As part of her continued commitment to improving the welfare of senior citizens, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the second edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) in Lagos. The event saw 250 elderly Lagosians, aged 65 and above, each receive ₦200,000, along with other gifts.

A Vision for Elderly Wellness

Represented by Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State Governor and State Coordinator of RHI, the First Lady emphasized the importance of ensuring a “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Lifestyle” for Nigeria’s elderly population.

“This initiative reaffirms our commitment to enhancing the welfare of senior citizens across Nigeria,” Mrs. Sanwo-Olu stated.

The initiative has doubled its grant offering from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 per recipient, highlighting the program’s growth and its impact on improving the lives of elderly Nigerians.

Nationwide Empowerment Effort

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) aims to spread joy nationwide, with ₦1.9 billion earmarked for disbursement to elderly citizens during the festive season. The First Lady commended state first ladies, RHI coordinators, and partners for their dedication to prioritizing the well-being of the elderly.

“This underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the happiness and health of our senior citizens,” Senator Tinubu remarked.

Healthcare Support for Beneficiaries

In addition to financial aid, Lagos State, through a partnership with the Lagos State Health Management Authority (LASHMA), provided one year of free healthcare for the beneficiaries.

Health and Wellness Education:

• Beneficiaries were educated about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including tips on eating nutritious food, staying hydrated, and engaging in light exercises.
• Health screenings for blood pressure and eye tests were also conducted to enhance their well-being.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu encouraged the elderly to prioritize their health and cherish time spent with loved ones during the festive period.

Voices of Gratitude

Beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation for the initiative, which brought smiles to many faces.

• Alhaja Mojisola Alabi, one of the recipients, thanked the First Lady for the kind gesture and prayed for her continued success.
• The initiative also received praise from community leaders, with Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilisation, Mrs. Bayo Aina, commending Senator Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their generosity.

Expanding the Reach of RHIESS

The First Lady’s vision for the initiative extends beyond financial support. RHIESS seeks to provide holistic empowerment for the elderly by integrating health, wellness, and community engagement.

As the program gains momentum, it continues to serve as a model for how governments and communities can support their aging populations, ensuring that senior citizens enjoy dignity, health, and happiness in their later years.