The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described as worrisome the survey conducted in March 2024, alleging a substantial gap in trust and communication between the federal government and local communities across the country, stemming from unfulfilled promises from the political class over the past two decades.

Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement, North Central, Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, gave the hint while unveiling the Citizens’ Assembly and Community Health Support Initiative in Niger State to bridge the gap between government and local communities.

Held at Legbo Kutigi International Conference Center, Minna, on Tuesday, 15th October 2024.

Mrs. Essiet explained that the initiative serves as a platform for citizens to share their voices, participate in governance, and develop actionable solutions to local challenges.

Abiodun further stated that the initiative demonstrated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to integrating diverse voices and perspectives into decision-making processes, enhancing community development and cohesion.

Essiet said the initiative addresses such concerns, ensuring swift information dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and continuous deliberations for meaningful outcomes.

She stressed that over 1,000 indigenes and settlers from the North Central region had applied to volunteer for the Citizens’ Assembly, saying that the selected volunteers would represent each ward and act as change agents and influencers at the community levels.

The S.S.A. noted that in the near future, the federal government would also launch Community Health Support, a new initiative to enroll 100 vulnerable individuals and those in the informal sector in Niger State for one year, with optional renewal at an affordable rate.

Earlier, in his goodwill message, the Niger State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Alhaji Mohammed Kolo, urged the youths and women participating as volunteers to ensure that the right information reaches the right people at the grassroots.

A volunteer from Agwara Local Council of Niger State, Bulus Emmanuel, has assured that he will serve as a mouthpiece between the government and the grassroots.