Makinde Urges Christians To Participate In Politics, Says Poverty Nigeria’s Biggest Problem

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on Christians to actively engage in politics and governance, insisting that poverty, rather than religious differences, remains Nigeria’s most pressing challenge.

Makinde made the call at the 50th anniversary celebration, awards ceremony and thanksgiving service of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), where he was among the recipients of awards.

The governor said the recognition presented an opportunity to challenge Christians who avoid politics because it is dirty or incompatible with their faith.

He urged believers to overcome such reservations and contribute to efforts to transform the country, stressing that religious differences should not prevent them from participating in public service.

To buttress his argument, Makinde cited biblical accounts of Samuel and David, noting that Samuel emerged despite the misconduct of Eli’s sons. At the same time, David served in King Saul’s palace even after being anointed as Israel’s future king.

He said the examples underscored the importance of accepting opportunities to serve and fulfil a greater purpose, regardless of the shortcomings of those in positions of authority.

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

Makinde, however, argued that Nigeria’s fundamental problem was not religion but widespread poverty, urging the country’s leaders and citizens to concentrate on addressing the economic difficulties confronting the people.

“Our problem is actually not religious. Our problem in this country is poverty, grinding poverty,” the governor said.

He stressed that efforts to reset the country must focus on practical solutions to the challenges facing Nigerians, rather than allowing religious differences to overshadow the need for economic and national development.

# Makinde: Christians Must Stop Shunning Politics, Join Nigeria’s Transformation

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has challenged Christians across the country to abandon their reluctance to participate in politics, urging them to take an active role in governance and efforts to reshape Nigeria.

Makinde said Christians should not use the perception that politics is dirty or concerns about working with people of other faiths as reasons to withdraw from political engagement and public service.

The governor spoke at the 50th anniversary celebration, awards ceremony and thanksgiving service of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), where he was among those honoured.

He described the recognition as an opportunity to call on Christians to become more involved in the political process, insisting that national transformation requires their participation rather than disengagement.

Makinde drew lessons from biblical accounts of Samuel and David to argue that believers should not allow the shortcomings of people in positions of authority or differences in religious beliefs to discourage them from serving.

He recalled how Samuel emerged despite the misconduct of Eli’s sons, while David served in King Saul’s palace after being anointed as Israel’s future king.

The governor said the examples should encourage Christians to seize opportunities to contribute to governance, even when they have reservations about those with whom they may have to work.

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

Makinde also shifted attention to Nigeria’s economic challenges, arguing that political participation should be driven by the need to address poverty and improve citizens’ living conditions rather than be constrained by religious differences.

“Our problem is actually not religious. Our problem in this country is poverty, grinding poverty,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to focus on solutions to the country’s socio-economic problems, stressing that the task of national transformation requires citizens, including Christians, to take an active interest in shaping the country’s political and governance processes.