By Adeyemi Adeleye
A support group, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Ideological Group, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for approving a N17 billion grassroots development fund.
The group’s convener, Mr Bamidele Atoyebi, said the approval reflects adoption of its community-driven development proposals.
Atoyebi said the presidential approval, announced on April 22, aligned with the group’s April 1 memo to state coordinators.
He said the memo urged identification of underserved communities lacking water, healthcare, rural roads and financial support for farmers and traders.
“The President has bought fully into this idea.
“This initiative mirrors our push for bottom-up development where communities identify urgent needs and government responds directly.
“It ensures development reaches remote areas through targeted ward-level interventions,” Atoyebi said.
He said the N17 billion fund would support projects across 8,804 wards nationwide.
According to him, communities will partner with local organisations to implement priority interventions.
Atoyebi likened the approach to fixing a house room by room to ensure inclusive development.
He said the group had mobilised support through advocacy and engagement programmes.
Atoyebi added that a recent Abuja forum engaged military and paramilitary personnel as community project facilitators.
According to him, early successes were recorded in Rigasa and Asa, through small-scale interventions.
Atoyebi described Tinubu as a leader, responsive to grassroots development needs.
He, however, urged stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparency and effectiveness.
The convenr also called for increased funding, saying N17 billion was insufficient for nationwide needs.
“We urge the Federal Government to strengthen monitoring for transparency and effectiveness.
“The allocation is commendable,but inadequate considering the scale of needs.
“We encourage increased funding to achieve meaningful impact across all wards,” he said.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating community development nationwide
