• Super Admin
• 08 Mar, 2026

March 08, (THEWILL) -- Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on the National Assembly to revisit a bill that would provide stipends for elderly Nigerians, saying senior citizens deserve economic support after years of contributing to society. Speaking during the inauguration of the Arise Senior Citizens Centre along the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road in Uyo on Saturday, the First Lady said the proposed legislation, which she sponsored during her time in the Senate, was intended to provide financial support for elderly citizens, but did not materialise. She urged the current Senate to reconsider the bill, stressing that many elderly Nigerians face economic hardship and loneliness after retirement. "Our elderly citizens have given so much to society during their lifetime. They deserve care, dignity and support", she said. Mrs Tinubu also called on Nigerians, particularly family members, to show compassion and attention to the older persons, noting that ageing often comes with loneliness, especially when spouses are lost, and children move on with their lives. She said initiatives like the Arise Senior Citizens Centre would help address social isolation among the elderly by providing healthcare services, recreational activities and opportunities for social interaction. The First Lady commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, for establishing the facility, describing it as a model that other states should replicate. According to her, the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aims to ensure inclusive development for all Nigerians, including senior citizens. Speaking earlier, Governor Eno said the centre was conceived by his late wife, Patience Eno, whose compassion for elderly people inspired the project. He added that his administration currently pays a monthly stipend of N50,000 to 600 elderly persons across the 369 wards in the state as part of efforts to support senior citizens. The governor assured that the state government would continue to prioritise the welfare and healthcare of the elderly in Akwa Ibom. Source: https://thewillnews.com/first-lady-remi-tinubu-urges-senate-to-revive-elderly-stipend-bill/