In line with the wife of the President of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu ‘s maiden edition of Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme ( RHIESS ) across the state of the federation the wife of Abia Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti has domesticated the programme in Abia state by disbursing bags of rice, condiments, and #100,000 each to 250, persons of the elderly in the state.
Speaking while disbursing the funds to the elderly in her Government House Office in Umuahia,
Mrs. Otti said that the scheme is to support the vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in the state to cushion the effects of the economic situation and to alleviate the burdens of our esteemed elders during this festive period.
According to the Governor’s wife, “the total sum to be disbursed is 950 million naira as approved by the governing board of the Renewed Hope Initiative, which is the pet project of the First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Each State of the Federation would receive the sum of 25 million Naira”
The First Lady also urged the senior citizens to embrace life to the fullest, prioritize their health, nurture their mind and strengthen their bond with loved ones.
“As we approach the festive period it becomes very important to emphasise the significance of prioritizing our elderly citizens in our Initiatives. By reaching out to our elderly this festive period, we do not only honour their contributions but also acknowledge the unique encounters they face” Mrs. Otti said.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Blessing Felix, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Ogechi Oguama commended the Wife of Mr. President and that of Abia State Governor for the Initiative. She said that the initiative is a sign that better days are ahead for Abia state under the leadership of Governor Otti.
The Commissioner said her Ministry would partner the Office of the Wife of the Governor to make life better for the elderly through including them in the cooperative society which is domiciled in the Ministry.
Also speaking on behalf of the Wives of Mayors in the State, the Wife of the Mayor of Aba North, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Udeagbala said that the wives of the Mayors in the 17 LGAs of the state are appreciative of the initiative and are in solidarity with the wife of Abia Governor.
She assured that they would not abuse any of the programmes of the Wife of the Governor but would ensure that anything made for the people would get to them.
In their goodwill messages, the State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Regina Iroha, Abia State Chairman, National Council for Women Society, Mrs. Agnes Okoroafia and facilitator, Abia State Forum for the Elderly, Mazi Oti Nwaka applauded the scheme and said it is a sign of new hope for the elderly.
They assured of their support to the policies and programmes of the government and requested that the scheme be sustained.
However, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Uloma Ubani who spoke on behalf of others
thanked the Wife of Mr. President and that of the State Governor for the gesture.
She assured that the elderly would sustain their prayers for them.
