In a recent statement, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the previous general election, emphasized that his main goal is not to desperately become Nigeria’s President, but rather to see the country prosper and progress.
Speaking in Abuja following his recognition as the ‘Leadership Politician of the Year 2023’ at the annual Leadership Conference and Awards, Obi stressed, “My aspiration is not fueled by a craving for presidency, but by a genuine desire to see Nigeria thrive.”
He also highlighted the importance of engaging the youth effectively to combat poverty and crime in the nation. “We must actively involve young Nigerians in productive endeavors to eradicate poverty and reduce crime rates,” Obi remarked.
The former Anambra State governor addressed the irony of a war-torn country like Ukraine donating grains to Nigeria, pointing out that Niger State alone possesses the capability to feed the entire African continent.
Obi further underlined that the abundance of resources in Nigeria, with its vast land mass, should be leveraged to uplift its people. “Poverty has no place in our lives, particularly in the North. With our extensive land area of over 7,442,00 square meters, Nigeria has the potential to feed the whole of Africa,” he stated.
Regarding agricultural potential, he mentioned, “Niger State alone can sustain Nigeria and the rest of Africa, boasting over 73,000 square meters of arable land. States in the North-East such as Borno and Taraba, each larger than Belgium, should not only be self-sufficient but also contribute to the global food market.”
Obi stressed the critical role of competent leadership in maximizing the country’s resources and addressing socio-economic challenges. “Effective poverty alleviation measures will not only uplift the citizens but also reduce criminal activities,” he emphasized.
