First Lady, Remi Tinubu Disburses ₦50m To Elderly In Oyo Through Renewed Hope Initiative
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
IBADAN – ELDERLY residents of Oyo State on Tuesday received financial and healthcare support under the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), as the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, unveiled a ₦50 million intervention to enhance the welfare and wellbeing of senior citizens in the state.
The programme, held at the Local Government Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, was part of the nationwide rollout of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme, themed “Finding Joy in Old Age.”
Senator Tinubu, who is the National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, was represented at the event by the wife of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Mrs Ajibike Lawal.
Under the scheme, 250 elderly citizens aged 65 years and above in Oyo State are benefiting from financial assistance, in line with the national programme being implemented across the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, as well as among veterans of the Armed Forces and Police.
Addressing beneficiaries through her representative, the First Lady said the initiative was designed to remind elderly Nigerians that they are appreciated, valued and not forgotten, especially during the festive season.
“Our elderly citizens deserve care, dignity and appreciation for their years of contribution to nation-building. This programme is one of the ways we are saying that you matter and that you are not forgotten,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu explained that the Oyo State intervention forms part of a ₦1.9 billion nationwide disbursement under the third edition of the scheme.
“A total of One Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira is being disbursed across the country this year. Each state, including Oyo State, receives Fifty Million Naira to support 250 elderly beneficiaries, with each person receiving ₦200,000,” she stated.
She added that the initiative goes beyond financial support, as beneficiaries also receive free medical check-ups and essential health services, underscoring the programme’s emphasis on holistic wellbeing.
“This programme is not only about money; it is about promoting a happy, healthy and prosperous lifestyle for our senior citizens. We encourage you to prioritise your health and spend quality time with your loved ones,” the First Lady added.
She further reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the welfare of Nigerians, noting that the Renewed Hope Initiative complements the Federal Government’s broader social protection policies.
In her welcome address, the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Toyin Balogun, described the programme as a demonstration of compassionate and people-centred governance.
“Today’s programme reflects our shared belief that our elderly citizens deserve dignity, quality healthcare and continuous support. We are deeply honoured by the concern shown by Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative,” Balogun said.
The commissioner also commended the First Lady of Oyo State, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, FNSE, for strengthening the initiative by funding an expanded healthcare component.
“Her Excellency has gone further to ensure that our senior citizens receive medical consultations, vital health checks and prescribed medications. This clearly demonstrates her unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the people of Oyo State,” she added.
Balogun expressed optimism that the intervention would improve health outcomes among elderly citizens and reinforce society’s responsibility to care for senior citizens who have contributed significantly to national development.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Chris Wike expressed gratitude to the First Lady for what he described as a timely and transformative intervention.
“This support has brought joy and hope to us as senior citizens. At this stage of our lives, being remembered and supported means a lot. We are grateful to the First Lady and everyone who made this programme possible,” he said.
He also appreciated the Oyo State Government and programme organisers for the inclusion of healthcare services, noting that access to free medical consultations and medications would significantly improve the quality of life of elderly residents in the state.