Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called for stronger collaboration between government, faith-based organisations, the private sector, and individuals in tackling poverty and driving economic development. Speaking in Lagos at the 12th Annual Public Lecture of The Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, he said governance is too complex for government to shoulder alone.
Abiodun praised the church for its contributions through schools, hospitals, and empowerment initiatives, noting that poverty alleviation requires inclusive growth anchored on stability. He stressed that leaders across all sectors must work together to protect the vulnerable and break the cycle of poverty.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Doyin Salami of the Lagos Business School warned that Nigeria’s 3.2% growth rate is insufficient to reduce poverty. He argued that the country needs at least 6.5% sustained annual growth, backed by strong investments in industry, to achieve meaningful development and avoid repeating past mistakes.