Gift Johnbull: Fostering South-South Development through Community Engagement in President Tinubu's Administration

By GODSKNOW PEREYE

In Nigeria's complex political landscape, Gift Johnbull stands out as a driving force behind grassroots mobilization, strategic influence, and civic responsibility. As the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Community Engagement (South-South), Johnbull has established herself as a political strategist, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and advocate for inclusive governance.

Her commitment to nation-building, youth empowerment, and political participation has made her one of the most influential figures in Nigeria's civic and political space. Johnbull played a pivotal role in advancing the ideologies of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and ensuring increased civic participation as the National Coordinator of Progressive Nigerian Women and Youth.

Under her leadership, the movement launched several initiatives aimed at fostering political awareness and deepening democratic engagement. One notable example is the "Get Your PVC" campaign, which encouraged and facilitated youth participation in elections. Johnbull also spearheaded community outreach programs, including the distribution of educational materials to schoolchildren in Ogoja/Yala, Cross River State.

Johnbull's expertise in electoral processes earned her a place on several high-stakes committees, including the Ebonyi State APC Congress in 2021. She played a critical role in conducting a free and fair election that produced the state's APC executive body, with the backing of Governor Dave Umahi.

As a key member of the protocol committee responsible for organizing the 2022 APC Presidential Primaries, Johnbull's meticulous planning and execution ensured a smooth electoral process. This culminated in the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party's presidential candidate.

Johnbull's influence extends beyond electioneering, as she remains a driving force in youth empowerment and political advocacy. Her role in the Progressive Youth Conference (PYC) in 2021 brought together over 3,000 young Nigerians, providing them with inspiration and motivation to engage in governance and leadership.

As National Coordinator for Aspire Young Women Forum (AYWF), Johnbull led initiatives advocating for women's inclusion in politics, financial literacy, mentorship, and behavioral coaching for young girls. Under her leadership, the AYWF organized the Happy Conference, an intergenerational event that brought together accomplished women to mentor and inspire the next generation of female leaders.

In the 2023 presidential elections, Johnbull further cemented her reputation as a political mobilizer. She was deeply involved in the Renewed Hope Concert, which brought together over 7,000 youths to galvanize support for the Tinubu presidency. Johnbull also spearheaded the #EatWithTinubuShettima Project, a unique initiative aimed at fostering direct engagement between the APC presidential candidates and the Nigerian electorate.

As Johnbull steps into 2025, she is taking her passion for community engagement and development to new heights. She has launched two landmark initiatives aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. The first, Community Voices, is an ambitious program designed to amplify grassroots concerns and ensure direct communication between local governments and the presidency.

Under this initiative, Johnbull is facilitating monthly deliberate meetings across the 123 local governments in the South-South. This aims to bridge the gaps between youth and women in the region and the Presidency. By providing communities with an organized platform to discuss pressing issues and formulate resolutions, Johnbull is ensuring their concerns are formally presented to the president, advocating for executive attention and action.

Her second major initiative for 2025, Project Earn From The Soil, is an ambitious ₦10 billion fundraising drive aimed at tackling rural poverty and enhancing agricultural productivity in the South-South. Recognizing the crucial role of smallholder farmers in Nigeria's food security and economic development, Johnbull is working to mobilize resources to fund rural farmers through cooperative societies.

This initiative seeks to provide financial support, training, and market access to farmers, ensuring that agriculture remains a viable and profitable sector for local communities. By empowering farmers with the resources they need to succeed, Project Earn From The Soil will contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development in rural areas.

Johnbull's relentless drive, strategic acumen, and deep commitment to community-driven governance have established her as a formidable force in Nigeria's political and social landscape. With her bold new initiatives for 2025, she continues to champion the voices of the South-South people, strengthen grassroots participation, and drive economic empowerment in alignment with the Renewed Hope vision for a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.