Nigeria’s biggest problem is grinding poverty, not religion — Makinde
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that Nigeria’s biggest problem is grinding poverty, not religion, urging Christians to stop shunning politics and take an active role in transforming the country. The post…
Religion has long been a flashpoint in Nigerian politics, with accusations of marginalisation and calls for a "Christian president" or "Muslim-Muslim" ticket frequently dominating public debate, particularly around election cycles. Critics argue this focus on religious identity distracts from more pressing structural issues such as widespread poverty, unemployment and insecurity that affect Nigerians across faith lines. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde's remarks tap into this long-running tension, framing economic hardship rather than religious division as the country's defining challenge.
The coverage notes that Makinde made the comments while being honoured as a "Christian Icon," and one outlet, Daily Trust, specifies this award context, while others simply report his call for Christians to be more politically engaged. The reports agree on his core message — that poverty, not religion, is Nigeria's biggest problem — and his appeal to Christians to take a more active role in governance rather than withdraw from political participation. None of the accounts provide further detail on the specific event, audience size, or Makinde's broader policy proposals, which remain unreported.