By Sade Adewale

The Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative for Elderly Support Scheme, has provided financial assistance of N200,000 each to around 250 elderly citizens in the state.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Lola Fagbemi, disclosed this at a programme themed “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Lifestyle,” held in Akure, the state capital.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Tinubu revealed that N1.9 billion has been disbursed across the country to support elderly citizens during the festive season.

“The essence of the programme is to provide succour to the elderly citizens to make them happy, progressive and healthy during this festive season,” she said.

She noted that coordinators of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) received N50 million each, from which N200,000 was distributed to each beneficiary.

The First Lady highlighted that the initiative annually supports the welfare of elderly citizens, with this year’s grant increased from N100,000 to N200,000 to further assist the beneficiaries.

A total of 250 senior citizens, aged 65 and above, across the 36 states, the FCT, and veterans associated with DEPOWA, were selected for the scheme.

Mrs Tinubu applauded state First Ladies, RHI coordinators, and other partners for their dedication to ensuring the programme’s success. She emphasised the initiative’s broader goals, which include healthcare support for persons with disabilities to foster independence, dignity, and inclusivity.

Addressing the beneficiaries, she urged them to prioritise their health during the festive period by maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, engaging in light exercises such as walking, and getting adequate rest.

Mrs Sarah Kebi Esakumoh, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, described the programme as a testament to the First Lady’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for citizens regardless of age or abilities.

During a health talk at the event, Dr Agnes Ajayi advised the elderly to prioritise regular medical check-ups to understand and manage their health effectively. She warned against self-medication and stressed the importance of monitoring for age-related illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes, which she described as “silent killers.”

Dr Ajayi explained that these conditions can cause severe complications, including vision loss, if not properly managed. She urged the elderly to consume fruits, vegetables, and water while reducing salt, alcohol, fried foods, and fatty foods to maintain a healthy lifestyle.