No fewer than 250 elderly citizens in Ebonyi State on Tuesday benefited from the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme as the third edition of the programme was held at the Banquet Hall of the Old Government House, Abakaliki.
The initiative, championed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was represented at the event by the Wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru.
The programme, themed “Finding Joy in Old Age,” forms part of the Renewed Hope Initiative Special Investment Programme for the elderly, aimed at promoting the well-being and dignity of senior citizens across Nigeria.
It was disclosed at the event that a total of 9,500 elderly citizens nationwide were selected as beneficiaries of the scheme, drawn from the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as wives of Defence and Police Officers.
Each beneficiary received a cash grant of N200,000, amounting to a total disbursement of N1.9 billion nationwide, in addition to a 50kg bag of rice per person, as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Under the programme, each state of the federation, including the FCT and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (BOWA), received an allocation of N50 million to support 250 elderly citizens aged 65 years and above.
In a message to the beneficiaries, the First Lady emphasized that the initiative was designed to recognize and appreciate senior citizens for their immense contributions to nation-building.
She noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative has, since 2023, made it a tradition to celebrate and support elderly Nigerians every December.
She encouraged senior citizens to prioritize their health and happiness by remaining active, engaging in regular physical exercise, and fostering community relationships, stressing that ageing with gratitude goes beyond longevity and includes being surrounded by love, care, and respect.
Speaking on behalf of the Ebonyi State First Lady, Prof. Nkechi Echiegu described the programme as life-changing, noting that the theme, “Finding Joy in Old Age,” aptly captures the essence of the initiative.
She thanked the First Lady of Nigeria for remembering the elderly and for adding “life to their years,” while praying for the continuity of the programme.
She also urged beneficiaries to enjoy life, remain hopeful, and embrace joy in their old age, noting the excitement and gratitude displayed by the elderly as they received their alerts.
Also speaking, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Barrister Felicia Nwamkpuma, commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; and the Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, alongside his wife, for their commitment to impacting lives.
She assured them of massive and continuous support ahead of the 2027 elections.
The event ended on a celebratory note, with beneficiaries expressing joy and appreciation for the timely intervention, particularly as the festive season approaches.
