Photo: Mr Peter Obi
By: Daniel Kanu
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerian youths to shun the pursuit of quick wealth and instead build successful careers and businesses founded on integrity, discipline, competence and hard work.
Obi made the call while speaking at the This Generation Conference, organised by Summit Bible Church in Abuja on Saturday, where he interacted with young entrepreneurs, professionals, business leaders and other members of the emerging generation.
Addressing participants, the former governor of Anambra State shared lessons from his experiences in business and public service, stressing that sustainable success can only be achieved through ethical conduct, continuous learning and value creation.
According to him, the development of any nation depends largely on the productivity and innovative capacity of its citizens rather than consumption-driven activities.
Taking to his X account after the event, Obi said he encouraged participants to remain focused on education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and ethical leadership despite the country’s current economic challenges.
“No nation develops by consumption alone. Nations progress when their citizens are productive, innovative and committed to excellence. Our young people must resist the temptation of shortcuts and instead embrace education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and ethical leadership,” he stated.
The former presidential candidate emphasized that Nigeria’s future rests significantly on the quality of leadership and enterprise that today’s young people are willing to build.
“We must move from a culture of sharing poverty to one of creating prosperity through production, innovation and responsible governance,” he added.
Obi expressed optimism about the country’s prospects, noting that the energy, intelligence and determination displayed by the young Nigerians at the conference reinforced his belief that the nation’s greatest asset remains its people.
“Their questions, ideas and aspirations reaffirmed my belief that Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil or minerals, but its people. Together, through hard work, integrity and purposeful leadership, we can build the New Nigeria that is possible,” he said.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate, who recently joined the NDC coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, has consistently advocated investment in education, healthcare, production and youth empowerment as critical pillars for national development.
Political observers say Obi’s latest remarks align with his longstanding message of promoting productive enterprise, accountable leadership and economic reforms aimed at creating opportunities for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, Obi continues to engage various stakeholders, particularly young Nigerians, whom he describes as key drivers of the country’s economic transformation and democratic future.
