The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on elderly Nigerians to remain healthy, active and joyful, stressing that ageing should be lived with dignity, purpose and a sense of belonging.

She gave the charge in Abuja on Tuesday at the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Elderly Support Scheme, a programme designed to celebrate and support senior citizens whose years of service contributed to national development.

Senator Tinubu said the initiative had become a tradition of the current administration, aimed at honouring Nigerians who laboured to build the nation and ensuring they enjoy comfort and respect in their later years.

“As we approach the festive season, it is crucial to prioritise our elderly citizens. They have walked difficult paths so that younger generations may have smoother roads to travel. It is therefore our moral duty, and indeed our joy, to ensure that they live their twilight years in comfort, good health and dignity,” she said.

The First Lady advised senior citizens to consciously seek joy in old age by staying active, nurturing their physical and mental wellbeing, and remaining engaged in community and charitable activities.

“Ageing gracefully is not just about longevity, but about being surrounded by love, support and respect. Those who are able should continue to serve others and find fulfilment in compassion and care,” she added.

Senator Tinubu disclosed that the RHI Elderly Support Scheme is currently supporting 250 vulnerable military and police veterans aged 65 years and above, with each beneficiary receiving ₦200,000. She said the intervention amounts to about ₦1 billion nationwide, alongside the distribution of food items and provision of free medical checks.

According to her, the programme is designed to ensure that elderly veterans live their twilight years with dignity, purpose and a strong sense of inclusion.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Director of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Adepegba, commended the First Lady for the intervention, noting that the Renewed Hope Initiative’s social investment programmes targeted at defence and police veterans underscore the nation’s appreciation of their sacrifices.

He said the initiative boosts morale within the Armed Forces and reassures serving personnel that their service and sacrifices will always be remembered and valued.

Rear Admiral Adepegba also praised the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), led by its President, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, for its partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative and its continued commitment to the welfare of officers’ families, veterans and vulnerable groups.

He stressed that the strength of a nation is measured not only by its defence capabilities, but also by its compassion for those who served it faithfully.

The event featured the symbolic presentation of ₦200,000 to beneficiaries by the First Lady, as well as free medical screenings and the distribution of food items to support the beneficiaries during the festive season.