Nigeria must take concrete steps to end poverty — Tunde Bakare

By Kunle Sanni

Renowned cleric and former presidential aspirant, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has called for national unity, purposeful leadership, and urgent action to lift Nigerians out of poverty. He made the remarks shortly after meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Wednesday.

Speaking to journalists after the private meeting, Bakare emphasized the need for deeper collaboration across regional lines and a unified national vision. “I would like to see Nigerians being their brother’s keeper,” he said. “I would like to see collaborations between the best of the North and the best of the South to steer Nigeria in the right direction.”

The founder of Citadel Global Community Church said Nigeria has spent too long deliberating on critical national issues without making real progress. “We have danced around some subjects for too long,” he noted. “It’s time to take concrete action to ensure that the masses of our country do not live in abject poverty.”

Bakare, who contested in the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, spoke about his enduring vision for Nigeria and why he continues to engage with national leaders.

“My personal vision is to see a nation that works,” he said. “These are the things I’ve discussed with Mr. President. They are not hidden.”

While he declined to share specifics of their discussion, the cleric expressed optimism about President Tinubu’s response. “When you discuss with the person in charge, you leave it with him to do whatsoever he wills with what you have suggested,” he said.

“What transpired with him stays with me,” Bakare added. “But I trust that God will help our nation and that Mr. President will be given the wisdom to help Nigeria bounce back.”

He concluded by urging leaders at all levels to prioritize people-centered governance, stressing that sustainable progress must be rooted in justice, equity, and shared responsibility.