Oluremi Tinubu unveils N12bn empowerment package for elderly, persons with disabilities

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu revealed a N12 billion empowerment package aimed at aiding elderly citizens and persons with disabilities across senatorial districts in Nigeria, totaling N11.99 billion. She instructed All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidates to manage the distribution of funds, ensuring they reach the most vulnerable regardless of party alignment.

The announcement was made during a stakeholders' meeting in Abuja, involving the APC National Chairman, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC senators, members of the Renewed Hope Initiative Governing Board, and APC senatorial candidates.

The initiative comprises two programs, each receiving N55 million, targeting 250 beneficiaries in each senatorial district. The RHI Economic Empowerment Program for Persons with Disabilities will provide N200,000 to each beneficiary, while the RHI Elderly Support Scheme will follow a similar structure, offering the same amount to 250 elderly individuals per senatorial district.

The decision to channel funds through senatorial candidates was based on consultations with political leaders to ensure effective reach and coordination.

Tinubu emphasized that party membership should not be a prerequisite for accessing the funds, stating that deserving individuals across all senatorial districts should benefit. She noted that the RHI had previously supported persons with disabilities and was expanding its efforts, with the elderly citizens' intervention being its fourth edition.

Senate President Akpabio praised the First Lady for convening senatorial candidates to coordinate the initiative, emphasizing President Bola Tinubu's approval of the arrangement. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, hailed the First Lady's commitment to vulnerable Nigerians and wished the candidates success in the upcoming elections, scheduled for January 16, 2027.

The RHI Financial Support Programme for Persons with Disabilities is set to commence on December 3, 2026, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, while the Elderly Support Scheme will begin on December 17, 2026.