The Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), spearheaded by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the President, has brought joy to 250 elderly individuals and nursing mothers in Ebonyi State. In its second edition, the program delivered much-needed support through cash grants, essential items, and medical checkups at the Women Development Centre in Abakaliki on Tuesday.
With the theme “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Lifestyle,” the event focused on improving the welfare of senior citizens during the festive season. Beneficiaries received ₦200,000 each, alongside bags of rice and other essentials. Senator Tinubu, represented by Ebonyi State Governor’s wife, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, reaffirmed her dedication to uplifting the elderly and vulnerable across Nigeria.
Addressing attendees, Mrs. Nwifuru emphasized the initiative’s expanded impact, highlighting that the grant was increased from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 to further support senior citizens. She revealed that ₦1.9 billion had been allocated nationwide, with each state receiving ₦50 million for distribution to beneficiaries. Additionally, free medical checkups and various sundry items were provided to enhance the beneficiaries’ well-being.
Mrs. Nwifuru commended the state coordinators and partners for their efforts in ensuring the success of the initiative. She congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to prioritize their health during the festive season.
In a heartfelt gesture earlier in the day, Mrs. Nwifuru, alongside Barr. Felicia Nwankpuma, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, visited nursing mothers and mothers of triplets at the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital. They distributed cash gifts, diapers, and other essential items to support the mothers and their newborns.
Barr. Nwankpuma applauded Senator Tinubu for her impactful and inclusive leadership, describing her as a compassionate leader committed to supporting men, women, and children in need.
Dignitaries present at the event, including Mrs. Chinyere Nwogbaga, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Dr. Chinyere Elom, and Patience Ogodo, praised Senator Tinubu for her unwavering dedication to the welfare of citizens. They lauded her efforts in prioritizing the needs of the elderly and families in Ebonyi and beyond.
