The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has commended the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) for its Elderly Support Scheme, emphasizing that elders must feel valued, protected, and supported by society.
The Minister made this commendation at the third edition of the RHI Social Investment Programme for the Elderly Support Scheme, held at the Centre for Arts and Culture, Garki, Abuja.
Dr. Mahmoud described the event’s theme, “Finding Joy in Old Age,” as apt and profound, stressing that old age should be a season of dignity, fulfilment, and peace rather than neglect, loneliness, or hardship.
She highlighted how the programme embodied the compassionate vision of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Initiative has continued to cater for people across different segments of society, including the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
The Minister reaffirmed that the well-being of senior citizens remained a top priority in society, adding that the FCT Administration, through its Women Affairs Secretariat, was committed to social protection, healthcare access, emotional support, and social inclusion for the elderly.
She described the event as more than an intervention, but also a statement of gratitude and a call to action for families, communities, and institutions to uphold elderly dignity, draw from their wisdom, and ensure no one is left behind.
FCT Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, described the elderly as custodians of cultures, wisdom, and the bearers of collective memory. She revealed that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the governing council of the Renewed Hope Initiative, had directed all state chapters to recognize, celebrate, and bring joy to the elderly.