By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), led by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 250 elderly men and women in Ebonyi State through its second edition.
The event, held at the Women Development Center, Abakaliki, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, and themed “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Lifestyle,” featured the distribution of ₦200,000 cash grants, bags of rice, and other essential items aimed at improving the welfare of senior citizens during the festive season.
Senator Tinubu, represented at the program by the Ebonyi State First Lady, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, reaffirmed her commitment to the welfare of elders.
Speaking at the event, Chief Mrs. Uzomaka Maudline highlighted the program’s significance in alleviating the challenges faced by senior citizens across the nation.
Adding “the Governing board of the Renewed Hope initiative has decided to increase the grant from 100,000 to 200,000 this year to provide further support to our elderly citizens during this festive seasons.
“A total of one billion, nine hundred million naira (1,900,000,000)will be disbursed across the nation. The RHI coordinators in the 36 states of the federation, the FCT and DEPOWA have received fifty million naira each out of which N200,000 will be distributed today to each beneficiary. In addition to this, free medical check ups and other sundry items will be provided.
“I commend all our state first ladies/ RHI state coordinators and partners for their efforts in making this day a reality.
“I congratulate all our senior citizens who have been selected as beneficiaries. I urge you to remember to prioritize your health even as we all enjoy and celebrate in the festive season”.
Earlier in the day, Chief Mrs. Uzomaka Maudline also visited mothers who had recently delivered their babies at the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital. She presented them with cash gifts, pampers, and other essential items.
However, speaking at the event,
the Ebonyi State First Lady, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Barr. Felicia Nwankpuma, commended Senator Tinubu for her inclusive and impactful initiatives. She noted that Senator Tinubu had consistently supported both men and women in need, describing her as a genuine and generous leader.
Dignitaries in attendance, including Mrs. Chinyere Nwogbaga, a lawmaker in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Dr. Chinyere Elom, and Patience Ogodo, praised the First Lady for her unwavering commitment to the welfare of citizens. They acknowledged her efforts in ensuring the well-being of the elderly and families across the state.