Moji Makanjuola Calls for Human-Focused Economic Reforms »

Veteran broadcaster and public health advocate, Chief Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, has urged the Federal Government to ensure that its economic reforms are implemented with a “human face” to protect vulnerable Nigerians from worsening economic hardship.

Makanjuola made the call on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while serving as chairperson at the 16th Public Lecture and induction into the Democracy Newsline Good Governance Hall of Fame held at the National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.

The event, organised by Democracy Newsline Newspaper to mark 27 uninterrupted years of democracy in Nigeria, was themed “Economic Reform and Sustainable Development in a Democracy: The Nigeria Experience.”

Makanjuola acknowledged the need for economic reforms to achieve long-term growth but said policymakers must also consider their immediate effects on families, women and low-income earners.

“Reforms are good, but reforms without compassion will break the people. Every policy must have a human face. Government must cushion the effect with safety nets, skills, and opportunities so that ordinary Nigerians do not suffer unnecessarily,” she said.

The public health advocate also called on Nigerian women to pursue entrepreneurship, education and skills acquisition as pathways to financial independence.

“My dear women, we must not mortgage our dignity. Don’t wait for a man to feed you. Don’t depend on ‘side chick’ money. Build skills, start small businesses, go to school, and stand on your own. That is the only way we can truly have sustainable development,” she said.

Makanjuola noted that women constitute a significant proportion of Nigeria’s informal economy and trading sector, arguing that greater access to credit, training and markets would enable them to contribute more significantly to economic recovery at the grassroots.

She also commended Democracy Newsline Newspaper for sustaining the public lecture series for 16 years, describing it as a platform for promoting accountability in governance and recognising contributions to national development.

The event also featured the induction of distinguished Nigerians, including public office holders and community leaders, into the Democracy Newsline Good Governance Hall of Fame.

Among the dignitaries represented at the event were the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West; Salman Idris, member representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency; Asiru Idris, Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning; HRH Akogun Isiaq Ajibola, former Managing Director of Daily Trust Newspaper; Dr Austin Orette; Prof Igho Natufe; and the President-General of Okpe Development Union Worldwide.

The gathering brought together public officials, media professionals, community leaders and other stakeholders to discuss the relationship between economic reform, democratic governance and sustainable development in Nigeria.