Hardship: FirstLady Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Prioritise Elderly’s Welfare

By Praise Chinecherem

Nigeria First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu has urged Nigerians to prioritise the welfare of the elderly, having endured difficult times to secure better future for younger generations.

Tinubu made the call at the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), held across the federation.

The event, themed “Finding Joy in Old Age,” aims to appreciate the contributions of senior citizens to national development and ensure they live with dignity, comfort and joy.

The first lady, represented by Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo explained that the scheme would support 250 vulnerable elderly persons in Anambra State, as well as veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association, with the sum of N200,000 each.

“In all, 9,500 beneficiaries across the country will receive N200,000 each, bringing the total amount to be disbursed to N1.9 billion, as approved by the Governing Board of the RHI.

“This is our moral duty to ensure that our senior citizens live their twilight years in comfort, good health and dignity.

“I advise elderly Nigerians to strive to find joy and purpose in old age through community engagement, compassion and care, while also maintaining healthy and active lifestyles,” she said.

While wishing Nigerians peaceful and joyous festive season, President’s wife expressed optimism that 2026 would bring renewed hope and greater accomplishments for the country.

Earlier, Governor’s wife, who doubles as Founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, urged the elderly to prioritise their health by eating well, staying hydrated, taking regular walks, resting adequately and spending quality time with loved ones.

“You need to eat right, stay active, avoid harmful chemicals and consume natural foods to protect your health and live longer,” she added.

Soludo also supported the First Lady by distributing pieces of wrappers, bags of rice and packs of vegetable oil to the elderly.

On his part, Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike identified loneliness and abandonment as among major challenges of old age, urging society to support them to live healthier and longer lives.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Susan Obichukwu, 77, thanked the First Lady for the gesture, saying it was the first time she had received such support from the government.

“It feels like a dream to me because I have never received this kind of benefit from government.This N200,000 will make my Christmas and New Year celebrations very memorable.

“I also received free drugs for blood pressure and supplements after my health check. May God bless our governments at the federal and state levels,” she said.