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Tag: RHI

  • First Lady’s RHI splashes N1.9b on 9,500 elderly persons

    First Lady’s RHI splashes N1.9b on 9,500 elderly persons

    • Elders’ Support Scheme’s third edition targets 250 beneficiaries per state

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday kicked off the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) across the country.

    Mrs. Tinubu, who was represented by the wives of the state governors, who are also the state coordinators of the RHI, announced that N1.9 billion would be disbursed to 9,500 vulnerable elderly citizens across the country under the scheme.

    The First Lady said the scheme would provide N200,000 each to 250 elderly persons aged 65 and above in every state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The beneficiaries are drawn from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA). Mrs. Tinubu said each state, the FCT, and DEPOWA would get N50 million, as approved by the Governing Board of the RHI.

    “The total sum to be disbursed is N1,900,000,000, as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. This scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the FCT and veterans from DEPOWA,” she said

    The First Lafy explained that the programme, introduced in 2023, has become an annual intervention aimed at recognising the contributions of senior citizens to national development and providing social protection for those in need.

    “Since the inception of this administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has made it a tradition to celebrate our senior citizens every December, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to nation-building,” she stated.

    Speaking on this year’s theme of the scheme: Finding Joy in Old Age, Mrs. Tinubu urged senior citizens to remain active and engaged.

    Read Also: Tunji-Ojo: Nigeria’s future depends on unity, national renewal

    The First Lady appealed to communities and governments to prioritise the welfare of the elderly.

    “They have walked difficult paths so that the younger generations may have smoother roads to travel. It is, therefore, our moral duty to ensure that they live their twilight years in comfort, good health and dignity,” she said.

    Mrs. Tinubu stressed that elderly Nigerians need to “stay healthy and active” so that they can continue to contribute to society through community and charitable engagements.

    The First Lady praised the state coordinators of the Renewed Hope Initiative for their support and wished beneficiaries a peaceful festive season.

    “May 2026 bring renewed hope and greater accomplishments for us all and our beloved nation,” she added.

    In Akure, the Ondo State capital, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Elizabeth Ayodele, said the scheme has lifted a heavy financial burden from their shoulders.

    She said it has renewed their hope in life, showing that their years of contribution to society were being recognised and valued.

    The beneficiaries collectively hailed Mrs. Tinubu and her RHI for prioritising the welfare of senior citizens and ensuring that no segment of society is left behind.

    In Anambra State, the state coordinator and the governor’s wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, urged the beneficiaries to use the money well.

    Mrs. Soludo, who is also the Founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, urged the elderly to eat well, stay hydrated, take regular walks, rest adequately and spend quality time with loved ones.

    In Nasarawa State, the governor’s wife, Hajiya Silifat Sule, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for her love and care for everybody, especially the vulnerable groups in the country.

    Hajiya Sule spoke through the Executive Secretary of the State Scholarship Board, Hajiya Sa’Adatu Yahaya, said the elderly were carefully selected from the 13 local government areas of the state.

    She urged them to use the money to add value to their lives and care for their families.

    In Ebonyi State, the governor’s wife, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, addressed the beneficiaries at the Banquet Hall of the old Government House in Abakaliki, the state capital.

    She thanked Sebator Tinbu for her humanitarian gesture and advised the beneficiaries to use the money for its intended purpose.

  • RHI, Fubara empower 500 elderly people in Rivers

    RHI, Fubara empower 500 elderly people in Rivers

    The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have empowered 500 elderly citizens in the state with financial support of N200,000 each, through the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).

    The empowerment programme was held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    The event was part of activities to celebrate the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), a social investment programme of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    Speaking at the event, with the theme: “Finding Joy in Old Age”, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the gesture, which has become traditional since 2023, was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation-building.

    Represented by wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, the nation’s First Lady said the scheme was designed to “Support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation”.

    Senator Tinubu said that the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative approved N1.9bn to be disbursed across the 36 states of the federation, including FCT, and DEPOWA, with each receiving N50million.

    She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that would make them find joy in old age.

     “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,” she said.

    In her remarks, wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, said the Rivers State Government, through the magnanimity of the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, increased the number of beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.

    Lady Fubara restated the commitment of the Rivers government towards the provision of social welfare and improving the well-being of the elderly in the State.

    Also speaking, Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said Rivers had in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State.

    She advised the beneficiaries to go for regular medical check-up to ascertain the state of their health, noting that the Rivers state government has approved free medical services for the elderly under the Health4AllRivers Initiative.

    In her welcome speech, Rivers State Coordinator of RHI, Hon Tonye Briggs Oniyide, said that the beneficiries were carefully selected among hard-to-reach vulnerable elderly persons in the 23 local government areas and non-indigenes resident in the State, and advised them to make judicious use of the financial grant to boost their livelihoods.

