First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled a 110-million-naira empowerment package for elderly citizens and persons with disabilities in each participating senatorial district under the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI.
In a statement by her Senior Special Assistant, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said the initiative comprises two programmes, each allocated 55 million naira, targeting 250 beneficiaries per senatorial district.
Under the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities, 250 beneficiaries will receive 200,000 naira each, while the RHI Elderly Support Scheme will provide the same amount to 250 elderly citizens in each participating senatorial district.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu announced the initiative at a stakeholders’ meeting attended by APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; serving and incoming senators; and members of the RHI governing board.
The First Lady said the decision to work through senatorial candidates followed consultations with political leaders on the most effective way to identify vulnerable people, coordinate the distribution of funds and ensure that the intervention achieves its objectives.
She explained that the candidates’ familiarity with their constituencies would help identify deserving beneficiaries and improve awareness of the initiative across communities.
Senator Tinubu said the programme reflects her longstanding commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians, drawing on her experience in public service and empowerment initiatives during her 12 years in the Senate.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the First Lady for bringing together serving and incoming senators to coordinate the intervention.
He said President Bola Tinubu had approved the arrangement, stressing that the programme should extend assistance beyond party affiliations.
Akpabio urged the candidates to regard the responsibility as a public trust and ensure that the elderly and persons with disabilities benefit from the initiative.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also commended the First Lady for her empowerment programmes, noting that the RHI monthly food outreach programme had reached 31 states.
Similarly, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the initiative had supported vulnerable communities through food distribution, cash assistance and economic empowerment programmes.
He urged the candidates to fulfil the responsibility entrusted to them, adding that the intervention would strengthen social cohesion and improve engagement with communities.
The meeting brought together APC leaders, serving and incoming senators, and members of the Renewed Hope Initiative governing board to coordinate the planned support for vulnerable Nigerians
