President Bola Tinubu
Tinubu’s aide advocates for inclusive sustainable development
Dr Abiodun Essiet, the Senior Special Adviser (SSA) on Community Engagement, North Central, to President Bola Tinubu, has called on stakeholders to support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to move Nigeria towards inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The SSA stated this at a national stakeholders’ framework programme in Abuja.
According to Essiet, inclusivity is the well that can oil the wheel of sustainable and fair regional growth and development in Nigeria.
She said development is a dynamic relationship among the state, market and society, measured not just by average economic figures but also by the dignity and inclusion of the less advantaged.
“Inclusivity means ensuring that all essential services and opportunities are accessible to everyone without excluding any groups,” she said.
The presidential aide further explained that sustainable and fair development requires a cooperative effort among various stakeholders, the government, the private sector, and society to promote growth that upholds human dignity and ensures equitable access to resources, especially for marginalised groups.
To this end, the SSA noted that President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” administration has launched comprehensive programmes aimed at inclusive growth, economic stability, and social welfare in priority sectors, including infrastructure, education, employment, digital economy, agriculture, health, and social protection, with a focus on grassroots empowerment.
She emphasised that the renewed hope strategy goes beyond economic measures, as it focuses on quality of life, human potential, and social inclusion.
She highlighted some Tinubu-led administration’s significant achievements, including major infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway.
Essiet said the government has enhanced regional connectivity supporting economic integration nationwide.
“Youth welfare has improved with increased NYSC allowances, expanded cash transfer programmes benefiting millions of vulnerable households, accessible healthcare intervention, and rehabilitation, among others,” she said.
She urged the newly appointed management of Nigeria’s six regional development commissions to key into the president’s Renewed Hope agenda by playing vital roles in reducing regional disparities and promoting economic growth in underserved areas.
Essiet said understanding the developmental challenges is essential for fostering inclusive regional development.
“Nigeria needs only political, social and economic responsibility to achieve sustainability.
“For Nigeria to reach its full development potential, governments at all levels must commit to clear, inclusive and sustainable actions, ensuring no citizen is left behind,” she said.
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