Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last general election, has reiterated that his ambition is not driven by a desperation for the presidency, but rather by a strong desire to see Nigeria thrive.
Speaking in Abuja at the annual Leadership Conference and Awards where he was named the ‘Leadership Politician of the Year 2023,’ Obi emphasized the need for a functional Nigeria that works for all its citizens.
“I am not desperate to be president, I am desperate to make Nigeria work,” Obi affirmed, highlighting the importance of engaging young Nigerians productively to combat poverty and crime.
Obi expressed concern over Nigeria’s reliance on external aid, noting that it was a shame for Ukraine, a war-torn country, to donate grains to Nigeria when states like Niger alone could potentially feed the entire African continent.
“We have no reasons to be poor. Poverty should never be part of our lives especially in the North,” Obi asserted, pointing out the vast agricultural potential of Nigeria.
“Ukraine has no reason to give us grain. Niger State can feed Nigeria, Africa with over 73,000 square meters of land.
The two biggest states in the North-East, Borno with over 70,000 square meters of land and Taraba, are four times the size of Belgium that is exporting food.
There is so much we can do in the country if we have the right leadership.”
Obi emphasized the correlation between poverty reduction and crime prevention, stating, “The more you remove people out of poverty, the more you have fewer criminals.”
His remarks underscored the need for effective leadership and strategic utilization of Nigeria’s vast resources to improve the livelihoods of its citizens and drive economic growth.
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