True Progress Means Food On Tables, Security, Not Statistics – CAN To Tinubu
The Christian Association of Nigeria has told the Federal Government that the gains of its economic reforms must translate to true progress, noting that the gains cannot be measured by statistics alone.
President Bola Tinubu, in his Independence Day address, had highlighted Nigeria’s economic growth, noting that the country’s GDP grew by 4.23 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 — the fastest pace in four years — surpassing the International Monetary Fund’s 3.4 per cent projection.
According to the President, inflation had dropped to 20.12 per cent, the lowest level in three years, attributing the achievements to “sound monetary and fiscal policies” that had delivered 12 notable milestones.
But in his Independence Day message marking Nigeria’s 65th anniversary, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, congratulated the nation while cautioning that reforms must be judged by their impact on households, not just on paper.
“True progress must be measured not only by statistics but by the food on every table, the security of every community, and the opportunities available to every child,” Okoh said.
The Christian body acknowledged progress in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, agriculture, and telecommunications since independence, noting that the country had moved from “a handful of schools and institutions” to thousands producing generations of professionals.
However, it warned that millions of Nigerians were yet to feel the benefits of reforms.
“Economic reforms, while necessary, have brought temporary hardship for millions. The rising cost of living, food insecurity, unemployment, and inflation continue to weigh heavily on households,” CAN said.
Okoh also expressed concern that insecurity threatened to overshadow the country’s achievements.
“Security remains an urgent concern. Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts have caused deep pain and displacement. While strides have been made in restoring safety, more still needs to be done to guarantee the protection of lives and property,” he said.
The association called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, communities, and faith-based organisations to consolidate peace across the country.
It further urged the government to prioritise youth empowerment to stem the “persistent brain drain” and tap into the creativity and potential of young Nigerians.
“To stem this tide, there must be greater investment in education, innovation, and youth empowerment, ensuring that no young Nigerian is left behind,” CAN stated.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
