Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has blamed Nigeria’s persistent poverty on poor leadership and the culture of celebrating public officials who mismanage or steal public resources.
Obi spoke on Thursday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), led by its national president, Obijuru Everest.
In a statement issued by Ibrahim Umar, spokesperson of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), the former governor of Anambra State said Nigeria’s widespread poverty is not due to a lack of resources but to leadership failures and misplaced national priorities.
Obi noted that a country blessed with vast natural resources, oil and gas reserves, and a large youthful population should ordinarily be among the world’s thriving economies.
“We are poor because we have chosen to be poor. We give titles and front-row seats of honour to those who steal public funds, and yet we expect to grow,” Obi said.
The former governor attributed the nation’s economic challenges largely to corruption and to successive governments’ failure to prioritise key sectors such as education and healthcare.
Drawing a comparison with Indonesia, Obi said the Asian nation, which shares similarities with Nigeria in terms of population and size, has achieved notable economic progress due to better leadership and strategic investments.
He recalled a previous conversation with Indonesian political leaders, who advised him that national development requires strong action against corruption and sustained investment in human capital.
According to Obi, improving education and healthcare will enable citizens to become more productive and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
He also stressed the importance of supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which he described as the backbone of every successful economy.
Obi said SMEs can only thrive when governments create a stable and transparent environment that encourages productivity and enterprise.
“Join the fight for a great Nigeria. Stop worshipping those who steal your money, stop giving them titles, and stand up for what is right,” he said.
“Vote, defend your votes, and help produce good leaders at all levels, from councillor to president, and you will see the country change.”
Earlier, Everest said ASVAN decided to visit Obi because the association believes in his vision for national development and the need for policies that support artisans and small businesses.
He noted that artisans play a critical role in the Nigerian economy but often struggle because of weak policies and a lack of government support.
Everest disclosed that the association has developed a blueprint for a world-class artisan workshop village to help Nigerian artisans produce high-quality finished products that can compete globally.
He added that ASVAN, which has coordinators across the 36 states and represents more than two million artisans, is also pushing for legislation at the National Assembly to formally recognise and regulate the artisan sector nationwide.
He expressed hope that stronger support for the artisan sector would help stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity.
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