By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Federal Government has announced that approximately 10 million Nigerians are set to benefit from its newly unveiled Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, a poverty-reduction initiative targeting all 8,809 wards across the country.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, disclosed this while accepting his appointment as the Grand Patron of the National Councillors’ Forum of Nigeria.
Speaking after the honour, Bagudu said the recognition would inspire him to intensify efforts aimed at revitalising grassroots economies for the benefit of the majority. He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving living standards through extensive local governance reforms embedded in the programme.
The initiative, he explained, will map dominant commercial activities in each ward to identify beneficiaries eligible for government support. This strategy, according to the minister, is expected to give a significant boost to the Tinubu administration’s poverty-reduction objectives.
Bagudu thanked the Forum for their continued support, noting that the councillors’ endorsement of the President’s second term reflects a broad appreciation of ongoing reforms that are steadily improving the nation’s economy.
The Forum, which comprises all 8,809 serving councillors, stated that the appointment recognises Bagudu’s remarkable contributions to national development. “Your dedication to public service and to the development of our country makes you a perfect fit for this prestigious position,” the appointment letter dated April 23, 2026 read.
During a weekend visit, Forum President Hon. AbdulRazak Sama’ila presented the letter to Bagudu, expressing hope that the minister would play a crucial role in promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability at the grassroots level. “We hope to work with him and benefit from his insights and expertise,” Sama’ila added.
