In a significant move to cushion the effects of the current economic climate on the vulnerable, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended a hand of fellowship to the elderly in Nasarawa State. Through the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, a total of fifty million Naira was disbursed to two hundred and fifty senior citizens on Tuesday. The exercise, held in the state capital of Lafia, is part of a broader national strategy aimed at ensuring that the elderly are not left behind during these challenging times.
Represented at the event by Mrs. Shela Tosan-Akabe, the wife of the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, the First Lady explained that each beneficiary would receive two hundred thousand Naira. According to details shared with Reports, this financial support is intended to provide immediate relief and allow the recipients to enjoy a more comfortable life as they age. The gesture reflects a deep-seated commitment to the welfare of those who have spent their lives contributing to the growth of the nation.
The scope of this initiative is remarkably wide, targeting citizens aged sixty-five and above across all thirty-six states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Beyond civilians, the scheme also extends its reach to veterans through the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association. This nationwide rollout represents a massive investment in social welfare, with the total expenditure reaching one billion, nine hundred million Naira across the country.
During the disbursement, it was noted that the timing of this support is particularly crucial given the upcoming festive season. The First Lady expressed her desire to see the elderly celebrate with dignity and joy, free from the immediate pressures of financial lack. Reports gathered by Reports indicate that the initiative has been met with widespread appreciation from the local community, who see it as a necessary intervention for a demographic that is often overlooked.
The First Lady of Nasarawa State, Mrs. Silifat Abdullahi Sule, also lent her voice to the occasion, commending the federal government’s vision. She highlighted that such targeted empowerment programs go a long way in strengthening the social fabric of the state. As the funds reach the hands of the grandmothers and veterans in Nasarawa, the hope is that this support will spark a renewed sense of belonging and care among the elderly population.
