The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in collaboration with the Rivers State Government, on Tuesday empowered 500 senior citizens with ₦200,000 each under the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).
The empowerment programme, which took place at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt, marked the third edition of RHIESS, a flagship social investment initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The event was held under the theme, “Finding Joy in Old Age.”
Speaking at the occasion, Senator Tinubu described the initiative as a deliberate effort to honour and appreciate elderly Nigerians for their decades of service and contributions to national development. She noted that since its introduction in 2023, the scheme has evolved into a tradition of care, gratitude, and support for senior citizens across the country.
The First Lady, who was represented by the Wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of RHI, Lady Valerie Fubara, explained that the programme was initially designed to support 250 vulnerable elderly persons aged 65 years and above in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as families of veterans under the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), bringing the total to 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide.
She encouraged beneficiaries to adopt healthy lifestyles, remain socially engaged, and stay mentally active, stressing that ageing should be accompanied by dignity, purpose, and fulfilment.
“I urge you to take care of your health, remain physically active, and continue to engage meaningfully with society. Old age should be lived with joy, hope, and dignity,” she said.
In her remarks, Lady Valerie Fubara announced that Governor Siminalayi Fubara approved an increase in the number of beneficiaries in Rivers State from 250 to 500, reflecting the state government’s strong commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of senior citizens.
She reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to strengthen social protection programmes and expand interventions targeted at improving the quality of life of elderly residents across Rivers State.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr. Vetty Agala, disclosed that the state government, through the Health4AllRivers initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Initiative, has introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the state.
According to her, the healthcare intervention is aimed at ensuring that elderly residents have access to quality and affordable medical services, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and social welfare.
