BAT VANGUARD LAGOS, UNDER THE AEGIS OF DATIEMO GRASSROOTS ALLIANCE, MOBILISES STAKEHOLDERS FOR STRONGER GRASSROOTS ENGAGEMENT AND ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT OPPORTUNITIES
…..Alliance Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Participation, Information Access and Support for the Renewed Hope Agenda
The BAT Vanguard Lagos, under the aegis of the DATIEMO Grassroots Alliance, has taken another step towards strengthening grassroots engagement and community participation through a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The meeting brought together community leaders, organisers, youths, women, professionals, business owners and other stakeholders, with a shared objective of building a stronger and more organised grassroots network that connects communities with relevant government information, opportunities and channels for constructive participation.
The gathering also provided a platform for stakeholders to identify community needs, exchange ideas and discuss practical ways of ensuring that government programmes and opportunities reach the people at the grassroots.
“The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration: How to Benefit”
A major highlight of the meeting was a session led by Biola Sonola on the theme, “The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration: How to Benefit.”
The session focused on helping participants better understand government programmes and initiatives, including student loans, business and SME support, empowerment programmes and other opportunities, while stressing the importance of accessing information through proper channels and understanding eligibility and application requirements.
Participants were also encouraged to remain vigilant against misinformation, fraudulent schemes and individuals seeking to exploit citizens in the name of government programmes.
Building the Grassroots from the Community Up
Speaking at the meeting, Engr. Olasupo Ajayi, Lagos State Coordinator, BAT Vanguard, and Princess Emily Ohazulike, Founder, Princess Community Care Foundation (PCCF), emphasised that meaningful development and effective governance must ultimately connect with the people at the grassroots.
They stressed that grassroots engagement should not be limited to political mobilisation, but should also involve listening to communities, sharing credible information, identifying needs, connecting people to opportunities and creating channels through which community concerns can be communicated.
The organisers noted that an organised grassroots structure can serve as an important bridge between government initiatives and the citizens they are designed to benefit.
Stakeholders Call for Greater Access to Opportunities
Among the stakeholders present was Bukola Adebayo, Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Ojokoro LCDA, who encouraged participants to actively seek information about available government programmes and opportunities.
She emphasised the importance of understanding eligibility criteria, application procedures and official channels, while urging participants to avoid misinformation and fraudulent intermediaries.
The meeting further highlighted the importance of taking reliable information directly into communities through grassroots communication, community outreach, stakeholder engagement and sustained public education.
Looking Towards 2027
As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 political season, the DATIEMO Grassroots Alliance emphasised that effective grassroots mobilisation must go beyond numbers.
According to the organisers, sustainable mobilisation is built on relationships, trust, communication, community listening, responsible leadership and a structured network that remains connected to the people throughout the political cycle.
The alliance therefore reaffirmed its collective support for H.E. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and H.E. Obafemi Hamzat, while stressing that such support must be complemented by responsible engagement, community development, access to credible information and meaningful participation.
“Every Person Here Matters”
The organisers emphasised that the strength of the alliance lies in the participation of ordinary citizens alongside community and political leaders.
«“Every person here matters. Whether you are a leader, youth, woman, community organiser, professional, business owner or simply someone who wants to contribute, there is a place for you in this alliance.”»
The meeting concluded with a commitment to move beyond discussions and develop clear action points, responsibilities and timelines that will translate the objectives of the alliance into practical grassroots activities.
The DATIEMO Grassroots Alliance reiterated its determination to build a united, organised and impactful grassroots network that promotes community engagement, responsible mobilisation, information sharing, access to government opportunities and positive community development.
The alliance believes that when citizens are properly informed, organised and connected to opportunities, grassroots communities become stronger partners in the development of Nigeria.
