By Matthew Ochei
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has disbursed N25 million to 250 elderly men and women from the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State.
The cash presentation through the Renewed Hope Initiative under the Elderly Support Scheme was held on Friday at the Government House, Asaba, the Delta State capital
The Wife of Delta State governor, Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, who represented Tinubu at the event, also provided clothing materials and free medical checkups to the elderly citizens as support for the gesture.
In her address, Tinubu expressed joy at the inaugural edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme themed “Better Days Ahead.”
She emphasised that the economic empowerment program symbolises a dedication to the well-being of elderly citizens, representing a significant step forward in the collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.
She said, “The scheme aims to support 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.
“The selected beneficiaries are to receive a sum of N100,000 each to alleviate economic burdens during the festive period.
“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 N25m without discrimination.”
Tinubu further emphasised the importance of prioritising elderly citizens during the festive season, honouring their contributions, and recognising the unique challenges they face.
She appreciated all who supported the event with free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items to the beneficiaries.
Welcoming the senior citizens, Oborevwori who spoke through the Director General, You Matter Charity Foundation, Lawrentta Ogbedo, expressed great pleasure at the presentation of the cash sums, adding that the gesture of the Renewed Hope Initiative is timely and commendable.
While acknowledging the challenging economic situation in the country, she highlighted the scheme’s impact on families, particularly the elderly, who now face financial difficulties.
The governor’s wife commended Tinubu’s efforts to alleviate the economic strains on the senior citizens during the festive period adding that the gesture is well appreciated by the people of the state.
