In a country where citizens often feel disconnected from those making decisions in Abuja, one important question continues to shape the conversation around governance: How can government become more accessible to the ordinary Nigerian?
For Hon. Moremi Ojudu, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Community Engagement (South-West), answering that question has become a central part of her public service.
Since her appointment in September 2023, she has worked to strengthen communication between the Presidency and communities across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states. Through educational interventions, renewable energy initiatives, market outreach and stakeholder engagement, her office has pursued programmes intended to connect national policy with local needs.
Her appointment formed part of President Tinubu’s decision to establish dedicated community engagement offices across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, creating a structured channel between the Federal Government and citizens.
Taking Governance Beyond Abuja
One notable aspect of Ojudu’s work has been her emphasis on meeting Nigerians in their own communities.
Rather than limiting engagement to formal government meetings, her activities have included interactions with market traders, students, traditional institutions, women, young people and other community stakeholders.
In August 2024, she visited the Yaba market community and Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, engaging traders and students on their concerns while explaining the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
These encounters represent an important dimension of community engagement: providing opportunities for citizens to raise the everyday issues that affect their livelihoods, education and wellbeing.
Lighting Up Communities, Supporting Livelihoods
One of the most tangible initiatives associated with Ojudu’s office is the Light-Up Ibeju-Lekki Project, launched in June 2025.
Implemented in collaboration with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, the initiative provided solar-powered solutions to residents.
Items distributed included solar-powered fans, lamps and cooking equipment, with demonstrations to help beneficiaries understand their use.
For households and small businesses affected by unreliable electricity, such interventions offer practical alternatives and opportunities to reduce dependence on conventional power sources.
The project also illustrates the importance of collaboration between federal institutions and local authorities in addressing community challenges.
Investing in Education and Young Nigerians
Education has been another significant area of Ojudu’s community engagement activities.
Through BAT-STEM, a programme focused on scholarships, training, education and mentorship, the Presidential Community Engagement Office has supported pupils and teachers in several South-West states.
In October 2025, the office reported the distribution of school bags, sandals, exercise books, mathematics sets and other learning materials to schools in Ondo, Ekiti and Osun.
Some students also received scholarship support, while teachers benefited from classroom materials.
The initiative reflects an important principle: educational opportunity depends not only on what happens inside classrooms but also on whether children have the resources necessary to participate meaningfully in learning.
Bringing Support to Market Communities
More recently, on August 1, 2026, Ojudu led the launch of the EngageSouthwest Market Storm in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Lagos State.
The programme reached Boundary Market, Alaba Market and surrounding communities, combining engagement with direct economic and welfare support.
Selected residents received essential household items, with payments made directly to traders. Market operators also received umbrellas, aprons and raincoats, while food packages were provided to elderly residents.
The initiative was designed to support vulnerable households while encouraging commercial activity among local traders.
Although broader economic outcomes will require continued monitoring, the programme provides a concrete example of Ojudu’s approach to linking community consultation with practical assistance.
Acknowledging President Tinubu’s Role
These programmes must also be understood within the broader policy framework established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
By appointing regional Senior Special Assistants on Community Engagement, the President created offices specifically tasked with communicating government programmes, gathering feedback and building relationships with citizens.
Ojudu’s activities in the South-West demonstrate how that administrative structure is being put to work through partnerships involving government agencies, local councils, development organisations and community leaders.
In November 2025, she joined other regional community engagement aides in presenting reports to President Tinubu at the State House, outlining activities, challenges and opportunities for deeper citizen participation.
The meeting highlighted the value of maintaining a feedback channel between the Presidency and the communities affected by government decisions.
Building on the Progress
Ojudu’s record since 2023 offers several identifiable examples of grassroots engagement, from educational support and renewable energy distribution to market outreach and consultations with community leaders.
The longer-term significance of these efforts will depend on their continuity, the number of people reached, and the extent to which community feedback produces sustained improvements.
Nevertheless, the initiatives already documented offer a useful picture of how a presidential community engagement office can function beyond official announcements and ceremonial visits.
For President Tinubu’s administration, they also provide examples of how the Renewed Hope Agenda is being communicated and implemented at the local level.
Ultimately, meaningful community engagement is measured not simply by the number of meetings held, but by whether citizens are heard, their concerns are addressed and practical improvements endure.
For Moremi Ojudu and the Presidential Community Engagement Office (South-West), the work undertaken so far offers a foundation on which stronger, more inclusive and more accountable community relationships can continue to be built.
– Damilola John.
