First Lady in Collaboration with DEPOWA President Disburses N950 Million, Food Items to 250 Military, Police Veterans

… promises better days ahead

By Anthonia Okwuolise

The First Lady of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency Sen. Oruremi Tinubu in collaboration with DPOWA President, Mrs Oghogho Musa, on 21 December 2023 disbursed N950 million and food items to 250 military and police veterans to cushion the effect of the economic hardship as well as alleviate the burdens of their esteemed elders during this yuletide, in Abuja.

The Initiative for the Elderly Support Scheme was conducted in partnership with the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), and approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The First Lady in her remarks noted that, “I am delighted to join you today at the maiden edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) with the Theme: Better Days Ahead. This economic empowerment programme is born out of a steadfast commitment to the well-being of military and police elderly citizens and it marks a significant stride in collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society”.

She said that the scheme is to support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

These selected beneficiaries will receive a sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) each.

Continuing, she said, “The event is holding concurrently in all the 36 States of the federation. That the total sum to be disbursed is Nine Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N950,000,000) as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Each state of the federation will receive the sum of Twenty-Five Million Naira (N25,000,000).

“We are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination”.

“As we approach the festive season, it becomes very important to emphasize the significance of prioritizing our elderly citizens in our initiatives. By reaching out to the elderly this festive period, we not only honour their contributions but also acknowledge the unique encounters they face”.

The First Lady urged beneficiaries to embrace life to the fullest, prioritize their health, nurture their minds, and strengthen their bonds with loved ones and with God. These are the keys to a rich and fulfilling life in their golden years.

She extended her heartfelt appreciation to all state coordinators of RHI, and partners who have supported with free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items to the beneficiaries as the case may be, in ensuring the success of this programme.

Telling them that this period should be a time of joy and comfort for all, “even as we hope for a greater Nigeria, in security, education, health, employment and this programme serve as a beacon of renewed hope, dignity, andbusiness opportunities for all. We seek your continued support and prayers for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as we look forward to better days ahead.

The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christoper Gwabin Musa, who was represented by Director of Veteran Affairs, (DHQ), Major General Danladi Ibrahim Salihu commended the first lady, Sen Oruremi Tinubu for yet another timely and thoughtful gestures towards military veterans, adding that this noble act will forever be remembered.

He noted that the beneficiaries are noble men who had diligently dedicated their lives in the service of the nation.

He said “Your noble act will add to the morale and efficiency of the serving members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Nigeria Police Force.

Speaking in her opening remarks, the President, Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa appreciated the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen Oluremi Tinubu for the special programme for military and police veterans which serve as a beacon of renewed hope, dignity, and prosperity for revered elders of the nation, saying that she’s a mother indeed.

She disclosed that “last month the First Lady, Sen. Tinubu disbursed N250,000 each to 1,709 widows and orphans of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces to enable you to recapitalize an existing business or start a business of your choice to enable you to care for your families”.

Mrs Musa commended the First Lady for her tremendous support for the DEPOWA and for impacting lives positively. She said, “We will continue to render more support to the renewed hope initiative whenever called upon”.

The Veteran beneficiaries were drawn from the Defence Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association, (NAOWA); the Nigerian Navy Officers Wives Association (NOWA) the Nigerian Navy Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA), and the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA).

The Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) focuses on five key areas, namely agriculture, education, economic empowerment, health and socio-investment.

The programme was set up to enable the government to assist the vulnerable groups. The governing board members of the initiative are the First Lady Sen Oluremi Tinubu, Wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, and the wife of the Chief of Staff, (CoS) to the President, Salamatu Gbajabiamila.