No Nation Experience True Stability Without Tackling Poverty – Rev. Sam Aboyeji
…Governor Dapo Abiodun said, Ogun State is Nigeria’s Capital of Christians, calling for deeper cooperation and collaboration on poverty
The General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, has stated that beyond praying for Nigeria, the church sees it as part of its responsibility to create platforms for intellectual discourse and provide godly counsel that can enrich governance, inspire development, and promote national transformation.
He made this known at the 12th Annual Lecture of the Foursquare Gospel Church titled “Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development, and Stability of the Nigerian Economy,” held on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Church in Nigeria.
Rev. Aboyeji noted that, over the years, the platform has featured eminent personalities, scholars, technocrats, political, and religious leaders whose contributions have added significant value to Nigeria’s collective understanding of nation-building, and will continue in that noble tradition.
“The theme of this year’s lecture, Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development, and Stability of the Nigerian Economy, is both timely and urgent. Poverty remains one of the greatest challenges confronting our people, and addressing it requires practical, sustainable, and inclusive solutions. Poverty is not just a lack of income; it’s a lack of capability to live with dignity, and as a church, no nation can experience true stability without deliberately tackling poverty. Hosting this annual public lecture remains unwavering, 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”, he stated.
In his address, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who was the Chairman of the day acknowledged God in his life, how He made the impossible possible for him, and showed him that with Him, nothing is impossible, said, “I have only been in the office two days in the last two weeks, I looked at this lecture invitation, I looked at Dr. Lemo’s numerous messages to me, and I reminded myself that, besides the blessings of God in my life, being the center and gateway to Nigeria’s prosperity and investment opportunity, Ogun State is a state of many icons. We are the Christian capital of Nigeria, and I am the governor of the Christian capital in Nigeria. Therefore, I must be here.”
Gov Abiodun stressed that economic development and stability were two sides of the same coin, and no longer just a statistic but a harsh human reality confronting millions across the world. Without stability, development would be short-lived and poverty would persist.
“As leaders, whether in government, in church, the private sector, faith-based institutions, or corporate organisations, we must collaborate to break this circle. Poverty is a collective responsibility”, he said.
He emphasised that faith-based organisations must go beyond sermons to provide education, vocational training, mentorship, and micro-financing that could change the social landscape. He called on Churches to build moral capital by teaching discipline, accountability, and stewardship to empower families and strengthen society.
Abiodun highlighted his administration’s empowerment programmes for women, youths, artisans, and farmers, as well as free healthcare initiatives. He admonished that inclusive growth and economic stability were the only paths to breaking the poverty trap.
During his lecture, the guest lecturer, Dr Doyin Salami, an economic expert and former Economic Adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari, lamented the growth of Nigeria, which he said was almost at par with China at a time, while today, with committed leaders who took the bull by the horns, it has transformed China.
He warned that Nigeria must abandon soft reforms and embrace bold, hard reforms like China did decades ago, if it truly wants to achieve economic transformation. He thereby proposed a seven-year single tenure for elective officials to allow leaders to concentrate on governance and tackle long-term challenges.
“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.
