Edo Disburses N50m To 250 Elderly As Renewed Hope Initiative Reaches 9,500

Edo State on Thursday disbursed N50m to 250 vulnerable elderly citizens under the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, a social protection programme spearheaded by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.

The beneficiaries, drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state, received N200,000 each during the Edo edition of the programme.

The intervention forms part of the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative, which is targeting no fewer than 9,500 elderly citizens and veterans across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with a total disbursement of N1.9bn.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu described the scheme as a demonstration of a compassionate and people-focused government committed to the welfare, dignity and well-being of senior citizens.

“As we approach the festive period, it is important that we prioritise our elderly citizens. They walked difficult paths so that younger generations may enjoy smoother roads.

“It is our moral duty and privilege to ensure they live their later years in comfort, good health and dignity,” she said.

The First Lady, who was represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Edesili Okpebholo Anani, said the scheme was designed to ease economic pressures and improve the quality of life of elderly citizens, particularly during the festive season.

She explained that with the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age’, each state of the federation, the FCT and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) received N50m, with 250 beneficiaries selected per state.

In a goodwill message, the Special Adviser on Health to the Edo State Government, Andrew Iyamu, urged the beneficiaries to adopt healthy lifestyles, engage in light physical exercise and avoid self-medication by seeking regular medical advice.

The Renewed Hope Initiative, launched in 2023, is an annual social investment programme aimed at strengthening social protection for vulnerable groups and recognising the contributions of senior citizens to nation-building across Nigeria.