The Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended financial and welfare support to 250 elderly citizens across the three senatorial districts of Cross River State, with each beneficiary receiving the sum of ₦200,000 in recognition of their invaluable contributions to nation-building.
The support was delivered under the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme for the elderly, themed “Finding Joy in Old Age.” The event, held at the Office of the Wife of the Governor, Cross River State, forms part of a nationwide intervention designed to support 250 vulnerable senior citizens aged 65 years and above in each of the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, as well as veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
Speaking through the Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, Senator Tinubu said the initiative reflects her continued commitment to honouring and caring for elderly Nigerians who laboured tirelessly to build the nation.
“Through this scheme, we have continued to express our gratitude and care for the men and women who have laboured to build the Nigeria we are all proud to be part of today,” she said.
She emphasized the need to prioritise the welfare of senior citizens, especially during the festive season, noting that they endured difficult paths so that younger generations could enjoy better opportunities. According to her, it is both a moral duty and a privilege to ensure that elderly citizens live their later years in comfort, good health, and dignity.
The President’s wife encouraged the beneficiaries to find joy and purpose in old age by remaining active, nurturing their bodies and minds through regular exercise, meaningful engagement, and charitable acts. She also urged them to continue praying for the nation while staying surrounded by love, care, and respect.
In a welcome address delivered on her behalf by the Wife of the Chief of Staff, Dr. Virginia Ironbar, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu warmly received the elderly citizens and commended them for their sacrifices and resilience, describing them as torchbearers who have lit the path for younger generations to follow.
In their separate goodwill messages, Rev. Grace Ekanem and Chief Mrs. Christy Ise praised the Wife of the Governor for her compassion towards the aged, describing her as a gift to senior citizens and humanity at large. They also expressed gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her steadfast commitment to the welfare of elderly Nigerians, praying for divine blessings upon her.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Rosemary Ekppenyong and Mr. Edwin Nyong expressed heartfelt appreciation for the gesture, which also included 20kg bags of rice, vegetable oil, tomatoes, and other condiments. They prayed for good health and continued strength for the President’s wife and the Wife of the Governor, thanking them for bringing joy and relief to the elderly during the yuletide season.
The Elderly Support Scheme, an annual programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative, is aimed at celebrating the festive season with senior citizens, restoring hope, and encouraging healthy living so they can enjoy a dignified and fulfilling old age.
