A social-political organization, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG) on Thursday launched a nationwide civic engagement and media advocacy initiative aimed at promoting awareness of government support programmes, while encouraging grassroots participation in governance.
The initiative, unveiled in Abuja by the Convener of the group, Comrade Bamidele Atoyebi, is expected to engage more than 10,000 youths, students, professionals, artisans and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) across the country.
Speaking at the launch of the engagement programme and media enthusiast platform, Atoyebi said the project was designed to bridge the information gap between government and citizens, particularly at the grassroots level.
He said many Nigerians were unable to benefit from intervention programmes because they lacked access to information about available opportunities.
Mr. Atoyebi announced a N20,000 stipend for every beneficiary of the various intervention programmes of government – including Nelfund, a loan scheme for students – who is able to record and upload a testimonial video on the online platform.
He said beneficiaries of empowerment and support programmes would be encouraged to produce and share testimonial videos on social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and X. “We are not asking people to spread propaganda. We are asking them to share information, opportunities, experiences and hope,” he stated.
According to him, the platform would encourage citizens to actively participate inqqqqqp governance through civic engagement, digital advocacy and constructive communication. “Our mission is to bridge that information gap. We want communities to hear directly from real Nigerians whose lives are changing through empowerment programmes, educational support, skills development and government interventions,” he said.
Atoyebi explained that the initiative would also promote policy awareness and strengthen communication between the government and the public.
He stressed that governance should not remain limited to political offices in Abuja but should be felt in communities across the country. “Governance must touch the ordinary citizen. Governance must be seen in communities, schools, hospitals, markets and homes across Nigeria,” he said.
The BAT-IG convener noted that the platform would provide opportunities for youths and community members to share experiences on how government interventions had impacted their lives.
According to him, the engagement programme would create a network of grassroots advocates capable of promoting civic participation and public enlightenment in their various communities.
Atoyebi said members of the platform would be expected to uphold values of integrity, discipline, patriotism and responsible engagement while serving as ambassadors of constructive national development.
He added that the initiative would focus on encouraging informed participation in governance rather than political confrontation. “This is not just about politics. It is about participation. It is about communication. It is about creating informed citizens who can contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
The convener also highlighted some of the interventions previously undertaken by the group in partnership with government agencies and stakeholders.
He listed advocacy for electricity restoration projects in Rigasa communities in collaboration with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, healthcare and welfare support for military and paramilitary personnel, educational support initiatives with the Universal Basic Education Commission and humanitarian outreach programmes in underserved communities.
He disclosed that the group had recently championed advocacy for youth employment opportunities in different parts of the country, an effort he said received recognition through the National Directorate of Employment.
Atoyebi acknowledged the economic difficulties currently facing many Nigerians but maintained that reforms being implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda were aimed at addressing long-term economic and developmental challenges.
He said citizens must be encouraged to engage constructively with government policies by asking questions, seeking information and sharing experiences from intervention programmes. “To every young Nigerian here today, your voice matters. Your community matters. Your contribution matters. Nigeria needs your ideas, your energy, your creativity and your commitment,” he said.
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