Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has launched the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), with a total disbursement of ₦1.9 billion to support vulnerable senior citizens across the country.
The programme was inaugurated in Maiduguri, Borno State, where the First Lady described the initiative as a compassionate social investment aimed at ensuring that elderly Nigerians live with dignity, comfort, and happiness.
Represented at the event by the wife of the Borno State Governor, Her Excellency, Associate Professor Falmata Babagana Umara, Senator Tinubu noted that since the establishment of the Renewed Hope Initiative in 2023, the administration has consistently celebrated senior citizens every December in recognition of their immense contributions to national development.
Under the 2025 edition of the scheme, a total of 9,500 vulnerable senior citizens aged 65 years and above across the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as beneficiaries from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), will each receive ₦200,000. This brings the total disbursement to ₦1.9 billion, with ₦50 million allocated to each state, including the FCT and DEPOWA, as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
In addition to the cash support, beneficiaries in Borno State are also being supported with 50kg bags of rice to further ease their welfare during the festive period.
“As we approach the festive season, it is important that we continue to prioritise our elderly citizens. They walked difficult paths so that the younger generations could enjoy smoother roads,” the First Lady said. “It is our moral duty and our joy to ensure they live their twilight years in comfort, good health, and dignity.”
She further encouraged senior citizens to remain active, engage meaningfully in community life, and embrace compassion and care as pathways to joyful and fulfilling ageing. She also urged those still able to support charitable causes to continue giving back to society.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, expressed appreciation to the state governments, Renewed Hope Initiative state coordinators, and development partners for their sustained support. She also offered prayers for continued health, peace, and well-being of Nigeria’s elderly population.
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