Stop Waiting for Abuja, Atoyebi Tells Governors, LG Chiefs

Bamidele Atoyebi, Convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group, has urged governors and local government leaders in Nigeria to stop waiting for federal intervention in Abuja before tackling pressing needs in their communities. In a statement titled "Progressive Governors, LG Chairmen Should Complement First Lady’s Drive," Atoyebi emphasized the importance of sub-national governments taking ownership of complementary interventions alongside federal programmes.

He cited the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), launched in 2023 by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which aimed to produce measurable results in agriculture, economic empowerment, healthcare, education and social investment. Atoyebi pointed to the success of the RHI-Tony Elumelu Foundation women empowerment programme, which provided N50,000 to 18,500 women across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, but argued that states and local governments should create additional business-support schemes to maximize the impact of federal intervention.

He cited examples of states like Imo and Lagos that had increased the number of beneficiaries and improved facilities through their own initiatives. Atoyebi stressed that measurable improvements in citizens' lives, such as access to healthcare, education, roads, water, electricity and economic opportunities, should be the basis for assessing government performance.

He urged state and local governments to support women traders, farmers, artisans and young entrepreneurs by providing appropriate support. Atoyebi also mentioned the National Community Food Bank as an example of collaboration among different stakeholders. He urged governors to complement federal programmes by renovating healthcare centres, equipping rural schools, providing learning materials and supporting disadvantaged children.