The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Rivers State Government, has empowered 500 elderly residents of the state with ₦200,000 each under a national elderly welfare programme aimed at improving the well-being of senior citizens.
The empowerment exercise took place on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Port Harcourt as part of a broader social investment initiative designed to support vulnerable older persons across the country.
Speaking at the event themed “Finding Joy in Old Age,” Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the programme was introduced to recognise the lifelong contributions of elderly citizens to national development while helping them maintain dignity and financial stability in later years.
She explained that the initiative targets vulnerable persons aged 65 years and above across the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and selected veterans’ groups. According to her, a total of 9,500 beneficiaries are expected nationwide, following the approval of ₦1.9 billion for the programme, with each state allocated ₦50 million.
The First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, urged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely and remain active, healthy, and socially engaged.
“I encourage you to continue nurturing both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful activities that bring fulfilment and joy,” she said.
In her remarks, Lady Fubara disclosed that the Rivers State Government increased the number of beneficiaries in the state from the initial 250 to 500, describing the move as part of the administration’s commitment to social welfare and inclusive governance.
She reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to improving the quality of life of elderly citizens through targeted welfare and support programmes.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, Dr Vetty Agala, said the state government has introduced free medical services for senior citizens and encouraged beneficiaries to take advantage of regular health check-ups.
She noted that the policy aligns with the state’s Health4AllRivers initiative, which guarantees free healthcare access for elderly residents.
Earlier, the Rivers State Coordinator of the programme, Hon. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, said beneficiaries were carefully selected from vulnerable and hard-to-reach elderly persons across the 23 local government areas of the state, including non-indigenes residing in Rivers State.
She advised recipients to make judicious use of the financial support to improve their livelihoods and overall well-being.
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