Babayemi advocates grassroots development

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

Omooba Dotun Babayemi, a former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has urged governments at all levels to prioritise grassroots development in the coming year. His call comes amid concerns about the neglect and degradation faced by communities at the grassroots level.

In a New Year message released by his media office, Babayemi, who leads the Ireti Osun Movement, highlighted the importance of this initiative, emphasising that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Ward Development Program (RHWDP) could serve as a significant catalyst for change.

“At the risk of sounding immodest, I can discuss my state, which has 332 wards,” Babayemi stated. “I have visited 299 of those wards, and the experience was far from pleasant. It reveals a population enduring severe hardships and largely disconnected from modern amenities.”

He lamented the lack of basic social infrastructure—such as good roads, potable water, electricity, schools, and hospitals—characterising these issues as prevalent in rural areas.

While commending the ward-based model of the RHWDP, Babayemi emphasised that if implemented effectively, it could serve as a transformative force for the nation. “Development of the grassroots will not undermine urban renewal efforts. Our national growth can be significantly accelerated if we focus on our villages and communities that have long been neglected,” he asserted.

He praised President Tinubu’s vision and called for relevant authorities and stakeholders to embrace this initiative, facilitating comprehensive growth and progress across the country.

Additionally, Babayemi underscored the vital role that local governments play in this development effort. He pointed out that local councils are the closest to the people and are instrumental in identifying community needs and challenges. “The long-discussed local government autonomy must be fully realized, especially since the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of it,” he stated.

Expressing optimism for the New Year, Babayemi called on citizens to seize the opportunity for personal and national growth. “I wish us all the best in the New Year and beyond. Let’s join hands with those in authority to move our country forward. It is the cooperation of all that will make progress possible,” he added.