The wife of Plateau governor, Mrs Helen Mutfwang, on Tuesday in Jos distributed N50 million to 250 elderly persons in the state.
Mrs Mutfwang said that the intervention, for which each beneficiary would get N200,000, was under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, to support the elderly.
The governor’s wife, who spoke at the third edition of the Elderly Support Scheme, said the intervention would promote dignity, care, and joy for older citizens.
She explained that Plateau received ₦50 million to assist 250 vulnerable elderly persons aged 65 and above as part of a nationwide social investment programme.
“The beneficiaries are expected to receive ₦200,000 each, easing economic hardship and improving wellbeing during the festive season and beyond,” she said.
Mrs Mutfwang praised senior citizens for sacrifices to nation-building, calling them pillars of society, and urged families and communities to prioritise care through compassion, respect, inclusion, and dignity.
The governor’s wife encouraged senior citizens to remain active, healthy, and engaged, noting that purposeful living enhances joy and longevity in old age.
She thanked partners and coordinators for their support, wishing beneficiaries peace, good health, and renewed hope across the state.
Also speaking during, Mrs Caroline Dafur, Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, said the contribution reaffirmed leadership commitment to caring for the elderly.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that they were overwhelmed with joy and excitement.
Mrs Lilian Gideon, a 72-year-old beneficiary, said that the money came as a surprise and thanked the first lady for the gesture.
Mr Joel Zuhumben, 73, a father of 7 children and 13 grandchildren, said it’s a laudable gesture and thanked the government for the support.
Mrs Sarah Bali, 65, mother of 5 children and 11 grandchildren, said she would invest the money into her trading business.
