The Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, RHIESS, led by the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 250 elderly citizens in Ondo State in its third edition.

The event, held at the Dome in Akure with the theme “Finding Joy In Old Age” was aimed at giving N200, 000 to 250 elderly citizens across the 36 states, including Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Defence and Police officers, alongside veterans to enhance their well-being.

The wife of the president, represented at the programme by the wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, said that the social investment programme embodies the ongoing effort to ensure that the elderly citizens live with dignity and joy, in a nation that genuinely cares for its own. 

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Tinubu highlighted the programme’s significance in alleviating the challenges faced by senior citizens across the nation.

According to her: “This scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the FCT and Veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

“A total of N1.9 billion will be disbursed across the nation.  As we approach the festive season, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of prioritizing our elderly citizens in our initiatives. They have walked difficult paths so that the younger generations may have smooth roads to travel. It is therefore our moral duty and indeed our joy, to ensure that they live their twilight years in comfort, good health and dignity.

“I congratulate the beneficiaries and encourage them to do all that is possible to find joy in old age. I want you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active.”

In her opening remarks, the Wife of Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Abosede Adelami, commended the initiative of Senator Tinubu for supporting the senior citizens in the country.

Mrs. Adelami who observed that the elderly support programme was the first of its kind thanked the State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his wife Oluwaseun for caring for the State citizens.

While urging the elderly to see old age as a blessing, she appealed to them to  prepare for  old age, prioritize their health and be mindful of what they eat.

Her words: “The best way to enjoy your old age is to embrace it with happiness. We should check our vitals regularly, exercise and rest.”

The Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye,  congratulated the beneficiaries and added that attaining old age is the desire  of everyone but not everyone has the grace.

Dr. Osamaye, who noted that some elderly hardly get money for medication  appreciated the President’s wife for extending her largesse to the vulnerable senior citizens at this yuletide season. She also appreciated the kind gestures of the State Governor and his Wife for always being there for the people of the State.

The Wife of Akure South Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Abosede Fasua, also congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to use the money to benefit their overall health.