NKRUMAH BANKONG-OBI/Lafia
Nigeria’s First lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has flagged off the disbursement of funds to the elderly in Nasarawa State. The event which at The Government House, Lafia on Thursday saw 250 elderly people go home with N100,000 each.
Mrs Tinubu whose address was read by the wife of the Deputy governor of Nasarawa State, Sheila Tosan Akabe, said the objective is to cater for the needs of the older citizens especially at this festive period “as we approach the festive season, it becomes important to emphasize the significance of prioritizing our elderly citizens in our initiatives. By reaching out to the elderly, this festive period, we not only honour their contributions but acknowledge the unique encounters they face,” she said.
The First Lady said the nation-wide gesture towards the senior citizens follows the approval of N950,000,000 by the governing board of the Renewed Hope Initiative to be distributed evenly to all the States of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Each State she said, will get 25,000,000, promising that the subnationals will benefit from the gesture without discrimination. Individuals over 65 years of age, including military veterans from Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association were selected to be empowered.
She implored the beneficiaries to live life to the fullest, paying attention to the issues that are most pertinent as they age. “To our senior citizens, I urge you to prioritize your health, nurture your minds and strengthen your bonds with loved ones and with God. These are the keys to a rich and fulfilling life in your golden years,” she admonished. The First lady also expressed hope for a better country, calling on the citizens support and pray for the government. “This period should be a time of joy and comfort for all even as we hope for a greater Nigeria in security, education, health, employment and business opportunities for all. We seek your continued support and prayers for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, as we look forward to better days ahead,” she said.
In her address, Hajia Silifat Abdullahi Sule, the Wife of the Governor of Nasarawa State thanked the President’s wife for her kind gesture. She noted that targeting the old and vulnerable make the initiative unique because that category of the populace is often neglected in the society. She called on those selected in the State to spend the money diligently for their own good and the good of their loved ones.
While praising the President’s wife for undertaking this programme, Aisha Rufai, Commissioner for Women Affairs in Nasarawa State, said plans have been put in place to ensure the smooth distribution of the money to those selected personally and not through cronies.
Mariam Gambo Rabiu who responded on behalf of the beneficiaries thanked the Wife of the President and the Governor’s wife for their kindness and prayed God to bless them.
The Renewed Hope Initiative is the pet-project of the nation’s First Lady.