By Erewunmi Peace

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on state governors across the country to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians, urging them to channel more investments into poverty eradication, rural electrification, agricultural development, and grassroots infrastructure.

The President gave this charge during the 150th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, July 31, 2025. The meeting was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors, ministers, and other key stakeholders.

“Let us change the story of our people in the rural areas. We must invest in what will grow the economy from the bottom up — agriculture, power, education, and infrastructure at the grassroots,” Tinubu said.

Focus on the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme

During the meeting, President Tinubu endorsed the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP) — a new initiative that aims to deliver federal and state-backed development directly to all 8,809 wards across the country.

The RHWDP is designed to:

Improve rural livelihoods

Promote food security through agricultural mechanisation

Boost school enrolment with school feeding programmes

Expand access to basic health and energy infrastructure

“You are closer to the people. Work with the Federal Government to lift millions out of poverty and secure a better future,” the President told the governors.

Earlier Calls for People-Centered Leadership

Tinubu’s latest remarks echo his message during earlier engagements, including the March Iftar dinner in Abuja, where he urged political leaders to “spend money, not the people” and measure progress by the impact on the poor and vulnerable.

“We will not measure progress by the number of buildings or events, but by the real improvements in people’s lives,” Tinubu stated.