Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has said Nigeria’s persistent poverty is largely the result of choices made by the country’s leadership and society.
Speaking in Abuja during a meeting with members of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), Obi argued that Nigeria has enough natural and human resources to thrive but continues to struggle because corruption is often tolerated and even celebrated.
The delegation from ASVAN, led by its National President Comrade Obijuru Everest, paid a courtesy visit to the former governor where discussions focused on governance, economic development, and the role of artisans in national growth.
‘Nigeria Has the Resources to Prosper’
Obi noted that Nigeria is blessed with oil, gas and a large population of energetic young people, which should ordinarily position the country among the world’s stronger economies.
However, he said the nation’s biggest challenge lies in leadership choices and societal attitudes toward corruption.
According to him, a culture that honours individuals accused of looting public funds sends the wrong signal about the values needed to build a prosperous nation.
“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,” Obi said.
Lessons From Other Countries
During his remarks, Obi compared Nigeria with Indonesia, a country he said shares similarities with Nigeria in terms of population size and natural resources.
He explained that Indonesia has achieved stronger economic progress largely because of clearer development priorities and better leadership decisions.
Obi recounted advice he once received from a leader in the Southeast Asian country, who emphasised the need for governments to focus on protecting public funds, investing heavily in education and healthcare, and building systems that support productivity.
According to Obi, countries that prioritize these areas tend to experience long-term economic growth because healthy and educated citizens contribute more effectively to the economy.
Focus on Small Businesses
The former governor also stressed the importance of supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which he described as key drivers of economic growth in many successful countries.
He said small businesses thrive best when governments create transparent systems, stable policies, and an environment where entrepreneurs can operate without excessive barriers.
Call for Civic Responsibility
Obi urged Nigerians to take an active role in shaping the country’s future by rejecting corruption and holding leaders accountable.
He encouraged citizens to participate in elections, protect the integrity of their votes, and support leaders who demonstrate integrity and competence.
“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,” he said.
Artisans Seek Policy Support
Earlier in the meeting, ASVAN president Comrade Obijuru Everest said the association had been following Obi’s political journey and believed it was important to engage with leaders who advocate reforms.
Everest noted that artisans play a major role in Nigeria’s economy but often struggle because policies and support systems that could help them expand their businesses remain inadequate.
He added that with the right policies and support, the artisan sector could contribute even more to job creation and economic development.