Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun calls for united action by government, faith groups, and private sector to tackle poverty and boost Nigeria’s development

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has urged a united effort in the fight against poverty, stressing that national development cannot be achieved by the government alone.

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Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday, Governor Abiodun emphasised the critical role of faith-based organisations, the private sector, and individuals in driving economic progress.

At the 12th Annual Public Lecture of The Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, held at The Marquee, Harbour Point, Victoria Island, the governor highlighted the complexities of governance, pointing out that the burden of development must be shared.

“The burden of governance cannot be shouldered by government alone, and the church has effectively demonstrated this belief through its initiatives,” he said.

Governor Abiodun praised the Foursquare Gospel Church for their impactful social interventions, including schools, hospitals, humanitarian outreaches, and empowerment programmes that have improved countless lives.

He added that poverty alleviation depends heavily on economic stability and inclusive growth, ensuring opportunities reach the vulnerable.

“Economic development and stability are two sides of the coin. Without stability, the economy is short-lived. Without development, poverty persists,” Abiodun explained.

“As leaders, whether in government, church or private sector, we must collaborate to break the cycle because poverty is not just an economic statistic; it is a human reality. We must care for the vulnerable.”

Rev. Sam Aboyeji, General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, in his welcome address, echoed the sentiment, stressing that no nation can thrive without deliberately tackling poverty.

“Poverty is one of the greatest challenges confronting Nigerians today, and it can only be removed or minimised through a collective battle by government, faith-based organisations, committed parastatals, and individuals,” he noted.

The annual lecture, which has been a fixture for 70 years, serves as a vital platform for intellectual discourse and policy engagement, highlighting the church’s commitment to national progress.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr Doyin Salami, Senior Fellow and Associate Professor at Lagos Business School, sounded a cautionary note on Nigeria’s economic volatility.

He warned that the current growth rate of 3.2 per cent is inadequate for poverty reduction and stressed the need for a sustained 6.5 per cent annual growth over a decade to achieve meaningful progress.

Dr Salami recalled that Nigeria lagged behind China in poverty reduction since the early 1990s and noted that Nigeria’s over-reliance on services rather than industry is deepening economic challenges and undermining sustainable growth.

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Governor Dapo Abiodun’s call for collective responsibility is a powerful reminder that ending poverty requires passionate, collaborative leadership and bold action from all sectors of society.