By Erewunmi Peace

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially approved a sweeping new initiative aimed at eradicating poverty across Nigeria, with the launch of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP).

The announcement was made during the 150th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The RHWDP is designed to directly benefit citizens at the grassroots level by empowering economically active individuals in all 8,809 electoral wards nationwide.

According to the federal government, the programme will support between 1,000 to 2,000 individuals per ward with access to economic resources and community-based interventions. The initiative forms a key part of President Tinubu’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to lift millions out of poverty and build a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

“We are taking development to the doorstep of every Nigerian,” Tinubu stated. “This programme will stimulate local economies, empower communities, and ensure inclusivity at every level.”

Key Focus Areas:

Job creation and youth empowerment

Expansion of school feeding programmes

Agricultural mechanisation and food security

Rural electrification and infrastructure

Enhanced collaboration between federal, state, and local governments

The programme will be coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and supervised by a newly established National Steering Committee to ensure transparency and community engagement.

Governors from across the country have reportedly welcomed the initiative and pledged support for its implementation.

This move comes at a critical time as the federal government intensifies efforts to stabilise the economy, reduce inflation, and stimulate inclusive growth.