In line with the Federal and Enugu State government's unwavering determination to eradicate poverty, improve the well being of vulnerable groups; especially the elderly, the Wife of the President of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday at Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu, presented the sum of One hundred thousand naira cash award each, to some elderly persons from the seventeen (17) local governments in Enugu State, to assist them and also cushion the negative effects of the prevailing economic predicaments being imposed by the rise in pump price of petroleum products.
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| Sen. Olunremi Tinubu Nigerian's First Lady |
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Oluremi stated that the money was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative Support Scheme from President's Wife, aimed at providing succour to the indigent and other vulnerable groups within the thirty six states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, without discriminations.
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| Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah Enugu's First Lady |
The President's Wife who was represented by the Wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, stated that the Governing Body of the Renewed Hope Initiative Support Scheme, mapped out the total sum of nine hundred and fifty million naira for the scheme, in which Enugu State, got the sum of twenty five million naira for the programme, adding that the beneficiaries are those aged 65 years and above.
According to the President's Wife,
"I am delighted to join you today at the maiden edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Support Scheme with the theme; 'Better Days Ahead'.
"This economic empowerment programme is born out of steadfastness and commitment to the well being of our elderly citizens, and marks a significant stride in our collective forces for more inclusiveness and compassionate society.
"This Scheme is to support two hundred and fifty vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 years and above in all the thirty six States of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory and Veterans from the Police Officers' Wives Association (POWA).
"The selected beneficiaries will receive the sum of One hundred thousand naira
each; this will cushion the effects of the economic situation and also alleviate the burdens, because the esteemed elders are expected to enjoy this festive period.
"The total sum to be disbursed is nine hundred and fifty million naira, as approved by the Governing Body of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Each State of the federation received the sum of twenty five million naira. We are committed to ensuring that each State received this gesture without discrimination.
"As we approach the festive season, it becomes very important to emphasize the significance of prioritizing our elderly citizens in our initiative. By reaching out to the elderly this festive period, we are not only honouring their contributions, but also acknowledging the challenges they face.
"To our Senior Citizens, I urge you to embrace life to the fullest, prioritize your health, nurture your minds and strengthen the bond with loved ones and with God."
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Poverty Eradication, Honourable Malachy Agbo, said that Mrs. Oluremi's ongoing empowerment of the elderly, is very much in tune with Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah's vision and mission that are geared towards eradicating poverty amongst Citizens of the State, and reiterated the present administration's commitment in enhancing the welfare of the indigents. He also enjoined the beneficiaries to be prudent and make wise spending.
The high point of the occasion was the disbursement of the money to the registered beneficiaries by the Enugu State Governor's Wife, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, on behalf of the Wife to the President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).
The event was attended by the Wife of the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Adaeze Ossai, the State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih amongst others.
#Kevin Ude
Gov't House, Enugu
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