DANIEL EZEIGWE
About two hundred and fifty old people in Anambra State have benefitted from the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Elder Support Scheme (RHIESS).
The event, which took place at the Governor’s Lodge, Awawbia, is part of programme arm of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a non-governmental humanitarian organization founded by wife of Nigeria’s President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The two hundred and fifty old people, aged sixty-five and above, were selected from different parts of the state, following strict health, age and economic status criteria for those who are eligible for the programme.
The empowerment programme, which is going on in all the thirty-six states of Nigeria, also has members of Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) as beneficiaries.
They were given free medical checks, the sum of one hundred thousand naira each to take care of their personal upkeeps, bags of rice and rolls of wrappers.
Presenting the gifts on behalf of the president’s wife, the Anambra Governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, who read the Nigeria First Lady’s speech, said that the economic empowerment project was borne out of steadfast commitment to the well-being of the elderly citizens and marks a significant stride in the collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.
She noted that as the festive season draws closer, it has become important to emphasize the significance of prioritizing the elderly in the initiative, noting that by reaching out to them, their contributions are not only honoured but the unique encounters they face are equally acknowledged.
Senator Tinubu equally urged the elders to embrace life to the fullest, prioritize their health and strengthen their bonds with one another and with God, adding that those are the key to a rich and fulfilling life in their current years.
Two of the beneficiaries, Chief Dim Nnakife and Dame Evelyn Dike, thanked the president’s wife for remembering the poor, and described the gesture as the first in the history of the state.
They equally commended Mrs Soludo for ensuring that the gesture got to Anambra State, stating that the present administration in the state has once again shown its compassionate side of governance.
Also at the event were the wife Of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Oluchi Ibezim, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, the Executive Chairman of Anambra State Universal Basic Education Baord, ASUBEB, Dr Vera Nwadinobi, wife of the National Chairman of APGA, Mrs Amara Ezeokenwa, the Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili South, Mrs Amaka Obi, among others.