Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 250 less-privileged elderly persons in Nasarawa State with a total sum of ₦50 million to enhance their welfare and livelihoods.
The empowerment, carried out under the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, took place on Tuesday in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital. Each beneficiary received ₦200,000 to support their basic needs and improve their quality of life.
Speaking at the disbursement exercise, Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Mrs Tosan Akabe, said the initiative reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens.
She explained that the scheme targets elderly citizens aged 65 years and above across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association.
According to her, each state and the FCT received ₦50 million, bringing the total disbursement under the programme to ₦1.9 billion nationwide.
The First Lady noted that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritises inclusive growth and social protection for vulnerable groups.
She recalled that over the past two years, more than 100,000 women petty traders, small business owners and persons living with disabilities have benefited from similar financial support schemes.
Mrs Tinubu urged the elderly beneficiaries to find joy, purpose and fulfilment in old age, stressing that senior citizens deserve love, care and respect, especially during the festive season.
In her remarks, the First Lady of Nasarawa State, Mrs Silifat Abdullahi Sule, expressed appreciation to Mrs Tinubu for her continued support for vulnerable residents of the state.
Speaking through the Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Scholarship Board, Mrs Sa’adatu Yahaya, she said the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the state’s 13 local government areas and advised them to utilise the funds judiciously to improve their well-being.
