Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged African leaders to prioritise social justice in economic planning, saying GDP growth figures alone do not guarantee better living conditions for citizens. He made the call at the Ford Foundation’s 65th anniversary event held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Osinbajo said Africa remains the fastest-growing continent in GDP terms but still records low quality of life indicators in health, education, and infrastructure. He added that during his time as Nigeria’s Vice President, he often encountered citizens who felt disconnected from official growth statistics because their living conditions had not improved.
He stressed that true development must be measured by how many people benefit from access to jobs, education, healthcare, and safety. According to him, budgets and reforms should be designed from the outset to serve the welfare of the majority rather than relying on trickle-down effects.
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Ford Foundation Regional Director ChiChi Aniagolu also spoke at the event, saying social justice is essential for inclusive growth and sustainable development. She reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to working with citizens and institutions to advance equity and justice across West Africa.
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