The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in partnership with the Rivers State Government, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, empowered 500 senior citizens in Rivers State with ₦200,000 each under the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).
The empowerment ceremony, 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 Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The event was themed “Finding Joy in Old Age.”
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu said the scheme was designed as a gesture of appreciation to elderly citizens for their lifelong contributions to national development. She noted that since its launch in 2023, the initiative has evolved into a sustained tradition of care and support for senior citizens across the country.
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 initially structured to support 250 vulnerable elderly persons aged 65 years and above in each of the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and families of veterans under the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), totalling 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide.
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She urged beneficiaries to adopt healthy lifestyles and remain socially and mentally active, stressing that ageing should be accompanied by dignity, purpose and fulfilment.
“I encourage you to stay healthy and active, nurturing 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, underscoring the state government’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens.
She reaffirmed the administration’s determination to expand social protection programmes and enhance 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.
