Grinding Poverty, Not Religion, Nigeria’s Biggest Problem — Makinde

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde has recognized grinding poverty, fairly than non secular variations, as Nigeria’s main drawback, urging Christians to actively take part in efforts to remodel the nation.

Makinde spoke on Saturday whereas receiving Faith Award from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

The Oyo State Governor referred to as on Christians throughout the nation to maneuver past the notion that politics is soiled and take an lively function in nationwide growth, stressing the necessity to confront the socioeconomic challenges going through the nation.

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

The presidential candidate argued that Nigeria’s present challenges required collective motion, urging residents to give attention to addressing the problems affecting their lives fairly than permitting non secular concerns to discourage participation in governance.

He additionally challenged Christians who keep away from politics on the grounds that they don’t wish to affiliate with “unbelievers,” insisting that biblical examples exhibit the significance of partaking with management and public service.

Citing the instance of David, who served King Saul regardless of having already been anointed to succeed him, Makinde stated Christians needs to be prepared to serve and contribute to nationwide transformation, whatever the circumstances.

“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,” he stated.

He urged Christians to attract classes from the biblical account and develop into extra concerned within the strategy of rebuilding the nation.

“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 stated.

He maintained that Nigeria’s urgent issues demanded sensible options, including that tackling poverty and different challenges confronting the nation ought to take precedence.

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

Other distinguished Nigerians who had been equally honoured by CAN throughout the had been former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former President Goodluck Jonathan; and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

The awards conferred on the 4 former leaders had been nonetheless obtained on their behalf by their representatives.