The General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev Sam Aboyeji, has urged the Federal Government to prioritize the welfare of poor Nigerians and intensify efforts to reduce the cost of food, transportation, and other necessities. Aboyeji made this call on Monday at the 66th Nigeria Independence celebration, titled Foursquare Gospel Church 2026 Refreshing Dew, held at the Foursquare International Conference Centre in Orisunbare, Idimu, Lagos. He emphasized that recent economic reforms have made life harder for many Nigerians.
Aboyeji noted that the welfare of the most vulnerable citizens should be the true measure of the country's progress. He stressed that the government should focus on the weakest link in the society, saying, "You are as strong as your weakest link. If we continue to look at the high and the mighty, we will not have a true reflection of what Nigeria is." Aboyeji lauded the government for promising to introduce gas-powered and electric buses as part of measures to reduce transportation costs.
The cleric cited farmers and traders who were sometimes forced to leave farm produce unsold due to the high cost of transporting them to major markets. He mentioned tomatoes as an example of farm produce that often goes unsold. Aboyeji advocated for a broader application of the principle of derivation to Nigeria's mineral resources, arguing that communities and states should benefit more directly from resources extracted from their areas.
According to Aboyeji, nearly every part of the country possesses mineral or other economic resources that could contribute to development if properly harnessed. He further called for greater devolution of powers from the Federal Government to the states, saying a more decentralized system would encourage states and their leaders to develop their internally generated revenue and local economies.
Aboyeji also backed state police as part of efforts to improve security and governance, arguing that Nigeria's size and diversity required greater autonomy and responsiveness at the sub-national level. He expressed optimism that the country would eventually realize its potential, referencing Jeremiah 29:10, which speaks of 70 years.
The Chairman of the 2026 Refreshing Dew, Rev. Friday Obende, encouraged Nigerians to remain patient, noting that the promises of God concerning the country were sure. Obende also called on leaders to concentrate on helping the poor masses, expressing confidence that Nigeria would become great again.
Aboyeji urged citizens not to lose hope, expressing optimism that the country would eventually realise its potential. The Foursquare leader's call comes as many Nigerians continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, which has been exacerbated by recent economic reforms.
Key points
- The Foursquare Gospel Church's General Overseer, Rev Sam Aboyeji, has called on the Nigerian government to prioritize the welfare of poor citizens and reduce the cost of necessities.
- Aboyeji advocated for a broader application of the principle of derivation to Nigeria's mineral resources and greater devolution of powers from the Federal Government to the states.
- The cleric also backed state police as part of efforts to improve security and governance in the country.
