Presidential candidate Peter Obi has declared that more than half of Nigeria’s population lives below the poverty line not because of a lack of resources, but because the nation has “chosen to be poor” by honouring those who steal public funds.
Obi, the African Democratic Congress presidential front-runner and 2023 Labour Party candidate, made the remarks while receiving the leadership of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday.
“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.
The former Anambra governor recounted a conversation with political leaders in Indonesia, a country similar to Nigeria in size and population that he said is thriving due to better leadership. According to Obi, the Indonesian leader advised him to combat theft of public funds and invest in education and healthcare, noting that healthy, educated citizens drive economic growth.
Obi emphasized that small and medium enterprises are the engine of viable economies worldwide, but require a responsible, corruption-free government to create an enabling environment for them to flourish.
“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,” Obi urged. “Vote, defend your votes, and help produce good leaders at all levels, from Councillor to President, and you will see the country change.”
Earlier, ASVAN National President Comrade Obijuru Everest said the association, which represents over two million skilled and unskilled artisans across all 36 states, had been following Obi’s political journey and believed in supporting his aspirations to lead the country toward progress.
Everest lamented that despite artisans being the engine of the economy, the government has failed to provide the conducive environment necessary for them to grow and make a meaningful impact.
The association is currently advocating for a bill in the National Assembly to formally recognise the artisan sector, enabling better regulation and control of their activities nationwide.
“We have developed a blueprint for a world-class artisan workshop village, which will be equipped to help our artisans produce top-quality finished products, giving them an edge over their counterparts in other countries,” Everest said. “We have been engaging with the government, which has promised us land for this project over the past three years, but we are still waiting.”
He added that the association has numerous initiatives ready to implement that would transform and develop Nigeria’s artisan sector and strengthen the national economy.
E-Sign: Ibrahim Umar, POMR Spokesman
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