First Lady empowers 250 elderly persons with N50m in Nasarawa
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 250 less-privileged elderly persons in Nasarawa State with the sum of N50 million in order to improve their living standard
Speaking at the disbursement exercise on Tuesday in Lafia, the state capital, the First Lady disclosed that the funds were from the present administration’s Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, adding that each of the beneficiaries would be given N200,000 to enable them have better old age experiences.
Represented by the Wife of the Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Shela Akabe, she said the gesture was borne out of a steadfast commitment to the well-being of the elderly in the state.
According to her, the scheme was designed to support elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; as well as veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association.
Each state of the federation, the FCT, as well as the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association were given N50 million, amounting to N1.9 billion,” she said.
The First Lady further stated that the initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope agenda of the Federal Government, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind.
She recalled that she had supported over 100,000 women petty traders and small business owners, including Persons Living With Disabilities, with direct financial grants to grow their businesses in the last two years.
Senator Oluremi emphasized that “The elderly citizens need to be taken care of, especially during this festive season to enable them enjoy the period. They have walked difficult paths so that the younger generations may have smoother roads to travel, and it is our duty to make life worthwhile for them at this point.
“My advice to the senior citizens is to do all that is possible to find joy in old age, let us also find purpose in community, compassion, and care. Let us remember that old age is not about longevity, but is about being surrounded by love, support, and respect.” She added
In her address, the First Lady of Nasarawa State, Silifat Abdullahi-Sule, thanked Mrs Tinubu for her love and care towards the residents of the state, especially the vulnerable groups across the 13 Local Government Areas.
The Governor’s wife, who spoke through the Executive Secretary, Nasarawa State Scholarship Board, Sa’Adatu Yahaya, said the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the 13 LGAs of the state.
Mrs. Sule urged them to use the money to care for themselves, add value to their lives, while also improving their livelihoods.
