Abuja: The Board of Directors of ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has urged governments at all levels to uphold their election promises by delivering essential infrastructure and sustainable livelihood support to rural communities. The appeal was made by Ms Rabi Isma, Chairperson of the AAN Board, during a working visit to Tungan Ashere Community on Saturday in Abuja. The visit was part of the organisation's commitment to amplifying citizens' voices and promoting responsive, people-centred governance.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Isma expressed concern that rural communities across Nigeria continue to suffer from neglect and require urgent government intervention in key areas such as electricity, schools, health centres, and access roads to thrive and realise their potential. She emphasized that fulfilling these promises is critical to the delivery of democratic dividends. Isma highlighted the issue of abandoned infrastructure projects, urging government officials to move beyond mere announcements and take tangible actions that genuinely transform lives.
She also called on leaders to consider the legacy they intend to leave behind, stressing that true leadership is measured by positive, lasting impact. Isma commended Tungan Ashere residents for sustaining ActionAid's interventions in the community, including the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre, women empowerment initiatives, and agricultural projects. She expressed admiration for the community's resilience, particularly the determination and drive of the women to transform their lives.
Earlier in the visit, ActionAid Nigeria's Country Director, Mr Andrew Mamedu, urged citizens to demand greater accountability from the federal, state, and local governments. He highlighted that many countries had achieved progress because citizens consistently demanded results from their leaders. Mamedu noted that political leaders often access rural communities during campaigns despite poor road conditions, emphasizing the need for communities to engage their leaders post-elections to ensure the delivery of promised developments.
Mamedu explained that the purpose of the visit was to assess the impact of ActionAid's interventions and identify further needs within the community. He cited recent statistics indicating that over 70 per cent of people in rural communities in Nigeria live in poverty, thus underscoring the need for continued investment and advocacy in such areas.