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By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
Awka, Dec. 16, 2025 (NAN) In a powerful address that framed elderly care as a national moral imperative, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has called for a fundamental societal shift to prioritize the welfare of the nation’s senior citizens. She emphasized that the current generation stands on the foundation of sacrifice built by the elderly, who endured significant hardships to secure a better future.
Represented by the Wife of the Anambra Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, at the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), Mrs. Tinubu’s message resonated at events held simultaneously across the federation. The theme, “Finding Joy in Old Age,” underscores a holistic vision that moves beyond basic survival to ensuring dignity, comfort, and meaningful engagement in later life.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative represents a significant, tangible commitment. In Anambra State alone, 250 vulnerable elderly persons and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association were selected to receive a direct grant of N200,000.00 each.
“This is scaled nationally,” the First Lady explained. “In total, 9,500 beneficiaries across the country will receive N200,000 each, bringing the total disbursement to N1.9 billion, as approved by the Governing Board of the RHI. This is not merely charity; it is our moral duty to ensure that our senior citizens live their twilight years in comfort, good health, and dignity.”
The speech delved deeper into the philosophy of the scheme, advocating for a two-pronged approach: societal responsibility and personal agency. “While we, as a society, must provide support structures, I also advise our elderly to actively strive for joy and purpose. This can be found through sustained community engagement, acts of compassion, and maintaining healthy, active lifestyles,” Mrs. Tinubu advised, highlighting the importance of combating the social isolation that often accompanies aging.
Echoing and expanding on this health-focused message, Dr. Nonye Soludo, also the Founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, provided practical, actionable guidance. She urged the elderly to view health maintenance as a daily priority: “Eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, taking regular gentle walks like morning strolls, ensuring adequate rest, and spending quality time with loved ones are non-negotiable pillars of healthy aging.” Her support extended beyond advice, as she facilitated the distribution of essential items—wrappers, bags of rice, and packs of vegetable oil—to supplement the financial grants.
Dr. Soludo further cautioned against lifestyle risks, advising the consumption of natural foods over processed alternatives and the avoidance of harmful chemicals and practices that could accelerate health decline.
The event also featured critical insights from the official healthcare sector. Dr. Afam Obidike, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, identified loneliness and abandonment as critical, yet often overlooked, public health challenges for the elderly. “Social connection is as vital as medicine. A supportive community can significantly improve mental and physical health outcomes, helping our elders live not just longer, but healthier and more fulfilled lives,” he stated, calling for a collective societal response.
The human impact of the initiative was poignantly captured by 77-year-old beneficiary, Mrs. Susan Obichukwu. “It feels like a dream to me because I have never received this kind of benefit from the government. This N200,000.00 will make my Christmas and New Year celebrations very memorable,” she shared. Her testimony highlighted an additional, crucial component of the event: “I also received free drugs for blood pressure and supplements after my health check. May God bless our governments.” Her words underscore the scheme’s multifaceted approach—combining financial aid, material support, and basic healthcare screening.
Concluding her address, the First Lady wished Nigerians a peaceful festive season and expressed optimism that 2026 would bring renewed hope and greater accomplishments for the country, a sentiment rooted in the belief that a nation that honors its elders strengthens its own moral and social fabric for future generations.
(NAN) www.nannews.ng
LCO/VIV
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu
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