By Hussaini Yero, Funtua The Office of the Zamfara State First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has led the distribution of N200,000 cas...
By Hussaini Yero, Funtua
The Office of the Zamfara State First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has led the distribution of N200,000 cash grants to 250 elderly persons in the state, aimed at boosting their small-scale businesses and improving their livelihoods.
The initiative formed part of the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Elderly Support Scheme, a federal social investment programme designed to provide financial assistance to senior citizens across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Beneficiaries in Zamfara were selected from among elderly men and women engaged in various small-scale businesses across the state’s 14 local government areas.
Speaking during the distribution ceremony held in Gusau on Monday, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), themed “Finding Joy in Old Age,” reflects the commitment of the Federal Government to ensuring that elderly citizens live with dignity, care and happiness.
The First Lady was represented by the Zamfara State First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, through the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Aisha M. Z. Anka. She explained that since the inception of the current administration in 2023, the RHI has consistently celebrated senior citizens every December in recognition of their invaluable contributions to nation-building.
According to her, the scheme is targeted at supporting 250 vulnerable elderly persons aged 65 years and above in each state, the FCT, as well as veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
“In total, 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide will receive N200,000 each, amounting to N1.9 billion approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Each state, including the FCT and DEPOWA, will receive N50 million,” she said.
She noted that senior citizens had endured difficult times to secure a better future for younger generations, stressing that it remains a moral responsibility to ensure they enjoy comfort, good health and dignity in their later years.
She advised beneficiaries to remain active, find purpose within their communities and continue to live healthy lifestyles, adding that ageing gracefully is about being surrounded by love, care and respect.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Zamfara State Ministry of Finance, Hajiya Barira Ibrahim, commended the Federal Government for introducing the initiative, describing it as a source of hope for senior citizens. She was represented by a Director from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Zaliha Anka, who emphasized the importance of caring for the elderly in any society.
Also speaking, the State Women Leader, Hajiya Rani Madawaki, said the gesture was inclusive and non-partisan, noting that the government remains committed to treating all citizens equally, regardless of political affiliation.
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