The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has inaugurated the ‘Renewed Hope’ Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) in Abuja. The initiative aims to support 250 senior citizens aged 65 years and above in each of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mrs. Tinubu, represented by the wife of the vice president, Hajia Nana Shettima, announced that the Governing Board of the ‘Renewed Hope’ Initiative had approved the disbursement of ₦950 million for the Elderly Support Scheme. Under the scheme, each state will receive ₦25 million, and the targeted beneficiaries will receive ₦100,000 each.
The theme of the scheme is “Better Days Ahead,” and its goal is to provide financial support to elderly citizens, particularly during the festive period, to alleviate the economic challenges they may face.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, emphasised that the initiative was not only about distributing items but also expressing gratitude and respect for the wisdom and experience that elders bring to the community.
The Elderly Support Scheme includes additional services such as free medical checkups, free eye checkups and glasses, free high blood pressure checkups and counselling, and enlistment in the National Health Insurance Scheme.