A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Hon Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged President Bola Tinubu to conduct a comprehensive review of federal social intervention programmes. This call aims to enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives in addressing economic hardship across Nigeria. Oyintiloye emphasized the need for an evaluation of existing programmes, including youth employment, skills development, direct cash transfers, school feeding, and agricultural support.
Oyintiloye stressed that social welfare initiatives must have a tangible impact, focusing on metrics such as poverty reduction, job creation, household purchasing power, and overall improvements in living standards. He noted that such interventions must feature clear targets, transparent beneficiary selection, robust monitoring, and measurable performance indicators. This, he believes, will help eliminate leakages, duplication, and abuse, ensuring that public funds yield identifiable benefits for the populace.
The APC chieftain commended President Tinubu for allocating N462.66 billion to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in the 2026 Appropriation Act. However, he warned against allowing selfish interests to derail poverty alleviation efforts. Oyintiloye expressed concern over Nigeria's projected poverty rate of 62 to 63 per cent for 2026, which remains critically high compared to neighbouring nations like Ghana, which recorded a 21.9 per cent multidimensional poverty rate in late 2025.
To stimulate local economies and protect vulnerable families, Oyintiloye advocated for enhanced workers' allowances and welfare packages. He believes that such measures will help cushion the effects of economic challenges faced by Nigerians. Despite the current economic difficulties, Oyintiloye urged Nigerians to remain patient and support the administration, expressing confidence in the President's long-term economic reforms.
Oyintiloye expressed optimism that the current economic challenges will soon subside, citing key measures implemented by the President, such as the removal of the fuel subsidy and ongoing monetary policy adjustments. He believes that these measures are steering the country onto the right path. The APC chieftain's call for a review of social intervention programmes is seen as a move to ensure that the administration's efforts to alleviate poverty and economic hardship are effective.
The statement released by Oyintiloye in Osogbo on Sunday emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of social intervention programmes to ensure maximum impact. As a former lawmaker, Oyintiloye's opinion carries weight within the APC and among Nigerians. His call for a review is expected to spark a national conversation on the effectiveness of social welfare initiatives and the need for a more targeted approach to poverty alleviation.
The implementation of social intervention programmes has been a key priority for the Tinubu administration, with a focus on addressing poverty and economic hardship. The President's efforts to alleviate suffering and stimulate economic growth have been met with mixed reactions from Nigerians. As the administration continues to navigate the complexities of economic reform, Oyintiloye's call for a review of social intervention programmes serves as a reminder of the need for effective and targeted solutions.
Key points
- APC chieftain Hon Olatunbosun Oyintiloye calls for a comprehensive review of federal social intervention programmes to alleviate economic hardship in Nigeria.
- Oyintiloye emphasizes the need for tangible metrics, such as poverty reduction and job creation, to measure the effectiveness of social welfare initiatives.
- The APC chieftain commends President Tinubu for allocating N462.66 billion to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
