Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the second edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) in Ogun State, increasing cash support from N100,000 to N200,000 for 250 beneficiaries. The event, held at the Presidential Lodge premises in Abeokuta, emphasized the importance of ensuring a “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Lifestyle” for elderly Nigerians.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the Ogun state first lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, who represented Senator Oluremi Tinubu explained that the concept of RHIESS reaffirms Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of senior citizens through financial support and health initiatives.

The disbursement of N200,000 each and other gift items to 250 elderly beneficiaries aged 65 years and above represents an increase in the grant from N100,000 to N200,000 per recipient across 236 wards in Ogun State.

Highlighting the scope of the initiative, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun announced that the program is going simultaneously across 36 states, including Abuja, as a way of bringing joy and comfort during the festive season to the selected beneficiaries.

Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, who is the State Coordinator of RHI, encouraged beneficiaries to prioritize their health by eating nutritious food, staying hydrated, and engaging in light physical activities.

Earlier in her address, the Wife of the Ogun State Speaker, Dr.(Mrs) Olayinka Elemide, expressed her gratitude to the Wife of the President for the impactful gesture under the Renewed Hope Initiative programme.

Dr Elemide who described the gesture as a symbol of hope and assurance that the President wife and the Ogun state first lady, remained committed to addressing the needs of Nigerians, said the initiative would bring relief to countless vulnerable elders across the State.

Responding to the gesture, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Abigail Afuwape, expressed gratitude for the financial and medical support, describing it as a lifeline during challenging times. She appreciated the First Lady’s unwavering commitment and support to the elderly, noting that the Renewed Hope Initiative has been beneficial to the vulnerable ones and the general public.

The Elderly Support Scheme is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative, spearheaded by the First Lady of Nigeria, to address the needs of vulnerable groups across Nigeria. Beneficiaries were also educated about the health insurance scheme and underwent medical screenings, including blood pressure and eye tests.