The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the third edition of Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), with a call for dignity, compassion and sustained care for Nigeria’s senior citizens.
The event took place on Tuesday at the Mrs. Alero Azazi Event Centre, Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu, who also doubles as the National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), said the scheme reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that elderly Nigerians live their later years with joy, comfort and respect.
The 2025 edition of the programme was held under the theme “Finding Joy in Old Age.”
She disclosed that the scheme will support 9,500 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 years and above across the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with beneficiaries drawn from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA). Each beneficiary is to receive ₦200,000, bringing the total amount approved for disbursement to ₦1.9 billion.
According to her, each state of the federation, including the FCT and DEPOWA, has received ₦50 million for the implementation of the scheme. She noted that since the inception of the Renewed Hope Initiative in 2023, it has become a tradition to celebrate senior citizens every December in recognition of their immense contributions to national development.
“As we approach the festive season, it is important that we prioritise our elderly citizens. They have walked difficult paths so that younger generations may have smoother roads to travel. It is our moral duty to ensure that they live their twilight years in comfort, good health and dignity,” the First Lady said.
She encouraged senior citizens to remain active, find purpose in community life and charitable engagements, and continue to nurture both body and mind.
She also thanked state coordinators of the Renewed Hope Initiative and partners for their support, while wishing Nigerians a peaceful festive season and a hopeful 2026.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Mernan Oluyede, described the programme as a symbolic and compassionate intervention that honours elderly military and police veterans who devoted their lives to the defence and security of the nation.
She revealed that 250 elderly defence and police veterans within the FCT were beneficiaries of the scheme, as part of the nationwide rollout.
Mrs. Oluyede praised the First Lady for prioritising the welfare of senior citizens, particularly veterans facing health and social challenges, and reaffirmed DEPOWA’s commitment to partnering with the Renewed Hope Initiative in delivering people-centred programmes that uplift lives and preserve dignity.
A goodwill message from the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, delivered by the Director of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Adisa Adedigba, commended the First Lady for her compassion and visionary leadership, noting that the initiative sends a strong message that national service is neither forgotten nor diminished by age or retirement.
The CDS expressed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s appreciation for the financial support extended to elderly military and police veterans, stating that such interventions boost morale and reassure serving personnel that their sacrifices will always be remembered and valued.
In the vote of thanks, the President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs. Safiyyah Shaibu, expressed profound gratitude to the First Lady for her unwavering commitment to the welfare of veterans and senior citizens.
She described the initiative as a timely intervention that will significantly improve the quality of life of beneficiaries and their families.
Mrs. Shaibu also appreciated DEPOWA and sister associations—NAOWA, NAFOWA, POWA and DENCOA—for their collaboration and support, as well as all partners and stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the programme.
The event underscored the Renewed Hope Initiative’s focus on social justice, inclusion and compassion, while reaffirming the nation’s responsibility to honour service and ensure that ageing is met with dignity, respect and sustained support.
