Kwara State has launched the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP) to benefit a total of 193,000 residents across the 193 wards in the state, marking a major grassroots-focused intervention aimed at reducing poverty and driving inclusive growth.
The RHWDP initiative, described as a non-partisan socio-economic programme of President Bola Tinubu, was officially launched by the State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who said it was designed to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty through targeted support at the ward level.
The Governor said the programme reflects the President’s concern for the less privileged and his administration’s commitment to building a $1 trillion dollar economy by 2030. He made the remarks in Ilorin through his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau, who represented him at the event.
“This is the most innovative grassroots social programme rolled out to address poverty irrespective of religious difference, political persuasion, tribal or gender difference or place of birth,” the Governor said. “This is a practical demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s love for the grassroots and the poorest of the poor. This is the most data-driven FG special intervention towards ensuring a $1 trillion dollar economy by 2030.”
AbdulRazaq commended the Tinubu administration for implementing economic recovery programmes targeted at supporting vulnerable Nigerians. He said the RHWDP aligns with Kwara State’s social investment initiatives, which were introduced to empower the aged, the downtrodden and small-scale business owners across the state.
The Governor also thanked the President for his consistent support to Kwara State and for entrusting him with the responsibility of chairing the National Steering Committee for the programme. He called on residents of the state to support the initiative to ensure it delivers maximum impact.
“I call on all people of the state to support this innovative programme rolled out by the President to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty,” he said.
The launch ceremony was attended by top government officials, local government chairmen, party executives led by the state chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, leaders of artisans’ congresses and market women associations, as well as representatives of community-based organisations.
AbdulRazaq also commended the APC leadership across the federation, noting that the party has continued to grow stronger through programmes focused on the welfare of citizens.
“There have been several programmes tailored towards the betterment of Nigerians. This is the latest child of the government. The Renewed Hope Wards Development Programme is not the beginning of benefits that have been going to the grassroots, but this should be the largest yet,” he said.
State Coordinator for RHWDP, Mubarak Salau Bello, said the scheme was designed to take development and economic growth directly to the grassroots and ensure that national growth is felt by citizens at the ward level. He explained that stakeholders’ engagement was organised to support effective enumeration, identify gaps, gather feedback and promote inclusion during the enrolment process.
Bello praised President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq for impacting lives through poverty alleviation programmes, inclusive governance and sustainable grassroots development.
Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, said the programme is not partisan but focused on addressing the needs of people at the grassroots. He said the APC-led government has demonstrated commitment to pro-masses projects at both federal and state levels.
Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Magaji, highlighted the Governor’s support for sports and youth development, citing the revival of sports facilities across the state.
Speaking for community-based organisations, Kadir Rasheed Ajao pledged support to ensure the programme benefits the right people, while State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mallam Ali Nasim-Yusuf, said Kwara youths have strong reasons to support the President and Governor due to youth-friendly programmes.
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