  • Minister hails RHI for elderly support scheme

    Minister hails RHI for elderly support scheme

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has applauded the support programme for elderly persons under the Renewed Hope Initiative, emphasising that elders must feel valued, protected, and supported by society.

    The Minister gave the commendation at the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative under the Social Investment Programme for the Elderly Support Scheme, held at the Centre for Arts and Culture, Garki, Abuja.

    Mahmoud described the event’s theme, “Finding Joy in Old Age,” as apt and profound, stressing that old age should be a season of dignity, fulfilment, and peace rather than neglect, loneliness, or hardship. 

    The Minister highlighted how the programme embodied the compassionate vision of Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Initiative has continued to cater for people across different segments of society, including the elderly and other vulnerable groups.

    “By prioritising elderly welfare, the Office of the First Lady reaffirmed that those who laboured in their youth deserved care, respect, and security in later years,” she stressed 

    Mahmoud, while reaffirming that the well-being of senior citizens remained a top priority in society, added that the FCT Administration, through its Women Affairs Secretariat, was committed to social protection, healthcare access, emotional support, and social inclusion for the elderly, recognizing that true joy comes from feeling seen, heard, and appreciated.

    Read Also: Tunji-Ojo: Nigeria’s future depends on unity, national renewal

    She described the event as more than an intervention, but also a statement of gratitude and a call to action for families, communities, and institutions to uphold elderly dignity, draw from their wisdom, and ensure no one is left behind. 

    Mahmoud, therefore, commended the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat for their consistency. She also commended partners for their support and urged beneficiaries to stay hopeful and engaged.

    According to a statement issued by the SA Media, Austine Elemue, the Minister advocated for a society where ageing was embraced with joy, supported by care, and celebrated with honour.

    In her remarks, FCT Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, described the elderly as custodians of cultures, wisdom, and the bearers of collective memory.

    She revealed that in recognition of the roles played by the elderly in society, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the governing council of the Renewed Hope Initiative, directed all state chapters to recognize, celebrate, and bring joy to the elderly.

    She commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its commitment to carrying all sectors along irrespective of religion, tribe, and gender.

    In her words, “The RHI Elderly Support Scheme goes beyond material support. It is about affirmation, validation, affirming that you, our elders, not only do you matter, you are seen, you are celebrated, you are valued, you are respected.”

  • 1,000 petty traders benefit from Tinubu’s wife RHI cash grant in Oyo

    1,000 petty traders benefit from Tinubu’s wife RHI cash grant in Oyo

    No fewer than 1,000 petty traders across Oyo State on Thursday received support under the second tranche of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme and Recapitalisation Grant facilitated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    The grant, according to Mrs. Tinubu, is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to offer direct relief to individuals and families while promoting long-term economic empowerment.

    At the grant disbursement event in Ibadan, the First Lady was represented by the wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Tamunomini Makinde, who described the initiative as both a gesture of compassion and a demonstration of Mrs. Tinubu’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians, especially those at the grassroots.

    Mrs. Makinde commended the First Lady for her inclusive approach to empowerment, stressing that the greatest investment in the people lies in sustainable economic support that fosters lasting development and a renewed Nigeria.

    She said, “This cash grant being disbursed today may appear small, but for many households, it will serve as a critical stepping stone.

    Read Also: 2027: APC warns members against anti-party activities in Oyo

    “For some, it will provide capital to support a small business. For others, it may help with school fees, medical bills, or essential household needs. Regardless of how it is used, the goal is to uplift lives and reignite hope.”

    She, however, urged the beneficiaries to use the grant wisely and let it serve as a seed that grows into something.

    “Let it be a beginning, not an end. Once again, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Renewed Hope Initiative team and to all those working behind the scenes to make this vision a reality.”

  • First Lady’s RHI lifts vulnerable Borno women with food items

    First Lady’s RHI lifts vulnerable Borno women with food items

    The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has presented over 9,000 bags and cartoons of food items to vulnerable women and the downtrodden in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

    The North East Development Commission (NEDC) presented the items at the weekend on behalf of RHI to the wife of the Borno State governor, Dr. Falmata Zulum, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Hajjiya Hauwa Mai Musa.

    The items Mrs. Tinubu donated included 3,000 units of 25kg bags of rice, 2,000 units of 50kg bags of sugar, 2,000 gallons of vegetable oil and 2,000 cartons of pasta.

    Read Also: Midwives across states to benefit from First Lady’s RHI 60,000 kits

    Delivering the items, the Borno State Coordinator of the NEDC, Mohammed Umaru, expressed the commitment of the First Lady to initiatives that would alleviate the suffering of the downtrodden in the country.

    He said the Managing Director of the NEDC, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, was pleased to deliver the items on behalf of the First Lady.

    Umaru expressed the good will of the NEDC towards the restoration of infrastructure in the Northeast, saying the commission’s management would leave no stone unturned towards achieving its mandate.

