The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in partnership with the Rivers State Government, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with ₦200,000 each under the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).

The empowerment exercise, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt, marked the third edition of RHIESS, a flagship social investment programme of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The event was themed “Finding Joy in Old Age.”

Speaking at the occasion, Senator Tinubu described the scheme as a deliberate gesture of appreciation to senior citizens for their lifelong contributions to nation-building. She noted that the initiative, which began in 2023, has become a tradition of care and gratitude for the elderly.

The First Lady, who was represented by the Wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of RHI, Lady Valerie Fubara, explained that the programme was originally designed to support 250 vulnerable elderly persons aged 65 years and above in each of the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, as well as veterans’ families under the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), amounting to 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide.

She encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace healthy lifestyles and remain socially and mentally active, stressing that ageing should be accompanied by purpose, dignity and joy.

“I urge you to stay healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” she said.

In her remarks, Lady Valerie Fubara announced that Governor Siminalayi Fubara approved an increase in the number of beneficiaries in Rivers State from 250 to 500, demonstrating the state government’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens.

She reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to strengthen social protection programmes and improve the quality of life of elderly residents across the state.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr. Vetty Agala, disclosed that the state government, through the Health4AllRivers initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Initiative, has introduced free medical care for senior citizens in Rivers State.

The event featured goodwill messages and the formal disbursement of financial support to the beneficiaries.