Peter Obi, presidential front-runner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former candidate of the Labour Party Nigeria in the 2023 election, has attributed the widespread poverty in Nigeria to poor leadership choices and the societal glorification of corruption.
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, Comrade Obijuru Everest, who paid him a courtesy visit.
Speaking during the meeting, Obi said Nigeria’s poverty persists despite its vast human and natural resources because the country has tolerated corruption and poor governance.
“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.
He recalled a conversation with political leaders in Indonesia, a nation he said shares similarities with Nigeria in population and size but has made stronger economic progress due to better governance.
According to Obi, an Indonesian leader advised that Nigeria must curb the theft of public funds and prioritise investments in education and healthcare. Such investments, he noted, would produce a healthy and educated population capable of driving economic growth.
Obi stressed that in thriving economies, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) serve as the engine of development and are supported by governments that create a stable and corruption-free business environment.
He urged Nigerians to play an active role in nation-building by rejecting corrupt leaders and supporting credible candidates during 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,” he said.
Earlier, ASVAN President Everest said the association had been following Obi’s political journey and believed it was important to support leaders they consider capable of steering the country toward progress.
He noted that artisans, despite being key contributors to the economy, operate in a difficult environment due to inadequate government support.
Everest explained that ASVAN has coordinators across Nigeria’s 36 states and represents more than two million skilled and unskilled artisans. The association is currently advocating legislation at the National Assembly of Nigeria to formally recognise the artisan sector and strengthen regulation of the profession.
He also revealed that the group has developed a blueprint for a world-class artisan workshop village designed to help local craftsmen produce high-quality finished products capable of competing internationally.
According to him, the association has been seeking government support, including land for the project, for more than three years.
“We have many initiatives that can transform and develop Nigeria’s artisan sector and help strengthen the country’s economy,” Everest said.
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