Nigeria’s Problem Is Poverty, Not Religion – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said Nigeria’s major challenge is poverty rather than religion, urging Christians across the country to actively participate in efforts to transform the nation.

Makinde made the remarks on Saturday while speaking with newsmen after an engagement with members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the National Christian Centre, Central Business District, Abuja.

The governor, who said he was among those selected for recognition at the event, described the honour as an opportunity to encourage Christians to become more involved in national development.

“I was considered one of the people to be honoured, so I am grateful for the recognition. However, I also see it as an opportunity to call on Christians to participate in the agenda for national transformation,” he said.

Makinde urged Christians to reconsider the perception that politics is inherently dirty or incompatible with their religious beliefs, stressing the importance of active participation in governance.

He noted that some Christians often avoid politics because they do not want to associate with people whose beliefs differ from theirs.

“It is typical for us to say, ‘Politics is dirty. I don’t want to be yoked with unbelievers’, and things like that. But we must look at biblical examples,” the governor said.

Drawing from biblical accounts, Makinde encouraged Christians to learn from figures who took risks and served in challenging circumstances to fulfil a greater purpose.

He cited David, who, despite having been anointed to become king, continued to serve in the palace of King Saul, even after God had departed from Saul.

“Some people may say, ‘As Christians, we do not want to serve under unbelievers.’ But let us consider the biblical example of David,” he said.

“David had already been anointed and knew that he would become king. Yet, he went to the palace to serve Saul, from whom God had already departed.”

The governor called on Christians to rise above religious reservations and contribute meaningfully to the country’s political and development processes.

“I will use this opportunity to encourage our Christian brothers and sisters across the country to rise up and participate in the agenda to transform Nigeria and reset our country,” he said.

Emphasising the need to address the country’s socioeconomic difficulties, Makinde argued that poverty remains a more pressing concern than religious differences.

“Our problem is not primarily a religious one. Our problem in this country is poverty — grinding poverty,” he said.

He added that Nigeria must concentrate on tackling the challenges confronting its citizens, particularly poverty, rather than allowing religious differences to overshadow the need for national development.

“At this stage, we must focus on addressing the issues currently confronting us. Those are the challenges we need to tackle,” Makinde said.

End.