APC Chieftain Advocates Accountability, Grassroots Development, Youth Participation and Stronger Public Communication
Story By Emmanuel Fateman and Sharon Akuboh
Prominent businessman and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Olori Omoba Otunba Adejare Rewane Adegbenro, has called on ministers, political appointees and APC governors to intensify their efforts towards delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that sustained performance, accountability and people-oriented development remain essential to national progress.
Adegbenro, who made the call while speaking on the administration’s policy direction and the responsibilities of political officeholders, maintained that the President’s reform initiatives must be complemented by effective implementation across ministries, departments, agencies and state governments.
According to him, leadership is measured not only by policy announcements but also by the positive impact of government programmes on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
He observed that President Tinubu has demonstrated political commitment to repositioning the country through difficult economic decisions, adding that those entrusted with responsibilities must work collectively to translate the administration’s vision into tangible results.
“The President has taken important decisions in the interest of the country. Those who have been given responsibilities must now demonstrate commitment, dedication and the capacity to deliver. We must all work together to ensure that Nigerians experience the benefits of governance,” he said.
A LEGACY OF DEMOCRATIC COMMITMENT
Adegbenro traced his interest in national development and democratic governance to his family background, recalling the contributions of his maternal grandfather, the late Chief Alfred Rewane, to the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.
He noted that Chief Rewane was associated with the pro-democracy movement and played an important role in supporting the struggle against military dictatorship.
He also recalled that his paternal grandfather, the late Chief D. S. Adegbenro, served as Premier of the former Western Region.
According to him, these historical connections have strengthened his appreciation of democratic values, political participation and the sacrifices made by earlier generations for the country’s development.
He called for greater efforts to preserve Nigeria’s political history, particularly the contributions of individuals and institutions that helped advance democratic governance.
Adegbenro maintained that younger Nigerians should be encouraged to understand the country’s democratic journey and participate constructively in shaping its future.
PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY AS NATIONAL PRIORITIES
The APC chieftain emphasised that effective governance requires cooperation between the Federal Government and state administrations.
He urged governors to give greater attention to healthcare, education, infrastructure, poverty reduction, agriculture and employment opportunities, noting that these sectors directly influence the quality of life of citizens.
He explained that state governments occupy a strategic position in delivering development because they are closer to the people and understand the specific needs of their communities.
“Governors must continue to demonstrate leadership through projects and programmes that improve the lives of their people. Functional primary healthcare centres, quality schools, accessible roads and empowerment initiatives are important indicators of development,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of ensuring that public resources are deployed transparently and efficiently, adding that accountability should remain a shared responsibility among all tiers of government.
Adegbenro also called for stronger collaboration between traditional rulers and government institutions, describing traditional leaders as important partners in community development, peacebuilding and public enlightenment.
He said their closeness to the grassroots places them in a unique position to communicate government policies, identify community challenges and promote constructive engagement between citizens and public authorities.
RECOGNISING PROGRESS ACROSS KEY SECTORS
While acknowledging the challenges confronting the country, Adegbenro expressed confidence in the capacity of the Tinubu administration to sustain its reform programme through effective leadership and institutional cooperation.
He commended key government officials for their contributions across different sectors, highlighting the importance of monetary policy reforms, infrastructure development, fiscal management, solid minerals, security and the creative economy.
He particularly acknowledged the efforts of Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, in strengthening monetary policy administration.
He also recognised the infrastructure initiatives associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.
Similarly, he acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
He also commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its contributions to revenue generation, trade facilitation and border management.
According to him, the country’s development requires sustained commitment from public officials, supported by measurable targets, institutional discipline and effective monitoring.
INFORMATION MINISTRY: STRENGTHENING THE GOVERNMENT’S PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
Adegbenro also highlighted the strategic importance of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in communicating government policies, programmes and achievements to Nigerians.
He encouraged the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to continue strengthening the ministry’s public communication machinery and explore additional opportunities to ensure that citizens are adequately informed about government activities.
He observed that effective communication is an important component of democratic governance because it enables citizens to understand government decisions, appreciate ongoing programmes and provide constructive feedback.
According to him, the ministry has an important responsibility to communicate the administration’s development priorities in a clear, accessible and engaging manner.
He encouraged the minister to deepen media partnerships, strengthen public enlightenment campaigns, expand the use of digital communication platforms and promote regular engagement with journalists, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Adegbenro noted that consistent communication would help bridge information gaps and ensure that government initiatives receive wider public awareness.
He expressed confidence that sustained efforts by the Information Ministry would further enhance public understanding of the Renewed Hope Agenda and encourage greater citizen participation in national development.
YOUTH PARTICIPATION AND THE CITY BOY MOVEMENT
The APC chieftain also recognised the importance of youth participation in politics, describing the emergence of organised youth platforms as an opportunity to encourage leadership development and political inclusion.
He specifically acknowledged the City Boy Movement, associated with Seyi Tinubu, for its efforts to mobilise young people around political participation and support for President Tinubu’s development vision.
Adegbenro said young Nigerians should be encouraged to participate responsibly in governance, community service and democratic processes.
He maintained that the country’s future depends significantly on the willingness of younger generations to acquire leadership skills, contribute ideas and support initiatives that promote national unity and economic progress.
He urged political stakeholders to create more opportunities for young people, women and professionals to participate meaningfully in public life.
FROM POLITICAL SUPPORT TO GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT
Demonstrating his commitment to community development, Adegbenro disclosed plans to commence the commissioning of boreholes across his constituency, alongside empowerment initiatives designed to support women.
He explained that access to clean water remains an important component of public health and community wellbeing, particularly in areas where residents face difficulties accessing reliable water facilities.
He also emphasised the importance of economic empowerment for women, noting that supporting women with opportunities and resources can strengthen families, stimulate small businesses and improve community livelihoods.
According to him, political participation should go beyond campaign activities and be reflected in practical contributions to the development of communities.
He said he intends to work with like-minded individuals to encourage civic participation, political awareness and peaceful democratic engagement.
He further called on Nigerians to remain security-conscious, cooperate with relevant authorities and contribute to building safer communities.
BUILDING A STRONGER NIGERIA THROUGH COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
Adegbenro maintained that national development cannot be achieved by the President alone, stressing that ministers, governors, legislators, political stakeholders, traditional rulers, private-sector operators and ordinary citizens all have important roles to play.
He urged public officeholders to remain focused on their responsibilities and ensure that government policies translate into measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
He also called for stronger partnerships between government and the private sector, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, industrialisation, education, healthcare and employment generation.
According to him, Nigeria possesses enormous human and natural resources capable of driving sustainable growth if properly harnessed.
He expressed optimism that continued reforms, effective implementation and constructive engagement among stakeholders would strengthen the country’s development prospects.
As preparations for future democratic engagements continue, he urged political actors to promote peaceful participation, respect democratic institutions and uphold the rule of law.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and development, emphasising that national interest must always take precedence over ethnic and sectional considerations.
“As I always say, I am Nigerian and my tribe comes second,” he declared.
For Adegbenro, the task before Nigerians is to support initiatives that promote national progress while encouraging every level of government to deliver more, work harder and remain accountable to the people.