By Rose Peter Graham
Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has praised Afrobeats superstar Davido for using his global platform to draw attention to the plight of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State during a recent FIFA Club World Cup event.
Davido made headlines after appearing at the FIFA World Cup countdown concert in a custom black leather jacket carrying the message “Bring Them Home“ alongside the names of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers reportedly abducted by bandits from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The singer’s appearance quickly generated reactions online, with many Nigerians commending him for using an international stage to highlight a pressing national issue.
Reacting in a statement shared on social media on Monday, Obi described the gesture as commendable, noting that it helped bring global attention to the security challenges facing communities across Nigeria.
According to the former Anambra State governor, Davido’s action went beyond entertainment and demonstrated how influential public figures can advocate for vulnerable citizens.
Obi Links Nigeria’s World Cup Absence to Leadership Challenges
In the statement, Obi also reflected on Nigeria’s absence from the FIFA World Cup, arguing that the country’s failure to qualify was not due to a lack of talent but rather a leadership deficit that has hindered the development of young Nigerians.
He pointed to the strong presence of Nigerian artists on the global stage and the number of footballers of Nigerian descent representing other countries as evidence of the nation’s immense potential.
“Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup stems not from a lack of talent but from a conspicuous deficiency in political leadership that has failed to create an enabling environment for talent development,” Obi said.
According to him, the success of Nigerian creatives and athletes should serve as a reminder of what is possible when talent is properly nurtured and supported.
Security Concerns Remain National Issue
Obi further noted that insecurity remains one of the biggest challenges confronting the country, adding that the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers continues to raise concerns among citizens.
He argued that Davido’s decision to highlight the names of the victims before an international audience helped amplify calls for their safe return and renewed attention on the broader security crisis.
“The pervasive insecurity in Nigeria merits international scrutiny, particularly given the government’s apparent inability to effectively address the situation,” Obi stated.
Growing Calls for Action
The abduction of students, teachers and residents in various parts of Nigeria has remained a major concern despite ongoing security operations.
Public figures, activists and civil society organisations have increasingly used their platforms to call for stronger action against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
Davido’s FIFA appearance has now become part of that growing conversation, with supporters describing it as a powerful moment of advocacy that brought the experiences of affected families to a global audience.
Despite the challenges, Obi expressed optimism about the country’s future, stating that a renewed and revitalised Nigeria remains achievable through responsible leadership and collective effort.
