The Grassroots Engagement for Good Governance has called on President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts toward people-oriented policies by focusing on welfare and innovative measures in alleviating poverty and economic hardships.

The Convener of the group Mr Adeolu Iwakun, stated this in the group’s New Year message to Nigerians on Monday in Akure, Ondo State.

Mr Iwakun, who acknowledged the efforts and steps taken so far by the Tinubu-led administration, said there was need for the President to make his policies and programmes workable by putting in place necessary mechanisms.

He asked the Tinubu-led Federal Government and the Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led Ondo State Government to implement monitoring schemes and ensure the effective execution of poverty alleviation programmes by ensuring they reached the grassroots level, where those programmes were most needed.

Mr Iwakun said that Mr Aiyedatiwa’s leadership presented an opportunity to prioritise the welfare of Ondo State masses, more importantly those at the grass-roots level.

“We implore you to adopt policies and schemes that will uplift and empower the people, with keen focus on the youth, agriculture and education sectors. Your commitment to carrying everybody along, including engaging the youth and those at the grassroots will be pivotal in fostering sustainable development in Ondo State.

“Furthermore, your invaluable support in realising the dream of the approved Ondo Seaport, particularly given your heritage in the riverine Ondo South, would significantly contribute to economic growth and job creation in Ondo State,” he said.

Mr Iwakun, who condoled with Ayedatiwa on the demise of the former state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, prayed to God to grant the state the fortitude to bear the loss.

He prayed that 2024 would mark the beginning of positive transformations and sustainable progress for the state and Nigeria, asking for strength and ability for Nigerian leaders to bridge the gap between the government and the governed.

(NAN)