By Progress Godfrey

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has stated that approximately 10 million Nigerians are expected to benefit from the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which aims to stimulate grassroots economic activity.

The minister spoke after being appointed grand patron by Nigerian councillors under the aegis of the National Councillors’ Forum of Nigeria.

The forum, which comprises the country’s 8,809 serving councillors, said the appointment recognises Bagudu’s remarkable contributions to national development.

“Your dedication to public service and to the development of our country makes you a perfect fit for this prestigious position,” the forum stated in the letter of appointment dated 23 April 2026 and signed by its President, Abdulrazak Sama’ila.

Bagudu was presented with the appointment letter during a visit at the weekend. Sama’ila noted that the minister is expected to play a crucial role in promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability at the grassroots, while expressing the forum’s readiness to benefit from his expertise.

Accepting the appointment, Bagudu said he was humbled by the honour and that it would spur him to redouble efforts to stimulate the grassroots economy for the benefit of the majority.

He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving citizens’ standard of living through extensive local governance reforms, adding that about 10 million citizens are expected to benefit from the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme.

Bagudu explained that the programme is designed to drive economic activity at the ward level by mapping dominant commercial activities across the 8,809 wards to identify those eligible for government support.

The minister also appreciated the forum’s support for President Tinubu, noting that its endorsement of the president’s second term reflects growing recognition of ongoing reforms aimed at improving the country’s economy.