The First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu in collaboration with the Wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscila Otti have disbursed the cheque of 100 thousand Naira each, bags of rice and other items to the selected 250 elderly citizens of Abia State .
Speaking while disbursing the funds on behalf of the First Lady of the country, in a programme tagged, Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) with the theme “Better Days Ahead”, the Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscila Otti explained that the economic empowerment programme is born out of commitment to the well being of the elderly citizens in Nigeria.
She added that, “the scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association”
First Lady said that the essence of the scheme is to cushion the effect of the economic challenges at present and alleviate the burdens of the elders during this festive period. She disclosed that 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. Each State of the Federation would receive the sum of 25 million Naira”
The First Lady, who urged the senior citizens to embrace life to the fullest, prioritize their health, nurture their mind and strengthen their bond with loved ones said,
“As we approach the festive period it becomes very important to emphasis the significance of prioritizing our elderly citizens in our Initiatives. By reaching out to our elderly this festive period, we not only honour their contributions but also acknowledge the unique encounters they face”
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Blessing Felix, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Ogechi Oguama saluted 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 coorperative 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. Ifenyinwa Udeagbala said that the wives of the Mayors in the 17 LGAs are appreciative of the initiative and are solidly behind Mrs. Otti.
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, Abia State chapter, 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.
The event which attracted many diginitaries saw the Wife of the Governor present cheques, bags of rice and other items to the beneficiaries.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Uloma Ubani
thanked the Wife of Mr. President and that of the State Governor for the gesture. She stated that a helper has truly come in Abia State government and prayed that it shall be well for them. She assured that the elderly would sustain their prayers for them.
