ABUJA- The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, through her NGO, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in collaboration with Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), has shared N950 million among the aged and military retirees across Nigeria as economic support.
The first lady said this in Abuja on Thursday at the maiden edition of the Renewed Hope Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), with the Theme: “Better Days Ahead.”
She said the gesture is aimed at cushioning the effect of economic hardship on vulnerable elders and military retirees across the nation.
She further said that the disbursement of the money was simultaneously ongoing across the nation.
She said the maiden programme is for 250 people in each state and the FCT with each person getting free medical checkup, N100,000, a 25Kg bag of rice and other food items.
“This economic empowerment programme is borne out of a steadfast commitment to the well-being of our elderly citizens and it marks a significant stride in our collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.
“This scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the federation and veterans from DEPOWA, these selected beneficiaries will receive 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 with a total sum of N950 million to be disbursed.’’
The first lady reiterated that the RHI prioritised the elderly citizens by identifying with them, honoring and reaching out to them to make them happy during the festive period.
“To our senior citizens, I urge you to embrace life to the fullest, prioritise your health, nurture your minds, and strengthen your bonds with loved ones and with God.
“These are the keys to a rich and fulfilling life in your golden years. I equally extend my heartfelt appreciation to all RHI state coordinators and partners who have supported with free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items to the beneficiaries in ensuring the success of this programme.
“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 Tinubu as we look forward to better days ahead.
The President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, appreciated the first lady and the RHI team for initiating the programme in partnership with DEPOWA to assist the elderlies across the nation.
“I’m really overwhelmed because the first lady keeps surprising us. On behalf of all members of DEPOWA, we will continue to render our support to the RHI whenever we are called upon.”
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Danladi Salihu, the Director, Veteran Affairs, Defence Headquarters, lauded the RHI for the economic empowerment and care for the veterans.
‘This noble act by Her Excellency is one for which you will be remembered dearly, and posterity will judge you fairly for repeatedly bringing renewed hope to members of the Armed Forces and their families.
“It is pertinent to state that the beneficiaries of your generosity today are noble and honourable men who efficiently and diligently dedicated their lives to the service of our dear nation, Nigeria.
“I want to also reemphasise that your noble acts of catering for the welfare of our dear widows, as we previously witnessed here, and our retirees as we are witnessing here today, will surely have a multiplier effect on the moral and efficiency of serving members of the Armed forces of Nigeria and that of the Nigerian police.’’
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that most of the beneficiaries also received free medical checkup which includes eye check, blood pressure check among others.
One of the beneficiaries, Former Warrant-Officer, Halima Boha, age 78 said that he got a free eye treatment and a pair of medicated glasses after battling with eye problems for close to 20 years.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Christina Kurnha, aged 62, prayed for the organisers while saying that she believed that God have answered her prayer to be healed from her 12 years of leg problems.
The DEPOWA Medical Team Leader, Dr Juliet Ango, Consultant Public Health Physician, told NAN that any of the beneficiaries with major problems that cannot be cured instantly would be referred to military hospitals.
“What we discovered in the cause of this outreach is that majority of them do not know their status, I mean their blood pressure, sugar level, and others.
“For those with advanced ailments, we will ensure that they go back to military hospitals and reference centres where their National Health Insurance Scheme is being covered so that they can continue to be treated.”
In another development, the Chief of the Naval Staff , Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, appreciated Mrs Tinubu for all her support to the entire military.
He also promised Nigerians that the maritime security would be enhanced in 2024. (NAN)
