Tinubu okays RHWDP steering committee as inaugural meeting sets momentum for grassroots devt

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has formally approved the constitution of the National Steering Committee for the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP), a crucial initiative aimed at accelerating economic activity, improving livelihoods, and boosting social protection at Nigeria’s grassroots level.

According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and Governor of Kwara State AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the President approved the committee on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, appointing AbdulRazaq as chairman while Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, was named vice chairman.

The committee also includes governors representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones: Mai Mala Buni (Yobe, North-East), Douye Diri (Bayelsa, South-South), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun, South-West), Dr Peter Mbah (Enugu, South-East), Dr Dikko Umar Radda (Katsina, North-West), and Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia (Benue, North-Central).

According to the statement, the inaugural meeting held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the NGF Secretariat in Abuja, marking a significant step toward operationalising President Tinubu’s ward-based development strategy spanning Nigeria’s 8,809 wards.

AbdulRazaq emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts: “With the establishment of this committee, we have begun real progress toward delivering impactful development at the grassroots. Our focus is on rolling out implementation frameworks, coordination mechanisms, and mobilising resources across all levels of government.”

He added, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum is fully committed to collaborating with the Federal Government to ensure the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme achieves tangible results that will strengthen Nigeria’s inclusive growth.”