Renewed Hope Initiative: First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu doles out N50m grant to 250 Lagos senior citizens
Ayodele Olalere
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has doled out a sum of N50million to 250 Lagos State senior citizens which was the second edition of the Elderly Support Scheme under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The beneficiaries received N200,000 each at the presentation ceremony with the theme “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Lifestyle.” held at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
The Scheme is a Social Investment Programme under the Renewed Hope Initiative, a pet project of the President’s wife.
The First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the grant doubled what was given last year.
She said the programme was designed to support the welfare of the elderly citizens annually, adding that the elderly aged 65 and above in all 36 States of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) were chosen to benefit from the scheme.
Apart from the grant, beneficiaries were also given free medical check-ups and other sundry items. She urged the senior citizens to prioritize their health as they celebrate the festive season.
“I urge you to remember to prioritise your health even as we all enjoy and celebrate in the festive season. Eat well, stay hydrated, do little exercise like walking and getting adequate rest. Spend quality time with loved ones, and do what you enjoy and make you happy,” she said.
To maintain their heath, doctors at the event advised the elderly ones to be watchful of the kind of drugs they take, do regular check-ups, drink enough water, reduce intake of carbohydrates and red meat but should eat food rich in protein.
A total of N1.9billion has been disbursed across the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory as well as the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association under the initiative.
One of the beneficiaries, Alhaja Alabi while speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries said the money was coming at the right time.
“This will be used to purchase foodstuffs and take care of my children. May God bless Oluremi and her husband,” she prayed.
Another beneficiary, Emmanuel Adesanya appreciated the good gesture of the First Lady and wished her prosperity.
