Foursquare Church to Host 12th Annual Public Lecture on Poverty Alleviation, Economic Devt

Mary Nnah

The Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria is set to host its 12th annual public lecture on Wednesday, September 17, at The Marquee, Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos. 

The lecture will focus on ‘Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development and Stability of the Nigerian Economy’, a topic that resonates with the current economic challenges facing the nation.

The General Overseer, Rev. (Dr.) Sam Aboyeji, said the lecture is part of the activities marking the church’s 70th anniversary.

“Historically, Christianity has played a significant role in shaping societies and continues to impact nation-building efforts by fostering unity and moral integrity,” he said.

“We believe that as responsible citizens of this great nation, Nigeria, we have a duty and an obligation to partner with the government at all levels, as well as other patriotic stakeholders, in building our dear nation, Nigeria,” Aboyeji added.

The lecture will be chaired by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who has implemented various poverty alleviation and economic development initiatives in his state.

The guest lecturer, Dr. Doyin Salami, a senior fellow and Associate Professor at Lagos Business School, will be supported by a team of expert discussants, including Pastor Ben Akabueze, Mrs. Ini Abimbola, and Dr. Otive Igbuzor.

The 70th anniversary celebration will also feature other activities, including the Holy Spirit Refreshing Dew, a special October edition of the church’s quarterly evangelistic outreach programme, scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island. 

“This event promises to be an awesome jubilee praise extravaganza with both internal and external guest artists joining me in declaring God’s praise,” Aboyeji added.

The church will also host its 70th Annual National Convention from Monday, October 6, to Sunday, October 12, at the Foursquare Campground, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ajebo, Ogun State. The theme for the convention is ‘Completion and Perfection’, taken from Leviticus 25:13 and Psalm 138:8. Renowned fathers of faith, including Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, and Bishop Francis Wale Oke, will be in attendance.

“We are confident and trust the Almighty God for a new Nigeria that we all will be proud of. It is on this note that I want to thank you all for coming to honour our invitation. The anniversary celebration promises to be a time of spiritual growth, community engagement, and nation-building,” Aboyeji said. 

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    By Ugo Inyama

    The United States has approved $32.5 million in food assistance to Nigeria, a country facing what international agencies describe as one of the most severe hunger crises in the world. The funds, channelled through the World Food Programme (WFP), are expected to reach more than 764,000 people across the northeast and northwest—regions most affected by conflict and displacement. Among them are over 41,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women and more than 43,000 children who will receive targeted nutritional support.

    For many, this intervention will provide immediate relief. Yet it also raises an enduring question: is this a lasting solution, or only a temporary response to a deeper problem?

    Hunger’s Grip

    Nigeria is experiencing its most serious hunger emergency in decades. More than 31 million citizens are classified as food insecure (World Bank, 2024), a situation shaped by insurgency, displacement, and economic pressures. In states such as Borno and Zamfara, farmlands have become unsafe, trade routes disrupted, and local economies weakened. For many households, even the most basic food items are increasingly difficult to afford.

    Earlier this year, WFP was forced to close over 150 nutrition clinics in Borno State following funding cuts, leaving thousands of children without treatment for acute malnutrition. Families were left with little choice but to go without food or depend on community support.

    The United States has for many years been a major contributor to Nigeria’s humanitarian response—at one stage funding nearly 60% of WFP’s operations in the country (WFP, 2024). That support was suspended in early 2025, creating a significant shortfall that other donors could not fill. The new $32.5 million commitment marks a renewed engagement, but compared to the $1 billion estimated need for 2025 (UN OCHA, 2025), it represents only a fraction of what is required.

    Even so, for families in displacement camps across Maiduguri or Katsina, this support will bring real and immediate benefits—food vouchers, fortified meals for mothers, and emergency nutrition for children.

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    Humanitarian assistance is essential, but it cannot by itself resolve the structural causes of hunger in Nigeria. The challenge is not simply about food supply, but about the absence of systems that guarantee access, affordability, and security. Nigeria has the land, resources, and people to be food sufficient, yet years of underinvestment, corruption, and policy inconsistency have weakened the agricultural sector.

    Although billions have been allocated to farming initiatives, many smallholders still lack access to credit, irrigation, storage, and fair markets. Food aid helps in the short term, but without reforms to strengthen rural infrastructure, support local farmers, and restore security, the cycle of dependency is likely to continue.

    A Shared Responsibility

    The renewed support from the United States is timely. It provides relief at a period of urgent need. However, the long-term responsibility for addressing hunger lies within Nigeria. The battle will be determined not in Washington or New York, but in Abuja, Kano, Enugu, and across farming communities nationwide.

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    *Ugo Inyama writes from the African Digital Governance Centre, Manchester, UK. www.Africandgc.com

    The post U.S. Gives $32.5m Food Aid to Nigeria: Lifeline or Bandage? appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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    By Ugo Inyama The United States has approved $32.5 million in food assistance to Nigeria, a country facing what international agencies describe as one of the most severe hunger crises
    The post U.S. Gives $32.5m Food Aid to Nigeria: Lifeline or Bandage? appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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