By Abimbola Bamgbose
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, seeks the support of faith-based organisations, wealthy Nigerians, and the private sector in tackling poverty across the country, alongside the government.
Governor Abiodun made the call in Lagos at the Annual Public Lecture of the Foursquare Gospel Church.
According to the governor, poverty is not just about figures, but a daily reality for millions of Nigerians, hence the need for a united front, stressing that education, vocational training, micro-financing, and mentorship were vital to alleviate people from poverty, while churches could also help in promoting discipline, integrity, and accountability.
Prince Abiodun explained that, his administration has rolled out several empowerment programmes for women, farmers, and youths, as well as free health services for the vulnerable, to ease the economic hardship.
In his contribution, General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Pastor Sam Aboyeji, who said the lecture was designed to provide solutions to national challenges, commended Governor Abiodun for his strides in infrastructure, agriculture, education, and youth empowerment.
Guest lecturer, Dr Doyin Salami, a former Economic Adviser, noted that, Nigeria must move from “soft reforms” to “hard reforms” if the economy was to grow like China’s.
He called for investment in electricity, education, health, and human capital, and even suggested a seven-year tenure for elected officials to allow for proper governance.
The lecture, themed “Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development, and Stability of the Nigerian Economy,” drew leaders from government, the church, and the private sector, all united by the call to defeat poverty and secure Nigeria’s future.
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