Foursquare Gospel Church Hosts 12th Annual Public Lecture on Poverty Alleviation and Economic Stability

The Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria on Thursday held its 12th Annual Public Lecture at Harbor Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, with a focus on poverty alleviation, economic development, and the stability of Nigeria’s economy. 

The event, chaired by His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Executive Governor of Ogun State, brought together political leaders, church officials, and policy experts to chart pathways toward addressing Nigeria’s pressing economic challenges.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Doyin Salami, former Economic Adviser to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, stressed that Nigeria must go beyond cosmetic fixes and implement “hard reforms” to achieve meaningful growth. He observed that despite various reform efforts in recent decades, Nigeria still trails behind countries like China, which once shared similar development levels but has since achieved remarkable progress.

According to him, reforms must prioritize reliable data, security, electricity, quality education, and human capital development if the country is to break free from poverty and attain sustainable stability. He further suggested that elected officials should be allowed a seven-year tenure, arguing that the current structure limits leaders from focusing on governance and long-term reforms.

Dr. Salami also underscored the need for consistent investment, recommending the allocation of ₦100 billion annually over the next ten years to effectively drive poverty alleviation strategies. He identified “data poverty” and lack of accurate consensus among policymakers as major stumbling blocks to Nigeria’s economic growth.

The event attracted key figures including the General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Sam Aboyeji; Rev. Mrs. Olabisi Aboyeji; Rev. Samson Alawode, National Secretary of the Church; Rev. Hakeem Ogunniran, Chairman of the 70th Annual Convention Planning Committee; and Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Center.

Governor Abiodun commended the Foursquare Gospel Church for consistently engaging in conversations that bridge faith and governance, noting that poverty alleviation remains central to national stability. 

The event’s compere, Miss Adesuwa Onyenokwe, described Dr. Salami as “a walking encyclopedia of social autonomy,” highlighting the depth of his insights on economic reforms.

The lecture concluded with a charge to stakeholders to commit to bold reforms and collective action in addressing poverty and driving inclusive growth across Nigeria.