Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election, has issued a call to affluent Nigerians to step up their support for the less privileged, particularly in the areas of water provision and education. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Obi highlighted the stark wealth disparity in Nigeria, where 70% of the nation’s wealth is controlled by just 1% of the population. He emphasized that a concerted effort from a fraction of wealthy individuals could significantly alleviate the plight of the poor.
Obi underscored the importance of government intervention at all levels to ensure that resources are directed towards uplifting the living standards of disadvantaged communities. His appeal stemmed from firsthand experiences during humanitarian visits across the country, which revealed the dire conditions faced by many Nigerians.
In his efforts to address immediate needs, Obi announced the completion of ten boreholes in several Northern states to provide short-term water solutions for underserved communities. He urged other affluent Nigerians to emulate this initiative, emphasizing the transformative impact collective action could have on water accessibility for the poor.
Similarly, Obi expressed concern for the state of education, particularly after witnessing the untapped potential of children in Quranic schools in the North. He emphasized the need for adequate support to harness the brilliance of these children and nurture them into agents of development.
Addressing criticisms regarding his governance record, Obi defended his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, emphasizing his focus on revitalizing existing infrastructure rather than building new ones. He cited improvements in education and overall well-being during his tenure, positioning Anambra State as a leader in various indicators by the time he left office.
Looking ahead, Obi reiterated his commitment to prioritizing the needs of the poor over political ambitions, stressing the urgency of addressing poverty as a fundamental driver of national challenges. He expressed confidence in resolving internal party issues within the Labour Party and downplayed their significance compared to larger party crises in the political landscape.
Overall, Obi’s message resonated with a call for collective responsibility and targeted action to address the pressing needs of marginalized communities in Nigeria.
