Abuja: The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to prioritize the welfare of elderly citizens. Tinubu made this call during the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) held at Mambilla Barracks, Abuja, where she provided support to 250 elderly military and police veterans with cash and food palliatives.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the First Lady described the initiative as a social investment program aimed at ensuring dignity, comfort, and well-being for senior citizens, particularly those aged 65 and above. She emphasized society’s moral duty to ensure that older Nigerians live their twilight years in comfort, health, and dignity, underscoring the importance of community, compassion, and active engagement in promoting well-being among the elderly.
Tinubu encouraged seniors to maintain healthy lifestyles, stay active, and nurture both body and mind, while urging all Nigerians to engage in charitable acts that foster joy and solidarity. She highlighted that since 2025, the initiative has celebrated the contributions of senior citizens, recognizing their sacrifices in nation-building.
This year’s program will support 9,500 selected beneficiaries nationwide, including elderly citizens in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans. Each beneficiary will receive N200,000, bringing the total disbursement to N1.9 billion. The First Lady also expressed gratitude to state coordinators, partners, and stakeholders for their support in implementing the nationwide program, wishing all Nigerians a peaceful holiday season and a prosperous 2026.
The Chief of Defence Staff, represented by Rear Adm. Adisa Adegbenga, praised the program for reflecting compassion, patriotism, and purposeful leadership. Adegbenga commended the First Lady for her commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable, inspiring hope and confidence across the nation. He noted the importance of focusing on the welfare and dignity of elderly military and police veterans, emphasizing their foundational role in the nation’s peace, security, and stability.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Mernan Oluyede, President of DEPOWA, highlighted the RHIESS as a reflection of collective compassion, gratitude, and responsibility towards elderly military and police veterans. Oluyede emphasized that the scheme ensures no veteran or region is left behind, standing as a beacon of empathy and purposeful leadership. She concluded by affirming that prioritizing elderly welfare underscores the principle that national service must always be honored and rewarded with dignity.