Category: Politics

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said the fight against poverty and the pursuit of national development cannot be left to the government alone, stressing the need for collective responsibility by faith-based organisations, the private sector and individuals.

Abiodun made the call in Lagos on Tuesday while chairing the 12th Annual Public Lecture of The Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, themed “Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development and Stability of the Nigerian Economy,” held at The Marquee, Harbour Point, Victoria Island.

According to him, the complexity of governance makes it impossible for the government to carry the burden of development single-handedly.

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

He commended Foursquare Gospel Church for going “beyond the pulpit” to provide social interventions through schools, hospitals, humanitarian outreaches and empowerment programmes that had impacted countless lives.

Abiodun added, “The problem of poverty requires economic stability which must be anchored on inclusive growth where opportunities are extended to all citizens, especially the vulnerable.

“Economic development and stability are two sides of the coin. Without stability, the economy is short-lived. Without development, poverty persists. As leaders, whether in the 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.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, said no nation could achieve development and stability 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 said.

Aboyeji noted that with 70 years of continuous presence in Nigeria, the church considered it a “sacred duty” to contribute to national progress, hence its commitment to the annual lecture as a platform for intellectual discourse and policy engagement.

Delivering the lecture, Senior Fellow and Associate Professor at Lagos Business School, Dr Doyin Salami, lamented the volatility of the Nigerian economy, warning that the current 3.2 per cent growth rate was inadequate for poverty reduction.

According to him, Nigeria needed sustained growth of at least 6.5 per cent annually for a decade to achieve meaningful results.

“Recent data shows that increases in investment in Nigeria are not strong enough to stimulate growth. We must avoid the mistakes of the past and ensure that our investments are the kind that stimulate, support and drive development,” Salami said.

He recalled that Nigeria was ahead of China in poverty indices as far back as 1992, but by 1996 China had reversed its fortunes while Nigeria lagged behind.

He also warned that Nigeria’s reliance on services over industry was deepening its de-industrialisation and undermining prospects for sustainable growth.

The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the rising cases of attacks and killings of security personnel across the country.

Obi, in a post via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, described the spate of violence against soldiers, policemen, members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and vigilante groups as tragic and unacceptable.

The former Anambra State Governor stressed that the sacrifices of security operatives to the nation must not go unappreciated.

“The country has been thrown into mourning yet again with the reported tragic killings of our security personnel. Our men and women in uniform have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, dedicating their lives to the safety and stability of our dear nation,” Obi said.

He urged leaders at all levels to take urgent steps to better equip and motivate security operatives, insisting that security must form the foundation of governance.

According to him, Nigeria cannot continue to bury its security personnel while abandoning their families. He stressed the need for adequate compensation and support for the dependents of fallen officers.

“Our government must rise to the responsibility of ensuring that the wives, children, and parents of these fallen heroes are fairly compensated and supported. That is the least a grateful nation can provide. It is not charity, it is justice,” Obi added.

The former governor offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the slain operatives and assured their families of solidarity and support.

“To every fallen hero, may your soul rest in perfect peace. Your sacrifice and patriotism will never be forgotten. And to the families left behind, you are not alone. May God continue to provide you with strength and comfort,” he concluded.

The Olofin of Isheri, Oba Sulaiman Bamgbade, Ayodele III, has handed over a newly built Isheri High Court to the Ogun State Government, in what he described as a contribution to strengthening the state’s justice delivery system.

The monarch said the gesture was driven by a desire to promote quicker access to justice and ease the workload of existing courts.

During the official handover, Oba Bamgbade explained that the judicial facility, which he singlehandedly built, represents his commitment to strengthening access to justice and ensuring that the people of Isheri and environs are better served by the rule of law.

In a statement on Friday signed by the Palace’s Office of Media and Publicity, the monarch stressed that a functional justice system was key to peace, order, and development in any society.

“Justice and healthcare are the twin pillars of a thriving society. By handing over the Isheri High Court to the Ogun State Judiciary, we are strengthening access to justice for our people, who previously had to travel as far as Itori and Ifo,” the monarch said.

Aside from the PHC, the traditional ruler also inaugurated the 20-bed Renewed Hope Primary Healthcare Centre in Isheri Olofin as part of efforts to boost access to quality healthcare for residents.

The monarch said that the project was conceived to address the pressing medical needs of his people, particularly women, children, and the elderly.

Speaking at the unveiling as part of events to mark his 4th coronation anniversary, the monarch explained that the facility would provide affordable and accessible healthcare services, noting that primary healthcare remained the foundation of any functional health system.

He stressed that strengthening grassroots health facilities was critical to reducing avoidable deaths and the burden on tertiary hospitals.

According to him, the center would reduce the long distances my people travel to access medical care, while also creating a safer environment for maternal and child health in the area.

“With the commissioning of the Primary Healthcare Center, we are also prioritising the health and well-being of our people, because only a healthy community can truly prosper.

“This brings an end to our people having to leave their community in search of medical attention,” the monarch said.

Dignitaries at the event include the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker.

Others are Member, House of Representatives (Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency), Hon. Tunji Akinosi, Member, Ogun State House of Assembly (Ifo II), Hon. Folawewo Salami, and the Executive Chairman, Ifo Local Government, Hon. Idris Kusimo. Also present were numerous traditional rulers, community leaders, and illustrious sons and daughters of Isheri.

On May 24, 2025, Oba Bamgbade appealed to the Lagos and Ogun State Governments, as well as the Federal Government, to support heritage initiatives that protect and promote the Awori history and identity.

The monarch also urged the government to support the kingdom in turning Isheri Olofin into a cultural tourism destination and a hub for economic empowerment.