Renewed Hope Initiative Empowers Elderly Citizens in Ondo State

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), spearheaded by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for its unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of elderly citizens across the nation. The Governor acknowledged the invaluable contributions of senior citizens to national development and emphasized the importance of supporting them in their golden years.

The remarks were made during the second edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), themed “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Lifestyle.” The event, held in Akure, saw 250 elderly citizens, aged 65 and above, each received grants of ₦200,000. Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the First Lady for her consideration of the elderly during these economically challenging times, noting that many senior citizens struggle to meet basic health and feeding needs.

Represented by Deaconess Omolola Fagbemi, Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development and RHI State Coordinator, Senator Oluremi Tinubu highlighted that the initiative targets 250 beneficiaries annually across all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA). This year, the grant amount was increased from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000, with a total of ₦1.9 billion being disbursed nationwide.

The First Lady congratulated the beneficiaries, encouraging them to prioritize their health during the festive season. She advised them to eat nutritious meals, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, rest adequately, and spend quality time with loved ones.

Deaconess Omolola Fagbemi, represented by Hon. Sarah Esakumoh, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, lauded the First Lady for her timely intervention. She noted that the initiative would significantly ease the challenges faced by elderly citizens, particularly during the festive season. Fagbemi also encouraged beneficiaries to engage in home gardening, describing it as a dual-purpose activity that provides food and promotes physical fitness. She stressed the need for renewed interest in agriculture to address food shortages and prevent famine.

The event featured lectures on health and wellness by Dr. (Mrs.) Agnes Ajayi and Mrs. Tade Wemimo. Dr. Ajayi spoke on strategies for achieving a happy, healthy, and prosperous lifestyle, while Mrs. Wemimo shared her award-winning techniques in home gardening and urban farming, providing practical tips to inspire attendees.

Some beneficiaries, including Abiodun Bukola, William Aderuku, Dorcas Oluwadare and Akpara Joel expressed their gratitude to the First Lady. Their joy knows no bound as they offered prayers for the First Lady, her family and Renewed Hope Initiative Project.

The event was graced by notable figures, including Chief Mrs. Olufunke Adu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Women Relations; Hon. Princess Arise Folasade, Board Chairman, Agency for Welfare of Persons with Disabilities; Hon. Mrs. Bayo Aina JP, Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization; Chief Samuel Ade Ayeni, Chairman of the National Senior Citizens Forum, Ondo State Chapter; and Mr. Tope Lebile, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.

The Renewed Hope Initiative continues to make a profound impact on the lives of elderly citizens nationwide, reinforcing the commitment of the Nigerian government to inclusive welfare and support for its senior population.