Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, yesterday said that the cooperation of faith-based institutions, wealthy individuals, and corporate entities with the government was needed to break the cycle of poverty in the country.
The governor stated this yesterday at the 12th Annual Lecture titled: “Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development, and Stability of the Nigerian Economy,” to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Foursquare Gospel Church, held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Abiodun, who was the chairman of the occasion, said the theme of the public lecture was apt as poverty was confronting many nations, including Nigeria, emphasising that to defeat poverty, all hands must be on deck, as government alone cannot do it.
He said: “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 that economic development and stability were two sides of the same coin, stressing that without stability, development would be short-lived and poverty would persist.
The governor admonished the Church to use its teachings and actions to inspire values of hard work, integrity, and accountability, noting that the church could mobilise support for social change, serve as a bridge between citizens and government, and provide support systems that empower families and strengthen society.
ALSO, at the same event, the General Overseer of The Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, identified poverty as one of the greatest challenges confronting Nigerians, which requires practical, sustainable and inclusive solutions.
Aboyeji said no nation could experience full stability without deliberately tackling poverty and ensuring broad-based economic development.
He said, “Our commitment as a church to holding this annual lecture is unwavering.
This is because, as a church with 70 years of continuous presence and active engagement in Nigeria, we consider it a sacred duty to contribute meaningfully to the progress and prosperity of our beloved nation.”
“Moreso, beyond praying, we see it as part of our responsibilities to create platforms for intellectual discourse and to provide godly counsel that can enrich governance in development and promote national development, hence I say that the theme of this lecture is apt, which should be urgently addressed.”
He gave kudos to Abiodun for demonstrating commitment to economic transformation in Ogun State.
The Guest Speaker, Dr Doyin Salami, lamented the growth of Nigeria, which he said was almost at par with China at a time, while China today, with committed leaders who took the bull by the horns, has transformed China.
“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 added.
