By Jelili Gbadamosi
Seyi Makinde, Oyo State Governor, has said Nigeria’s persistent poverty, insecurity and limited opportunities for young people cannot be blamed solely on individuals occupying public offices.
Makinde, in his latest newsletter, said millions of Nigerians continue to struggle to improve their standard of living despite their efforts, stressing that the country needs to address the systems and structures responsible for producing poor outcomes.
The governor noted that successive governments had introduced new policies and promised better beginnings, but said the situation had remained largely unchanged for many Nigerians.
According to him, many families work hard without seeing significant improvements in their living conditions, while young people continue to face difficulties transitioning from education to meaningful economic opportunities.
He also expressed concern over the impact of insecurity on Nigerians, as well as the failure of some institutions established to support citizens to effectively fulfil their responsibilities.
Makinde said the situation demonstrates that Nigeria’s challenges are deeper than the personalities in government at any particular time.
He therefore called for greater attention to the country’s systems, rules and institutional structures, arguing that lasting solutions must focus on changing the processes that continue to produce outcomes that disadvantage a large proportion of Nigerians.
