The President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa in collaboration with the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, ‘Renewed Hope Initiative’s Elderly Support Scheme, today, 17th December 2024 empowered 250 elderly citizens in Federal Capital Territory.
The second edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme with the theme Total Wellness, Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Lifestyle is designed to support the welfare of our elderly citizens annually.
250 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 are benefiting from this scheme.
Speaking during the disbursement of support in Abuja, Senator Tinubu said the theme for this year’s programme, the second edition, is “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Lifestyle.”
The First Lady explained that the programme is an annual initiative designed to enhance the welfare and well-being of elderly citizens across the country.
She said: “250 elderly citizens, aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the federal capital territory and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association will be benefiting from the scheme.
The governing board of Renewed Hope Initiative has decided to increase the grant from N100,000 to N200,000 this year to provide further support to our elderly citizens during this festive season”.
Senator Tinubu explained that a total of N1.9 billion will be disbursed across the nation.
“The RHI Coordinators in the 36 states of the federation, FCT and DRPOWA have received N50 million each, our offerings which N200,000 will be distributed today to each beneficiary.
The First Lady noted that other programmes like free medical check-ups and other sundry items will also be provided.
In addition to this, the Honourable Minister in your midst today, he's the one in charge of veterans which you know. So when we were talking the wife was here when we started but the wife travelled and he said he has to be here to support this programme. So we will be having 500 veterans taken care of every year.
I will do the 250, he has magnanimously said he will join us and add 250.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa said she is elated that this auspicious occasion is coming at this time of the year, particularly the period to express love, peace and joy having gone through the rivers of the year.
"It is with great joy and utmost respect that I humbly welcome our mother, our special guest of honour, Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the National Chairman of Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tsunegu, CON, as well as other dignitaries, distinguished guests for the second edition of the elderly support scheme for the veterans of the armed forces and the police under the Renewed Hope Initiative social investment programme with the theme, Total Wellness, Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Lifestyle." she said
She noted that the first Lady, who has been showing love particularly in different locations of the country and beyond, saw it in her face to look into the plight of the elderly citizens across the 36 states and the federal capital city in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative programme, which is an all-inclusive edification having focal areas of the project to include agriculture, health, education, social investment and economic empowerment.
"Your Excellency, Madam, according to the United Nations, the number of people aged 65 years or older worldwide is projected to be more than double, rising from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion in 2015. Hence, in safe culture, the elderly is seen as a body, particularly if they require care and support.
Consequently, the importance of a unique programme like this is to show kindness and solidarity, which cannot be emphasised, and our mother has particularly showed that care for the elderly. It's not just a responsibility, but a privilege to show our love and gratitude, where no one is left behind in an ageing world which is inspiring and worthy of recognition. At this point, please, I would like to ask all three of you to stand up in a signing ovation as you appreciate our mother.
While commending the president of DEPOWA, Mrs Musa and RHI Coordinators and partners for their support, Senator Tinubu urged the senior citizens to prioritise their health even as they enjoy and celebrate during this festive season.
“Eat well, stay hydrated, do little exercises- like walking and getting adequate rest. Spend quality time with loved ones, and do what you enjoy and makes you happy and Next year now, I'll be joining the elderly. So that's why I'm telling you what I do also so that you all can do the same. So even though for minor injury out there, but I keep going, you know, but I keep going but the strength is there". she added.
