“Economic Reforms Must Have Human Face” – Dr. Moji Makanjuola Charges Women to Embrace Self-Reliance
By Temiloluwa Samuel— Abuja
Veteran broadcaster and public health advocate, Chief Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, has called on the Federal Government to ensure that ongoing economic reforms are implemented with a “human face” that protects the most vulnerable Nigerians.
She made the call on Wednesday , 19th August 2026, at the 16th Public Lecture and Induction into the Good Governance Hall of Fame organized by Democracy Newsline Newspaper to commemorate 27 uninterrupted years of democracy in Nigeria, at the National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.
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Speaking as the Chairperson during the event themed “Economic Reform and Sustainable Development in a Democracy: The Nigeria Experience,” Chief Makanjuola said that while reforms are necessary for long-term growth, their immediate impact on families, women, and low-income earners must not be ignored.
“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 stated.
Turning to women, the respected media personality charged them to embrace entrepreneurship and self-reliance instead of depending on men or what she described as “side chicks’ lifestyle.”
“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 to applause from the audience.
She noted that women make up the largest percentage of Nigeria’s informal economy and traders, and if properly supported with credit, training, and markets, they can drive economic recovery at the grassroots.
Chief Mrs Makanjuola commended Democracy Newsline Newspaper for sustaining the public lecture for 16 years, describing it as a credible platform for holding leaders accountable and celebrating excellence in governance.
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 for their contributions to national development.
Dignitaries at the event included the representatives of the Hon. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, representative of Senator Sunday Karimi, senator representing Kogi West, Hon Salman Idris, member representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, Commissioner for Finance Budget and Planning, HRH Akogun Isiaq Ajibola, former Managing Director, Daily Trust Newspaper, representatives of Dr Austin Orette, Prof Igho Natufe, President General, Okpe Development Union Worldwide etc
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 20TH AUGUST, 2026)
