The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG), a think-tank, has commended the federal government’s newly introduced ward-based economic stimulus programme as a transformative step for grassroots development.

‎In a statement released Saturday in Abuja, TMSG chairman, Emeka Nwankpa and secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, described the initiative as bold and innovative.

‎They said the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP) allows direct grassroots engagement without undermining intergovernmental responsibilities.

‎”Coming at a time that many Nigerians are concerned that improved federal allocations to states and local governments are not having the desired impact at the grassroots.”

‎”It is a thing of joy that the federal government is thinking out of the box in order to ensure that all parts of the country are carried along.”

‎”This, for us, is the simplest way of explaining what the federal government is set to do with the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP), which is targeted at ensuring direct engagement with the country’s 8,809 administrative wards across all 36 states.”

‎TMSG expressed confidence that the programme would boost economic activity at the grassroots and promote inclusive development.

‎”Judging from what President Tinubu said at his engagement with state governors on the issue, the federal government is keen on stimulating economic activities at the grassroots through a ward-based development strategy.”‎

‎The group highlighted the plan to support at least 1,000 people in smaller wards and 2,000 in larger ones, under a three-tier government collaboration.

‎”We note that the government plan will involve supporting economic activities for a minimum of 1,000 economically active individuals in smaller wards and 2,000 for larger ones under a collaborative arrangement between federal, state, and local governments.”

‎‎”We see it as a creative effort to generate employment, reduce poverty, enhance food security, and even enhance social protection in all the wards through a minimum of 8.8 million people.”

‎They acknowledged that while 8.8 million may seem small in a country of over 200 million, it is a significant starting point.

‎‎”While it may look like eight million is a small number in a country with a population of over 200 million.”

‎‎”We chose to see it as a strategy that will ensure direct federal presence that will have an indirect effect in addressing local needs.”

‎‎TMSG noted that the programme would be funded through increased revenue to the Federation Account and complementary state and federal initiatives.

‎‎”We are aware that the programme is to be funded with increased revenues accruing to the Federation Account, as well as other programmes that the federal government and states are undertaking.”

‎”Although a National Steering Committee comprising representatives of all six geopolitical zones is expected to oversee the implementation,”

‎”We are convinced that by the time the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme takes off, it will go a long way to drilling down development to Nigerians at the lowest levels of government.”‎

‎The TMSG maintains that the ward-based development programme will go a long way to empowering local communities and creating jobs directly and indirectly within local economies.

(NAN)