solid foundation for younger generations.

According to her, supporting the elderly remains a moral duty and a way to ensure they enjoy their later years in good health and dignity.

The First Lady further advised senior citizens to find joy and purpose in old age by staying healthy and active, engaging in regular exercise, and participating in meaningful and charitable activities. She added that ageing gracefully goes beyond longevity to being surrounded by love, care, and respect.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, described the initiative as a demonstration of compassion, care, and commitment to the welfare of senior citizens in the state.

Mrs. Balogun revealed that the First Lady had expanded the initiative by personally funding and introducing a comprehensive healthcare component, which includes medical screenings, consultations with doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, as well as the provision of prescribed medications to beneficiaries.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, urged senior citizens to prioritize their health by engaging in regular medical check-ups and maintaining an active lifestyle through exercise.