A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on President Bola Tinubu to comprehensively review and strengthen the Federal Government's social intervention programmes. Oyintiloye made this appeal while speaking to journalists in Osogbo on Sunday. He emphasized the need for a thorough evaluation to ensure these programmes effectively alleviate economic hardship faced by Nigerians. The social intervention programmes cover various sectors, including youth employment, skills development, and cash transfers.
Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, suggested that the existing social intervention programmes should go beyond mere budgetary allocations. He recommended assessing the programmes based on poverty levels, employment creation, productivity, household purchasing power, and actual improvements in living conditions. According to Oyintiloye, it is crucial to establish clear targets, transparent beneficiary selection, strong monitoring mechanisms, and measurable performance indicators. This, he believes, will help minimize leakages, duplication, and abuse of public funds.
The APC chieftain commended President Tinubu for allocating N462.66 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. However, Oyintiloye noted that despite this allocation, Nigeria's poverty rate remains alarmingly high. He cited Ghana's multidimensional poverty rate, which stood at 21.9 per cent in the third quarter of 2025, and compared it to Nigeria's projected poverty level of about 62 to 63 per cent in 2026.
Oyintiloye also advocated for improved workers' allowances and welfare packages. He argued that this would increase purchasing power, stimulate local businesses, strengthen household incomes, and enable families to meet their essential needs. The APC chieftain expressed confidence in President Tinubu's capacity to reduce poverty and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the President's efforts.
The APC chieftain acknowledged that millions of Nigerians are living below the poverty line. He, however, expressed optimism that the President's efforts through various intervention programmes would reduce poverty. Oyintiloye called on Nigerians to have faith in President Tinubu's plans to uplift the country.
Oyintiloye attributed the current economic challenges to the removal of fuel subsidy and the monetary policy of the President. He stated that these measures are putting the country on the right path. The APC chieftain urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country and to play their part in supporting President Tinubu's plans.
In conclusion, Oyintiloye emphasized that the hardship currently faced by Nigerians will soon be a thing of the past. He expressed confidence in the President's commitment to addressing the country's economic challenges. The APC chieftain's call for a comprehensive review of social intervention programmes highlights the need for effective poverty alleviation strategies in Nigeria.
Key points
- APC chieftain Olatunbosun Oyintiloye urges President Tinubu to strengthen social intervention programmes.
- Nigeria's poverty rate remains high, with a projected 62-63 per cent in 2026.
- Oyintiloye advocates for improved workers' allowances and welfare packages to increase purchasing power.
