By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has said the burden of Nigeria’s — and by extension Africa’s — transformation lies squarely on the shoulders of its leaders, stressing that those at the helm must shun corruption and rascality for both the country and continent to work.
Obi maintained that he got the insights from years spent in the corridors of power.
Obi who stated this on his X handle on Sunday, maintained that Nigeria must also prioritise investment in critical areas of development.
“I shared insights from my political journey, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with serving the public. I maintained that Nigeria, and indeed Africa, can work for all if we dismantle corruption and rascality in governance.
“Yesterday, at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, I was honoured with an invitation to address African youths in the African Together Conference tagged ‘The Making of Africa’s Future Presidents.”
“I was delighted to interact with these youths drawn from different African countries and passionate about making a positive difference in society. I was inspired by the energy and determination of these young leaders, and I remain committed to empowering them to shape Africa’s future.
“Our discussion centred on the pathway to dismantling corruption and building a better future for our continent. I reiterated how investing in the critical areas of human and national development, education, health, and pulling people out of poverty can drive immeasurable growth and development in any nation and continent.”
Obi, who is also a former governor of Anambra State buttressed his point with significant transformations being witnessed in key sectors in nations like China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the continent of Asia, adding that they couldn’t have been possible without committed leadership who gave priority to investments in these areas.
“With competent, committed, and compassionate leadership, Nigeria can become a beacon of hope, and Africa will rise to become a global economic powerhouse.
“I thank the African Society, University of Cambridge, for hosting this important event, and I also appreciate the young leaders who participated with such enthusiasm and dedication.
“As we strive to build the New Nigeria, we all must get involved in this important process of nation-building by ensuring that only competent, capable, committed leaders with character and integrity are elected into public offices,” he added.
