Peter Obi, a politician, has criticized the recent food donation from war-torn Ukraine to Nigeria, deeming it a “national disgrace.” Ukraine donated 25,000 tons of wheat to help alleviate the food crisis affecting over 1.3 million people in northeast Nigeria. In his statement, Obi expressed gratitude for Ukraine’s generosity but emphasized the embarrassment of Nigeria relying on a nation engaged in a brutal war for food assistance despite being officially at peace.
Obi underscored the significance of sound political leadership and lamented Nigeria’s dependence on Ukraine for food aid, calling it a result of years of leadership failure. He urged urgent reflection, a reordering of national priorities, and improved resource management and allocation. Obi highlighted the stark comparison between Ukraine and Northern Nigeria, emphasizing Ukraine’s ability to feed itself, export agricultural products, and maintain a robust economy despite the conflict.
To overcome this embarrassment, Obi proposed aggressive prioritization of investment in productive sectors like agriculture. He stressed the importance of addressing insecurity to facilitate farmers’ return to their fields, supporting small businesses, and fostering a productive manufacturing sector. Obi concluded by expressing confidence that concerted efforts over the next 4 to 5 years could reverse the current trend, leading Nigeria towards a productive and rejuvenated future.
