By Lanre Oloyede
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has entered into a strategic partnership with the International Christian Organization for Sustainable Development (ICOSD) to advance the welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the elderly, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
The partnership was formalized on Wednesday during a brief meeting between the SSA and his team and the ICOSD delegation led by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr. Joseph Aunde Vambe.
At the heart of the collaboration is the forthcoming public presentation and launch of a 700-page book authored by Dr. Vambe, titled “THE NEW NIGERIA — COMPLIMENT TO THE GAME CHANGER.” The book, produced in partnership with the Akume for Tinubu Support Group 2027, provides an extensive exposition of the bold reforms, impactful policies, and transformative leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. It highlights the administration’s strategic drive toward achieving a trillion-dollar economy by 2030 under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with a strong focus on poverty eradication.
Proceeds from the book launch and subsequent sales will be dedicated to empowering PWDs, women, youths, senior citizens, and IDPs through agriculture for food security, digital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, education support, creative industry development, and community-based initiatives.
These interventions are targeted at all 8,809 wards across the 774 local government areas to strengthen grassroots development and accelerate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The initiative also aligns closely with the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP).
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Vambe emphasized that many of the administration’s reforms are designed to stimulate grassroots progress. He cited the push for local government autonomy as a historic and commendable step. He also noted that the removal of fuel subsidy—though challenging—has, according to experts, reduced corruption by up to 50%.
In his response, Hon. Abba Isa expressed delight that the initiative is not government-sponsored but driven by private-sector passion and patriotism. He lamented that, despite the administration’s significant reforms and achievements, many Nigerians—especially the youth—remain unaware of the progress made. He described the partnership as timely and essential for sensitizing the public, deepening civic awareness, and countering misinformation.
He further stressed the need for accurate narratives that help de-escalate ethno-religious tensions surrounding national security issues, urging stakeholders to present the true picture of developments in the country.
At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to establish a Technical Working Committee with representatives from each side to spearhead the implementation of the project.
