FIRST LADY DOLES OUT CASH, FOOD ITEMS TO 250 VULNERABLE ELDERS IN ABIA

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, in collaboration with the Wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has disbursed cash and food items to selected 250 elderly citizens of Abia State.

The donations, including N100,000, bags of rice and other items were given to each of the beneficiaries.

Disbursing the cash on behalf of the wife of the President in Umuahia during a programme tagged, Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), with the theme “Better Days Ahead,” the Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti explained that the economic empowerment programme was born out of commitment to the well being of the elderly citizens in Nigeria.

She explained that the essence of the scheme was to cushion the effect of the economic challenges and alleviate the burdens of the elders, especially this festive period.

According to the First Lady, N950 million has been approved for disbursement by the governing board of the Renewed Hope Initiative, which is the pet project of the First Lady to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens, who are 65 years and above in all the 36 states of the federation.

She urged the senior citizens to embrace life to the fullest, prioritize their health, nurture their mind and strengthen their bond with loved ones.

The Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Blessing Felix, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Ogechi Oguama, applauded the Wife of Mr. President and that of Abia State Governor for the Initiative.

The Commissioner said her Ministry would partner the Office of the Wife of the Governor to make life better for the elderly by including them in the cooperative society domiciled in the Ministry.

In their goodwill messages, the State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Regina Iroha, Abia State Chairman, National Council for Women Society, Abia State chapter, Mrs. Agnes Okoroafia and facilitator, Abia State Forum for the Elderly, Mazi Oti Nwaka expressed her joy for the scheme and noted that it is a sign of new hope for the elderly.

The high point of the event was the present cheques, bags of rice and other items to the beneficiaries by the Wife of the Governor.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU