Abuja – The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, urged senior citizens to stay healthy and active as the country prepares for the yuletide season. Speaking at the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Elderly Support Scheme in Abuja, she said the programme, launched under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, has become a tradition to honour Nigerians whose service has built the nation.
“As we approach the festive season, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of prioritizing our elderly citizens in this particular programme. 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,” the First Lady said.
She added, “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. I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active. Nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement. Those of us who are active should continue to engage in charitable work and, in so doing, find joy in helping others.”
The scheme is supporting 250 vulnerable veterans aged 65 years and above, with each beneficiary receiving ₦200,000, amounting to an estimated ₦1 billion nationwide. Food items were also distributed, and beneficiaries received free medical checks. The First Lady symbolically presented ₦200,000 to the beneficiaries during the ceremony.
Representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and Director of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Adepegba, highlighted the significance of the initiative for defence and police veterans. “On behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, I express our profound gratitude to Her Excellency for this thoughtful intervention. Your commitment to inclusive welfare, particularly for senior citizens and veterans, reinforces morale within the Services and reassures serving personnel that their sacrifices will always be remembered and valued,” General Oluyede said.
He also commended the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), led by Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede, for its continued dedication to programmes that promote the welfare of officers’ families, veterans, and vulnerable members of the community.
In a further statement, the First Lady’s office noted that the programme is designed to ensure veterans live their twilight years with dignity, purpose and a sense of belonging. The event included the presentation of food items and medical checks for the beneficiaries, who left with provisions for the festive period.
The press release was signed by Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
