The Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) to the President on Community Engagement, representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, have called for increased funding to support grassroots development projects across the country.
This was revealed during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Wednesday, where the SSAs emphasized the importance of financial backing for projects aimed at improving living standards in various communities.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the South East region, Mrs. Chioma Nweze, issued a statement following the meeting.
The statement reads in part: “We discussed the importance of partnership and funding to ensure that our communities are carried along in the infrastructural development of the President Tinubu-led administration.
“As we strive for inclusive growth and development, it’s crucial that we engage with our communities and involve them in the decision-making process. Our meeting with the Minister of Works was a significant step towards achieving this goal. We deliberated on the various projects and initiatives that can benefit our communities and identified areas where we can collaborate to drive positive change.
“One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the need for more funding to support community development projects. We recognized that investing in our communities is essential for promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving living standards. The Minister assured us that the government is committed to supporting community development initiatives and will work with us to explore potential funding opportunities.
“Another critical aspect of our discussion was the importance of partnership and collaboration. We acknowledged that no single entity can drive development alone and that partnerships are crucial for achieving our goals. We explored potential areas for collaboration, including community engagement, project implementation, and resource mobilization.
“Our meeting with the Minister of Works was a resounding success, and we’re eager to build on the momentum generated. We’re committed to working closely with the Minister and his team to ensure that our communities are at the forefront of the infrastructural development agenda.
“Our meeting with the Minister of Works was a significant milestone in our efforts to promote community engagement and development. We’re excited about the prospects of working together to drive positive change and look forward to exploring new opportunities for collaboration and growth” she noted.
The partnership is expected to strengthen community engagement and improve the delivery of projects that directly impact the lives of Nigerians at the grassroots level, further driving the government’s efforts toward inclusive national growth.