Elderly residents of Oyo State on Tuesday benefited from the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) as the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, rolled out a N50 million intervention aimed at improving the welfare and wellbeing of senior citizens in the state.
The programme, which was held at the Local Government Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, was organised under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme and themed “Finding Joy in Old Age.” It formed part of the nationwide implementation of the scheme taking place simultaneously across the country.
Senator Tinubu, who is the National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, was represented at the Oyo State event by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Ajibike Lawal.
Under the scheme, 250 elderly citizens aged 65 years and above in Oyo State benefited from financial support, in line with the national framework covering the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, as well as veterans from the Defence and Police formations, all aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of senior citizens.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the First Lady said the initiative was designed to reassure elderly Nigerians that they are loved, valued and not forgotten, particularly during the festive season.
“Our elderly citizens deserve care, dignity and appreciation for their years of contribution to nation-building. This programme is one of the ways we are saying that you matter and that you are not forgotten,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu explained that the Oyo State disbursement is part of a N1.9 billion nationwide intervention being implemented under the third edition of the scheme.
“A total of One Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira is being disbursed across the country this year. Each state, including Oyo State, receives Fifty Million Naira to support 250 elderly beneficiaries, with each person receiving N200,000,” she stated.
She added that the initiative goes beyond financial assistance, as beneficiaries also receive free medical check-ups and other essential items, in line with the programme’s focus on total wellness.
“This programme is not only about money; it is about promoting a happy, healthy and prosperous lifestyle for our senior citizens. We encourage you to prioritise your health and spend quality time with your loved ones,” the First Lady said.
She reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the welfare of all Nigerians, noting that the Renewed Hope Initiative complements the Federal Government’s broader social protection agenda.
In her welcome address, the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Toyin Balogun, described the scheme as a clear demonstration of compassion and responsive governance.
“Today’s programme reflects our shared belief that our elderly citizens deserve dignity, quality healthcare and continuous support. We are deeply honoured by the concern shown by Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative,” Balogun said.
She also commended the First Lady of Oyo State, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, FNSE, for strengthening the programme by adding a comprehensive healthcare component funded by her office.
“Her Excellency has gone further to ensure that our senior citizens receive medical consultations, vital health checks and prescribed medications. This clearly shows her unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the people of Oyo State,” the commissioner added.
Balogun expressed optimism that the outreach would improve health outcomes for beneficiaries and reaffirm society’s collective responsibility to care for elderly citizens who have contributed immensely to the development of the state and the nation.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Chris Wike expressed gratitude to the First Lady for the intervention, describing it as timely and life-changing.
“This support has brought joy and hope to us as senior citizens. At this stage of our lives, being remembered and supported means a lot. We are grateful to the First Lady and all those who made this programme possible,” Wike said.
He also thanked the Oyo State Government and the organisers for the additional healthcare services, noting that access to free medical consultations and medications would significantly improve the quality of life of elderly residents in the state.
