Governance Burden Too Heavy for Govt Alone — Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said the responsibility of tackling poverty and driving national development cannot be left solely to government, stressing the need for joint efforts by faith-based organisations, the private sector, and individuals.

Abiodun made the remarks 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.” The event took place at The Marquee, Harbour Point, Victoria Island.

“The burden of governance cannot be shouldered by government alone, and the church has effectively demonstrated this belief through its initiatives,” Abiodun said, commending Foursquare Gospel Church for going “beyond the pulpit” to provide schools, hospitals, humanitarian outreach, and empowerment programmes that have positively impacted lives.

He stressed that addressing poverty requires inclusive economic growth that extends opportunities to all, especially the vulnerable.

“Economic development and stability are two sides of the coin. Without stability, the economy is short-lived; without development, poverty persists. Poverty is not just an economic statistic, it is a human reality. As leaders — in government, the church, or the private sector — we must collaborate to break the cycle and care for the vulnerable,” he added.

Earlier, the General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, said no nation can achieve sustainable development and stability without deliberately tackling poverty.