Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has said that Nigeria’s persistent poverty is not due to a lack of natural resources but largely the result of the choices made by the country’s leaders and citizens.
Obi made the remarks in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), led by its National President, Obijuru Everest, during a courtesy visit.
According to Obi, Nigeria is richly endowed with resources such as oil and gas and also has a large and energetic population capable of driving economic growth. However, he said the country continues to struggle because of leadership failures and a culture that often celebrates corruption rather than confronting it.
He stated that Nigeria’s situation is largely self-inflicted, noting that society frequently honours individuals accused of mismanaging public funds while expecting meaningful national progress.
Obi also compared Nigeria’s development trajectory with that of Indonesia. He said both countries share similarities in population size and natural resources, but Indonesia has recorded stronger economic progress because of clearer priorities and stronger leadership.
The former governor explained that effective leadership should prioritise tackling corruption, investing in education and healthcare, and creating systems that support economic productivity. He said countries that achieve sustainable development place strong emphasis on human capital and the growth of small businesses.
He further stressed that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can only thrive in an environment where government policies promote stability, transparency, and accountability.
Obi urged Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process and hold leaders accountable. He called on citizens to vote responsibly, defend their votes, and support credible leadership at all levels of government.
Earlier, Everest said the artisans’ association had been closely following Obi’s political activities and believed it was important to identify with individuals who demonstrate commitment to national development.
He added that artisans remain a significant driver of Nigeria’s economy but continue to face challenges due to limited policy support and inadequate systems that could help them grow their businesses.
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