By Titus Eleweke, South East Editor
AWKA, Anambra – The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo, has advised elderly citizens not to yield to pressure from their children to remain idle at home or depend solely on processed foods, stressing that such practices are detrimental to their health and well-being.
Mrs Soludo gave the advice on Tuesday in Awka while representing the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, at the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), held in Anambra State.
The programme, themed “Finding Joy in Old Age,” saw 250 elderly persons aged 65 years and above receive financial support of ₦200,000 each to enhance their quality of life and support their ongoing activities.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Soludo, who is also the founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, urged senior citizens to remain physically active, engage in meaningful daily routines, and prioritise the consumption of natural foods over processed alternatives.
She cautioned parents against abandoning productive activities simply because their children are financially stable and insist they stay at home doing nothing.
“Many parents are still active and productive, but the moment their children begin to make money, they are asked to stay idle at home while being fed with all kinds of processed foods. This is not healthy,” she said.
Mrs Soludo encouraged the elderly to devote time to daily exercise and maintain backyard gardens where they could grow vegetables and other natural foods to eat.
“Your children may say, ‘Don’t do this, don’t do that, we will provide everything you need.’ Do not always listen to them. Devote time to exercise and maintain a backyard garden where you can get fresh vegetables and natural foods,” she advised.
She warned that many processed foods brought to the elderly by well-meaning relatives may be harmful.
“Most of the things your children bring to you are poisonous to your health because you do not know what is used in manufacturing them. They are not good for your health. When your children start providing milk, Milo, and other processed products, your health begins to deteriorate. Eat natural food from your garden,” she added.
She further encouraged elderly citizens to remain engaged in activities such as walking to the market, tending their gardens, and staying socially active, noting that physical movement and purpose are critical to healthy ageing.
At the event, beneficiaries received ₦200,000 each from the Renewed Hope Initiative. In addition, the Wife of the Anambra State Governor distributed bags of rice and provided transportation support to ensure beneficiaries.
Earlier, while reading the address of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed delight at joining elderly citizens at the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme.
According to Mrs Tinubu, the social investment programme reflects the present administration’s commitment to ensuring that elderly citizens live with dignity, joy, and a sense of belonging in a nation that genuinely cares for its people.
She noted that since the inception of the administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has consistently celebrated senior citizens every December in recognition of their invaluable contributions to national development.
“Through this scheme, we continue to express our gratitude and care for the men and women who laboured to build the Nigeria we are proud of today,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu explained that the scheme supports 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in each of the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, as well as veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
In total, 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide received ₦200,000 each, amounting to a total disbursement of ₦1.9 billion as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Each state, including the FCT and DEPOWA, will receive ₦50 million.
“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 our moral duty and our joy to ensure they live their twilight years in comfort, good health, and dignity,” she stated.
The First Lady of Nigeria further encouraged senior citizens to find joy in old age by remaining active, engaging in community life, and nurturing compassion and care.
“Aging gracefully is not just about longevity; it is about being surrounded by love, support, and respect. Stay healthy and active. Nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement. Those who are able should continue to serve through charitable work and find joy in helping others,” she said.
She thanked the elderly for their service, sacrifices, and prayers for the nation, while appreciating state first ladies, RHI coordinators, and partners for their support of the scheme.
“As the year draws to a close, I wish you a peaceful and joyous holiday season, and I pray that 2026 will bring renewed hope and greater accomplishments for us all and for our beloved nation,” Mrs Tinubu said.
