Khadijah Shehu Abdulkareem
The Federal Government has called on state and local governments to work in synergy through open dialogue with citizens to drive meaningful development across Nigeria. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal during a town hall meeting with residents of Enugu, as part of the South-East citizens’ engagement tour. He said the initiative aims to bridge the communication gap between government and the people, counter misinformation, and strengthen participatory democracy.
“We are here to listen, share progress, and ensure that government policies reflect the realities of our people,” Idris stated. Highlighting key reforms, he noted that the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of exchange rates have freed up more funds for infrastructure and social investments. According to him, the South-East is already benefiting from these resources through projects such as the Eastern Railway Corridor, a world-class oncology centre in Enugu, and over 1,000 rehabilitated primary healthcare centres, alongside business support funds, student loans, consumer credit schemes, and electricity market autonomy.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, disclosed that his ministry and its agencies have delivered more than 70 tangible projects across every senatorial district in Enugu State. “These projects are more than infrastructure; they are lifelines,” he said. Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, added that the government’s next phase will focus on tackling poverty, with a target of empowering 1,000 people in every ward nationwide.
The event, which was attended by traditional rulers, religious leaders, and women’s groups, provided a platform for citizens to share their concerns directly with government representatives. The federal delegation is expected to continue the engagement tour in Ebonyi State.