The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG) on Thursday launched its Media Enthusiast Platform and Engagement Programme in Abuja, announcing a one-year nationwide initiative that will provide selected participants with monthly stipends of N20,000 for promoting government policies and sharing success stories from empowerment programmes.

The event, held at the Tinubu Support Group office located at No. 2 Kainji Crescent, Abuja, brought together members of the group, stakeholders, youths, and members of the press.

Speaking during the launch, the Convener of BAT-IG, Atoyebi, said the initiative was designed to encourage Nigerians, especially youths, to speak about how government programmes such as NELFUND, TIVET and employment schemes have positively impacted their lives and communities.

According to him, beneficiaries would be required to create and share videos on social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and X, explaining how they applied for government opportunities and how such programmes benefited them.

“With this initiative, many people will benefit. Stipends of N20,000 will be given monthly. You will just apply, put in your details. If you are a TIVET beneficiary, you can add it and get the same amount. Talk about the skill you learnt and how it benefited your life,” he said.

Atoyebi explained that the programme was not a one-off initiative but a year-long project expected to cover communities across the federation.

“It is a year stretch programme. We want it to continue. If we can get a minimum of one person from each ward out of the 8,809 wards in the federation, that means between 8,000 and 10,000 people can benefit,” he said.

He added that the group could spend about N176 million monthly on the project if 8,800 participants receive the N20,000 stipend, noting that stakeholders and partners would support the initiative financially.

“That is why stakeholders will also come in to help us. It is not only BAT-IG that will finance this. Other stakeholders will partner with us because we are all working for the same goal,” he added.

The BAT-IG convener said participants must produce at least three to four videos monthly before receiving payment, stressing that the aim was to encourage civic participation and policy awareness at the grassroots level.

Responding to questions on youths who constantly criticise the government online, Atoyebi urged young Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities provided by the current administration instead of remaining passive critics.

“A majority of them are just out there to complain because of frustration. They don’t know how to tap into opportunities. There are many opportunities they can benefit from in this government,” he said.

He stated that members of the platform would not only serve as media enthusiasts but also become advocates capable of informing others about government interventions and opportunities.

“We want to tell them their voter’s card can help them. We will train them on skills and available jobs. Everybody can benefit from this government,” he said.

Atoyebi also defended the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a major relief for parents struggling to pay school fees.

“The issue of parents going through LAPO and banks to pay school fees has been alleviated. It is an interest-free loan,” he said.

He further disclosed that BAT-IG had advocated automatic employment opportunities for NELFUND beneficiaries who graduate with a CGPA of 3.5 and above.

“We are an advocacy group. We advocate for different policies. When we speak to government, they listen,” he said.

On strategies to reach all wards across the country, the convener said the group had already established coordinators, directors and home-cell structures in communities nationwide.

“We are the most grassroots political group. In every street, we have people discussing government policies and engaging community members,” he said.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Atoyebi urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, saying policy continuity was necessary for economic growth and sustainability.

“Let the goodwill continue. Vote Bola Ahmed Tinubu again. Policy continuity will make our economy grow even beyond the one trillion target,” he said.

The event began with Muslim prayers and ended with Christian prayers, while the first stanza of the national anthem was recited. Songs promoting the ideology of President Tinubu were also performed during the programme.

Among dignitaries present at the event were the Director of Media and Publicity at BAT-IG, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi; Secretary of BAT-IG, Mr. Rotimi Oke, Alhaji Tejumade Sulaiman and several media representatives. A question-and-answer session was also held during the launch.