By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHEUATA
The Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), a pet project of the First Lady, wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON has commenced doling out the sum of one hundred thousand naira each to 250 elderly persons across the twenty five Local Government Area of Delta State.
The epic programme with the theme: “Better Days Ahead”, was held today Thursday, December 21, at the Government House Banquet Hall, Asaba.
This newspaper gathered that in collaboration with Her Excellency, Wife of the Governor of Delta River State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, free medical services and other packages were offered to the 250 elderly persons across the State.
In her speech, Senator Oluremi Tinubu noted that the economic empowerment programme was borne out of a steadfast commitment
to the well-being of elderly citizens and it made a significant stride in their collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Wife of the Governor of Delta River State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwor, said “this scheme is to support Two Hundred and Fifty (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 (DEPOWA).
“These selected beneficiaries will receive a sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira
(N100,000) each. This is to cushion the effect of the economic situation and to alleviate the burdens of our esteemed elders during
this festive period.
Tinubu noted that the total sum to be disbursed across the 36 States of the Federation and Abuja was Nine Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N950,000,000) as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. That each state of the federation received the sum of Twenty-Five Million Naira (N25,000,000).
According to the astute lawmaker turned Nigeria’s First Lady, “We are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination.
“As we approach the festive season, it becomes very 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 also acknowledge the unique
encounters they face.
“To our senior citizens, I urge you to embrace life to the fullest, 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.”
While seeking for continued support and prayers for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu extended her heartfelt appreciation to all State’s Governor’s wives, State Coordinators of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), and partners who have supported with free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items to the beneficiaries as the case may be, in ensuring the success of the programme.
In her personal remarks, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori expressed appreciation on behalf of Delta State the Nigeria’s First Lady, describing the initiative as remarkable, stressing that the elderly in the twenty five local government councils would witness renewed hope. Adding that “Your efforts to alleviate the burdens of our esteemed elders during this festive period are appreciated.”
Oborevwori reiterated Remi Tinubu’s opinion that, the economic situation in our country has been challenging, and it has hit hard on a large percentage of families particularly the elderly.
She noted that “Our esteemed elders, who have contributed so much to the development of our society, are now facing financial difficulties and other burdens. This is why the gesture of the Renewed Hope Initiative is not only timely but also commendable.
“To our senior citizens from the 25 local government areas, I want to assure you that you MATTER in the present administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.You have contributed immensely to the growth and development of our state and we will continue to support and care for you.
“My pet project, the You Matter Charity Foundation remains committed to improving the lives of the aged in Delta State; with my team, we will continue to work tirelessly towards this goal as captured in our vision by imitating this kind gesture.”
Deaconess Tobore Oborevwor went to interact with the elderly, the senior citizens of Delta State, and a very complete medical package for the elderly was offered.
Addressing the elderlies before the commencement of the medical services, the Chief Medical Director of Asaba Specialist Hospital, Dr. Peace Ighosewe stated that the Medical Team was going to look at their vital signs before commencing any treatment.
“We are going to do all the necessary tests that we can do for them to assess their blood sugar, to assess their blood pressure, and also to assess their vision because these are some parts of what they need”. She disclosed.
The highlights were the witnessing of the presentation of cash sums to elderly citizens of Delta State made possible by the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme of the wife of our President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, interactions, dancing to ethnical music’s redition.