By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
POVERTY DEMANDS collective action that unites government, faith-based organisations, businesses, and individuals, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said.
Speaking on Wednesday as Chairman at the 12th Annual Lecture of the Foursquare Gospel Church held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, Abiodun noted that the theme, “Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development, and Stability of the Nigerian Economy”, reflected pressing realities confronting Nigeria and other nations.
The governor maintained that government cannot eradicate poverty on its own, stressing the need for partnerships across sectors.
“As leaders, whether in government, the church, or the private sector, we must collaborate to break this cycle. Poverty is not just an economic statistic; it is a human reality,” he said.
He explained that poverty alleviation requires joint responsibility and called on religious organisations, businesses, and community leaders to provide education, vocational training, mentorship, and micro-financing.
He added that such collaborations not only empower individuals but also strengthen communities against social vulnerabilities.
Abiodun said the Pentecostal Church could further contribute to national growth by reinforcing discipline, stewardship, and accountability through its teachings. He described these as essential elements of “moral capital,” which he argued was critical for sustainable development. According to him, economic development and stability must go hand in hand, as one cannot be achieved without the other.
The governor urged churches to encourage values of integrity, hard work, and accountability while mobilising support for social change.
He said religious institutions could act as bridges between government and citizens and strengthen family support systems.
“As Nigeria continues its journey towards development and stability, we need the church more than ever to stand in the gap through fervent prayers, sound teaching of God’s word, and exemplary leadership,” he said.
Highlighting initiatives in Ogun State, Abiodun pointed to empowerment programmes for women, farmers, and youths, alongside free healthcare services aimed at helping vulnerable groups cope with economic realities.
General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Pastor Sam Aboyeji, said the annual lecture was designed to address national concerns and provide platforms for solutions.
He commended Governor Abiodun’s focus on infrastructure, agriculture, education, youth empowerment, and poverty alleviation, saying such measures had lifted the state’s socio-economic profile.
In his keynote address, former Economic Adviser to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Dr. Doyin Salami, assessed past reforms as inadequate to reposition the economy.
He observed that while Nigeria and China once shared similar levels of development, China had made major strides in three decades due to decisive reforms.
He said Nigeria must move away from “soft reforms” and embrace policies capable of driving real progress.
Salami argued that although Nigeria’s economy is growing in nominal terms, investment inflows are not stimulating significant development.
He identified reliable data systems, improved security, adequate electricity supply, quality education, healthcare, and human capital development as necessary conditions for sustainable growth.
He also proposed a seven-year tenure for elected officials to enable greater concentration on governance without the pressures of frequent elections.
