The wife of Plateau State governor, Helen Mutfwang, on Monday in Jos, disbursed N50 million at the annual Renewed Hope Initiative Support Scheme (RHIESS).

Mrs Mutfwang said the programme was designed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to support the welfare of the country’s elderly citizens.

She said 250 citizens aged 65 and above, including veterans from the military and Police Officers’ Wives Association, would benefit from the scheme.

The governor’s wife said the Renewed Hope Initiative’s governing board had decided to increase the grant from N100,000 to N200,000 to further support the elderly citizens during the festive season.

She said this year’s theme, “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Lifestyle,” was apt, as the elderly deserved attention and care.

Mrs Mutfwang congratulated all the senior citizens who had been selected as beneficiaries, urging them to prioritise their health.

Some beneficiaries, who spoke with journalists, expressed happiness with the cash gift.

Talatu Madaki, a 93-year-old beneficiary from Jos North, said she would invest the money in her petty business.

Mathew Magit, 65, from Bokkos Local Government Area, said he would use the money to pay his son’s school fees.

Another beneficiary, Jacob Nyam, 71, from Jos East Local Government, said he would use the money to buy fertiliser for his farm to boost his yields.

(NAN)