No fewer than 250 vulnerable and elderly persons aged sixty-five years and above in Bauchi State have been supported with the sum of N100,000 each to cushion the effects of the harsh economic situation in the country, as well as alleviate the burden of esteemed elders during this festive period.
The donation was made by the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen Remi Tinubu under her Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) project.
The support to the elderly, themed; “Better Days Ahead” and is an economic empowerment programme borne out of a steadfast commitment to the well-being of the elderly citizens across the country.
It also marks a significant stride in the country’ collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.
While presenting the cash support to the deserving beneficiaries in Bauchi on Thursday, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu revealed that the sum of N950, 000, 000 is to be disbursed to the elderly citizens in the 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Abuja, veterans from the Defence and Police Officers Wives’ Association (DEPOWA).
The First Lady of Nigeria was represented by the Zonal Coordinator, North East of Renewed Hope Initiative scheme who doubles as Bauchi State First Lady, Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed.
She gave the total sum disbursed as N950, 000, 000 as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative, saying that each State of the Federation will receive the sum of N25, 000, 000.
According to her, “This scheme is to support Two Hundred and Fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
“These selected beneficiaries will receive a sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) each. This is to cushion the effect of the economic situation and to alleviate the burdens of our esteemed elders during this festive period”.
The First Lady of Nigeria added that, “We are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination. As we approach the festive season, it becomes very important to emphasize the significance of prioritizing our elderly citizens in our initiatives. By reaching out to the elderly this festive period, we not only honour their contributions but also acknowledge the unique encounters they face”.
The Wife of the President then urged Nigerian citizens to embrace life to the fullest, prioritize their health, nurture their minds, and strengthen their bonds with loved ones and with God, as the keys to a rich and fulfilling life in their golden years.
She appreciated the Wives of Governors, State Coordinators of RHI and partners who have supported with free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items to the beneficiaries.
“This period should be a time of joy and comfort for all, even as we hope for a greater Nigeria, in security, education, health, employment and business opportunities for all. We seek your continued support and prayers for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, as we look forward to better days ahead”, Oluremi Tinubu concluded.
The Bauchi State First Lady, Dr. A’isha Bala Mohammed, similarly distributed to each of the State’s 250 elderly persons, a full bag of rice and afforded each with a medical outreach for their different ailments.
Two of the RHI’s beneficiaries in Bauchi; Shuibu Maidawa and Salamatu Kawo Alkaleri, who spoke on behalf of others, expressed their gratitude to the wives of the President and Bauchi Governor, Senator Oluremi Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. A’isha Bala Mohammed, respectively, promising to make judicious use of the cash and foodstuff towards enhancing their livelihood.
Salamatu said, “True to kind, in our capacity as elderly in the society, for the Federal and State governments to see to our plight and come to our aid in such a magnanimous way is no doubt a rewardful gesture, and prayed for their successful leadership tenures in the respective offices.”
Also, the zonal coordinator of the North East of Renewed Hope Initiative, Aisha Bala Mohammed inaugurated the State Coordinators of RHI in 20 local governments areas of the state, urging them to be honest and trustworthy.
. TheWitness
