A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on President Bola Tinubu to strengthen and comprehensively evaluate the Federal Government's social intervention programmes. Oyintiloye made this appeal while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo, the state capital, on Sunday. He emphasized that existing interventions covering youth employment, skills development, cash transfers, school feeding, agriculture, and other forms of social protection should be reviewed for maximum impact on Nigerians.
Oyintiloye stressed that social intervention programmes should go beyond budgetary allocations to examine poverty levels, employment creation, productivity, household purchasing power, and actual improvements in living conditions. He suggested that such interventions must have clear targets, transparent beneficiary selection, strong monitoring, and measurable performance indicators to minimise leakages, duplication, and abuse. The APC chieftain also emphasized that public funds must produce identifiable benefits.
The former lawmaker 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 the poverty rate in Nigeria remained high, with a projected poverty level of about 62 to 63 per cent in 2026. In comparison, Ghana's multidimensional poverty rate stood at 21.9 per cent in the third quarter of 2025.
Oyintiloye also called for improved workers' allowances and welfare packages, saying these would increase purchasing power, stimulate local businesses, strengthen household incomes, and enable families to meet essential needs. He noted that millions of Nigerians were living below the poverty line and urged the President to repackage his intervention programmes to meet expected targets.
Despite the current economic challenges, Oyintiloye expressed confidence in President Tinubu's capacity to reduce poverty among Nigerians. He acknowledged that the economy was not in good shape and that poverty was prevalent, but he believed that the President's efforts, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and monetary policy, were putting the country on the right path.
Oyintiloye urged Nigerians to keep believing in President Tinubu's plans to uplift the country and to support him in achieving his goals. He emphasized that the hardship Nigerians were presently facing would soon be a thing of the past. The APC chieftain encouraged Nigerians to pray for the country and continue to play their part in supporting the President.
The APC chieftain's call for strengthened social intervention programmes comes as the country continues to grapple with economic challenges. With millions of Nigerians living below the poverty line, Oyintiloye's suggestions aim to ensure that government interventions have a tangible impact on the lives of the less privileged.
Key points
- Oyintiloye urges President Tinubu to strengthen social intervention programmes to alleviate economic hardship in Nigeria.
- The APC chieftain commends President Tinubu for allocating N462.66 billion to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
- Oyintiloye calls for improved workers' allowances and welfare packages to increase purchasing power and stimulate local businesses.
