Photo: Mr Peter Obi
By: Daniel Kanu
The presidential hopeful of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has attributed the widespread poverty in Nigeria to poor leadership choices and the societal glorification of corrupt public officials.
Obi made the remarks in Abuja while receiving members 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’s persistent poverty, despite its vast natural and human resources, stems largely from systemic corruption and the failure to prioritise critical sectors such as education and healthcare.
“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 said.
The former Anambra State governor recalled a discussion he once had with political leaders in Indonesia, a country he noted shares similarities with Nigeria in terms of population and size but has recorded greater economic progress due to effective leadership and policy direction.
He said one Indonesian leader advised that Nigeria could make significant progress by tackling corruption, investing heavily in education and healthcare, and building a productive workforce capable of driving economic growth.
Obi further emphasised the importance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in national development, noting that thriving economies rely heavily on the growth of such businesses, supported by governments that create a transparent and enabling environment.
He urged Nigerians to take greater responsibility in the nation’s political process by rejecting corrupt leaders and actively participating in elections.
“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. Vote, defend your votes, and help produce good leaders at all levels—from councillor to president—and you will see the country change,” Obi stated.
Earlier, the ASVAN National President, Obijuru Everest, said the association decided to visit Obi because they had been closely following his political journey and believed in his vision for national development.
Everest noted that artisans across the country play a critical role in driving economic activity but often operate in difficult conditions due to the lack of adequate government support and infrastructure.
The association, which has coordinators across Nigeria’s 36 states and a membership base of over two million skilled and unskilled artisans, is currently advocating legislation at the National Assembly of Nigeria to formally recognise and regulate the artisan sector.
He disclosed that ASVAN has also developed a blueprint for a world-class artisan workshop village aimed at enabling artisans to produce high-quality finished products capable of competing globally.
According to him, the association has been engaging with government authorities for the allocation of land for the project for the past three years but is yet to receive approval.
“We have many initiatives that can transform the artisan sector and contribute significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s economy if given the necessary support,” Everest said.
The visit, according to the group, was part of ongoing efforts to mobilise support for policies that would strengthen Nigeria’s informal and vocational sectors and enhance economic productivity.
