Former 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has attributed Nigeria’s worsening poverty to poor leadership and what he described as the growing tendency to celebrate corrupt public officials.
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Peter Obi made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja while receiving members of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), led by its National President, Obijuru Everest.
Speaking to the delegation, the former governor of Anambra State noted that Nigeria is richly endowed with both natural and human resources, but continues to face hardship due to misplaced priorities and weak governance.
“Nigeria should not be a poor country,” Peter Obi said. “We have what it takes to be one of the strongest economies in the world, but bad leadership and wrong choices have kept our people in hardship.”
He argued that the situation is worsened by a societal culture that honours individuals accused of looting public funds.
“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,” he stated.
According to Obi, corruption remains one of the biggest obstacles to economic progress, as funds meant for public services are frequently diverted.
“Resources that should go into schools, hospitals and productive sectors are mismanaged. When you underfund education and healthcare, you underdevelop the country,” he said.
The 2023 presidential contender stressed that meaningful investment in education and healthcare is critical to lifting millions out of poverty.
“Countries that prioritise education and healthcare grow faster and provide better living standards for their citizens. We must deliberately invest in our people if we want real change,” he added.
Obi also recalled a past discussion with political leaders in Indonesia, noting that the Asian country’s progress was driven by improved governance and strategic investment in human capital.
“The message was clear: tackle corruption decisively and strengthen key social sectors. That is how nations move forward,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), Obi described them as the backbone of thriving economies and urged the government to create a more enabling environment for businesses.
“Support small businesses with infrastructure, fair policies and access to funding. When SMEs grow, jobs are created and poverty reduces,” he noted.
He called on citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and hold leaders accountable.
“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,” Obi urged.
“Vote, defend your votes, and help produce good leaders at all levels, from councillor to president, and you will see the country change.”
Peter Obi further encouraged artisans and skilled workers to remain engaged in civic matters, insisting that sustainable national progress depends on responsible leadership and an active, vigilant citizenry.
