Remi Tinubu felicitates the elderly, encourages them to stay healthy, find joy in old age 

FIRST LADY OLUREMI TINUBU FELICITATES THE ELDERLY, CHARGE THEM ON FINDING JOY IN OLD AGE
HOLDS 3RD EDITION OF RHI ELDERLY SUPPORT SCHEME

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has encouraged the elderly to continue staying healthy and active especially during this yuletide season.

She was speaking at the third edition of the RHI Elderly Support Scheme in Abuja, Senator Oluremi Tinubu where she also explained that the initiative has, since the inception of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the RHI has made it a tradition to celebrate Nigerians whose service contributed to nation building and the collective progress of the country.

“As we approach the festive season, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of prioritizing our elderly citizens in this particular programme. They have walked difficult paths so that the younger generations may have smoother roads to travel. It is therefore our moral duty, and indeed our joy, to ensure that they live their twilight years in comfort, good health, and dignity”.

“My advice to our senior citizens is to do all that is possible to find joy in old age. Let us also find purpose in community, compassion, and care. Ageing gracefully is not just about longevity but about being surrounded by love, support, and respect. I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active. Nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement. Those of us who are active should continue to engage in charitable work and, in so doing, find joy in helping others”.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu disclosed that the scheme is supporting 250 vulnerable veterans aged 65 years and above, with each beneficiary receiving ₦200,000, amounting to an estimated ₦1 billion nationwide. Food items were also distributed to beneficiaries as part of the intervention.

According to the First Lady, the programme is designed to ensure that veterans live their twilight years with dignity, purpose and a sense of belonging.

Representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, Director of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Adepegba stated that the RHI through it various Social Investment programmes especially targeted at Defence and Police Officer Veterans to enhance their well-being underscores the importance the nation attaches to these group of individuals. He pointed out that these and many other are a reflection of the level of appreciation accorded them for their selflessness and dedication to the service of the nation.

“On behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, I express our profound gratitude to Her Excellency for this thoughtful intervention. Your commitment to inclusive welfare, particularly for senior citizens and veterans, reinforces morale within the Services and reassures serving personnel that their sacrifices will always be remembered and valued. I also commend the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), under the leadership of its President, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, for its continued dedication to programmes that promote the welfare of officers’ families, veterans, and vulnerable members of our communities. Your partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative remains invaluable in advancing people-centred support initiatives”.

“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the strength of any nation is measured not only by its defence capabilities, but also by its compassion for those who served it faithfully. Programmes such as Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme reinforce our collective responsibility to uphold dignity, respect, and care for our elderly veterans, ensuring that they age with honour and security.

As we continue to discharge our constitutional responsibilities of defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria, the Armed Forces remain fully committed to supporting initiatives that promote welfare, unity, and national cohesion. We will continue to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the sacrifices of our veterans are matched with care and recognition”.

There was the symbolic presentation of Two Hundred Thousand naira to the beneficiaries by the First Lady of Nigeria. Also, there was the free medical checks for the beneficiaries, who also went home with various food items for the festivities.