Former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has called for a paradigm shift in Africa’s development strategy, urging governments and institutions to place social justice at the centre of economic growth.
Osinbajo made the call at the Ford Foundation Office for West Africa (FFOWA)high-level anniversary celebration titled “OWA@65: From Nation Building to Social Justice,” in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme: “Social Justice as an Imperative to Development “he said that true progress should be measured not by Gross Domestic Product (GDP)but by the well-being or quality of life of the citizens.
“Africa is currently the fastest-growing continent in GDP terms.Yet it remains the continent with the lowest overall quality of life. GDP growth does not necessarily translate to jobs or a decent life for citizens.
Reflecting on his tenure as Chair of Nigeria’s Economic Management Team from 2016 to 2019, Osinbajo highlighted the disconnect between economic statistics and citizens’ lived experiences.
“When governments talk about growth, citizens wonder what we are talking about. Only big business, banks, and corporates understand those things.
“For many, the promise of a better life that democracy offers is simply not there.”
He said that development should start from the bottom up, not from the top down.
“We should not talk about development unless it is tied to the welfare of the majority of our people.
“Social justice places the human being not statistics at the centre of development.It produces development that reaches the majority.