    The Borno State NEDC coordinator assured the other five states in the region that the First Lady’s largesse would get to them through the wives of their governors.

    Hajiya Mai Musa acknowledged the enormous contributions the commission has made to the residents in all spheres of life, especially the vulnerable and those affected by insurgency.

    She praised Mrs. Tinubu for her large heart and remembering women and vulnerable people in Borno State.

  • NDDC, RHI partner to provide pupils learning tablets

    NDDC, RHI partner to provide pupils learning tablets

    CAll it transformative education, you may not be wrong. Spearheaded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the brainchild of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the project is aimed at making learning easy for primary and secondary school pupils in Niger Delta. The idea is to mix education with technology and innovation for the betterment and growth of the pupils.

    NDDC is leveraging digital learning resources to enhance education in the region in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals – SDGG-4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

    To achieve this goal, pupils must be armed with digital tools and equipment to support their educational advancement.

    The NDDC and RHI partnership has come alive with the launch of a large-scale digital education initiative aimed at distributing 45,000 U-Lesson tablets to primary and secondary schools across the nine states in the Niger Delta.

    Excited by development, the First Lady, an educationist by calling, praised NDDC during the launch of the U-lesson innovation at the Banquet hall of the State House, Abuja.

    She lauded NDDC Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for the initiative.  Many schools in the region have received the U-Lesson tablets.

    According to the First Lady, the U-Lesson tablets initiative highlights the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the development of Niger Delta.

    Read Also: Shelve planned protests against NDDC, stakeholders tell factional IYC, others 

    She said: “Digital lesson devices are revolutionising education in underserved communities. These devices provide access to a wealth of educational resources that will empower students to learn at their own pace, in addition to classroom teachings.

    “I was informed that the U-Lesson education software is tailored to align with the Nigerian educational system, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in our local context,” she said.

    She noted that using electronic tablets would enhance education in the region, adding that by distributing these educational software, services and tablets, “we are taking a significant step towards achieving the United Nations (UN) goals for education.

    The First Lady said she was confident that the Digital learning resources “will enhance students’ engagement, streamline curriculum development and accessibility, and ultimately boost student performance and achievement.”

    Mrs. Tinubu noted that digital devices are transforming educational access in underserved communities, and providing resources that foster academic excellence, creativity, and innovation.

    “These devices provide access to a wealth of educational resources that will empower students to learn at their own pace and style, in addition to classroom teachings,” she said.

    She said the U-Lesson software aligned with the Nigerian curriculum, stressing the importance of its offline video library, which allows students to learn without internet connectivity, and other features like parental controls and extended battery life.

    Mrs. Tinubu added: “This programme also aligns with the Federal Government’s Digital Policy, which aims to create an innovative digital learning ecosystem, foster local skills development, and establish sustainable systems. Nigeria cannot afford to be left out of the global village.”

    Welcoming guests at the event, Ogbuku, stressed the need to prioritise digital learning to create equal educational opportunities, particularly as many regional school facilities require repairs.

    “Unlike physical structures, digital tools do not need constant renovation,” he reasoned.

    Ogbuku said the event underscored NDDC’s unwavering commitment to the holistic development of Niger Delta.

    “In addition to the distribution of these tablets, the NDDC has also employed the services of a consultant to train teachers in the use of U-Lesson tablets for effectiveness across the nine mandate states and nationwide.

    “Over the years, we have built schools, but most schools are dilapidated and need renovation. These digital devices will educate our children and boost innovative skills,” he said.

    Ogbuku observed that distributing the education tools was a practical demonstration of President Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He said that the U-Lesson tablets initiative was not merely about providing digital devices; “it is a significant leap forward in our commitment to integrating technology into the educational processes that shape our children’s future.

    He said, “The software includes parental controls and a long battery life of up to 18 hours, making it a reliable and safe tool for students and educators.

    “By equipping our schools with these digital tools, we supplement traditional face-to-face instruction and empower students to master their materials and perform better in their tests and examinations. We believe that every student in our region deserves access to quality education.”

    Advising the students, Ogbuku said: “We hope that these tablets will inspire you to dream big, work hard, and achieve your goals. Education is the key to unlocking your potential and shaping your future.

    One of the software’s standout features is its offline video library, which allows learners to play, pause, and rewind educational content without needing an internet connection.

    Minister of Regional Development, Senator Abubakar Momoh, expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to uplift communities.

    “This partnership represents a shared vision of prosperity and self-reliance for every child, youth, and woman in our communities,” he said, highlighting its focus on education, health, youth empowerment, and agriculture.

    NDDC Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, emphasised the commission’s commitment to forming strategic partnerships. He said: “At NDDC, we aim to partner with the right people because we seek to change the narrative.”

    The founder of U-Lesson Education and Managing Director of U-Lesson Group, Mr. Sim Shagaya, said the tablets would put the children of everyday people on equal footing with those from wealthier backgrounds.