First lady urges Nigerians to prioritise elderly, supports 250 veterans in Abuja

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to prioritise the welfare of elderly citizens.

Tinubu made the call during the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) held on Tuesday at Mambilla Barracks, Abuja, where she supported 250 elderly military and police veterans with cash and food palliatives.

She described the initiative as a social investment programme aimed at ensuring dignity, comfort, and well-being for senior citizens, particularly those aged 65 and above.

The first lady emphasised the moral duty of society to ensure that older Nigerians live their twilight years in comfort, good health, and dignity, highlighting the importance of community, compassion, and active engagement in promoting well-being among the elderly.

She further encouraged seniors to maintain healthy lifestyles, remain active, and nurture both body and mind, while calling on all Nigerians to engage in charitable acts that foster joy and solidarity.

Tinubu said the initiative had since 2025, celebrated the contributions of senior citizens, recognising their sacrifices in nation-building.

According to her, this year’s programme will support 9,500 selected beneficiaries nationwide, including elderly citizens in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans.

“Each beneficiary will receive N200,000, bringing the total disbursement to N1.9 billion.

The First Lady also extended her appreciation to state coordinators, partners, and stakeholders for their support in implementing the nationwide programme, wishing all Nigerians a peaceful holiday season and a prosperous 2026.

“As we approach the festive season, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of prioritising our elderly citizens in our initiatives.

“They have walked difficult paths so that the younger generations may have smoother roads to travel. It is therefore our moral duty, and indeed our joy, to ensure that they live their twilight years in comfort, good health, and dignity.

“My advice to our senior citizens is to do all that is possible to find joy in old age.

Let us also find purpose in community, compassion, and care. Ageing gracefully is not just about longevity but about being surrounded by love, support, and respect,” she said.

In his goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), represented by the Director of Defence Administration, Rear Adm. Adisa Adegbenga, said the programme truly reflected compassion, patriotism and purposeful leadership.

Oluyede commended the First Lady for her unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable, to inspire hope and confidence across the nation.

“Today’s programme, which focuses on the welfare and dignity of elderly military and police veterans, is a cause that resonates deeply with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force.

“These men and women served our nation with courage, discipline and selfless sacrifice, often under very demanding conditions. Their service laid the foundation for the peace, security and stability we continue to safeguard today,” he said.

In her welcome remarks, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Mernan Oluyede, said the RHIESS reflected their collective compassion, gratitude, and responsibility towards the elderly military and police veterans.

She described them as men and women who devoted the prime of their lives to the defence, security, and stability of the nation.

According to her, through this Elderly Support Scheme, a total of 250 elderly defence and police veterans within the FCT are receiving financial support, as part of a nationwide initiative covering the 36 states and the FCT, ensuring that no veteran and no region is left behind.

“The Renewed Hope Initiative continues to stand as a beacon of empathy and purposeful leadership.

“By prioritising the welfare of the elderly—particularly those facing health and social challenges—you affirm the principle that service to the nation must always be honoured, remembered, and rewarded with dignity.

“This edition of the Elderly Support Scheme speaks directly to the values of inclusion, care, and social justice that define your leadership,” she said.

DEPOWA President expressed appreciation to the first lady for her consistent support to the association and her deep understanding of the sacrifices made by elderly military and police veterans.