In a bid to cushion the effect of the economic situation and to alleviate the burdens of elders during this festive period, the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) in partnership with the Defence and Police Officers' Wives Association (DEPOWA), have disbursed is Nine Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N950,000,000) as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative to 250 Military and Police veterans in Abuja.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) with the Theme: Better Days Ahead, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said the economic empowerment programme is borne out of a steadfast commitment to the well-being of military and police elderly citizens and it marks a significant stride in collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.
She noted that this scheme is to support Two Hundred and Fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens 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). These selected beneficiaries will receive a sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) each.
"The event is holding concurrently in all the 36 States of the federation.
"The total sum to be disbursed is Nine Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N950,000,000) as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Each state of the federation will receive the sum of Twenty-Five Million Naira (N25,000,000). We are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination.
"As we approach the festive season, it becomes very important to emphasize the significance of prioritizing our elderly citizens in our initiatives. By reaching out to the elderly this festive period, we not only honour their contributions but also acknowledge the unique encounters they face"
Senator Tinubu urged beneficiaries to embrace life to the fullest, prioritize their health, nurture their minds, and strengthen their bonds with loved ones and with God. These are the keys to a rich and fulfilling life in their golden years.
She also appreciate to all state coordinators of RHI, and partners who have supported with free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items to the beneficiaries as the case may be, 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 this programme serve as a beacon of renewed hope, dignity, andbusiness opportunities for all. We seek your continued support and prayers for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu" she noted
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christoper Gwabin Musa, ably represented by Director of Veteran Affairs, (DHQ), Major General Danladi Ibrahim Salihu lauded the first lady, Senator Tinubu for yet another time and thoughtful gestures towards military veterans and this noble act will forever be remembered.
The beneficiaries are noble and honourable men who have diligently dedicated their lives in the service of the nation. "Your noble act will add to the morale and efficiency of the serving members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Nigeria Police Force.
Earlier, in her opening remarks, the President, Defence and Police Officers' Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa thanked the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the special programme for military and police veterans which serve as a beacon of renewed hope, dignity, and prosperity for revered elders of the nation.
She said, last month Senator Tinubu disbursed N250,000 each to 1,709 widows and orphans of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces to enable you to recapitalize an existing business or start a business of your choice to enable you to care for your families”.
Mrs Musa thanked the First Lady for her tremendous support for the DEPOWA and for impacting lives positively. "We will continue to render more support to the renewed hope initiative whenever called upon". She assured
Veteran beneficiaries were drawn from the Defence Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association, (NAOWA); the Nigerian Navy Officers Wives Association (NOWA) the Nigerian Navy Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA), and the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA).
The Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) focuses on five key areas – agriculture, education, economic empowerment, health and socio-investment.
The programme enable the government to assist the vulnerable groups. The governing board members of the initiative include the first lady, Nana Shettima, wife of the vice president, and Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the chief of staff.