The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has spotlighted Nigeria’s worsening poverty crisis, which he blames on significant leadership deficiencies in the country. Obi made these remarks during the installation ceremony for the new District Governor of Rotary International in Awka, Anambra State.
“Leadership failure has caused Nigeria to have the highest number of homeless individuals worldwide, with over 130 million Nigerians currently living below the poverty line—a figure that has drastically increased over the past eight years,” Obi stated.
The former governor of Anambra emphasized that Nigeria’s issues are not due to a scarcity of resources but rather the result of longstanding leadership failures. He pointed out that despite the country being rich in resources, its position on the global stage has continued to deteriorate.
“I firmly believe that Nigeria’s challenges stem from a severe leadership deficit,” he remarked. Obi called for a necessary shift in leadership, advocating for transformational leaders who prioritize national progress over personal interests.
“There is a critical need for transformational leadership to address these challenges and propel Nigeria towards a prosperous future. Leaders must demonstrate a commitment to national development by placing the well-being of citizens above self-gain. I urge the Rotary community to pioneer this leadership transformation in our nation,” he stated.
While addressing the Rotary community, Obi encouraged them to take the lead in fostering this critical change, underscoring the importance of focusing on community service through both local and global initiatives.
“Engaging in projects related to education, health, and poverty alleviation will significantly uplift our nation,” he concluded.
Obi also extended congratulations to the newly appointed District Governor, Rtn A. U. Nnonyelu, and encouraged him to uphold the vision of service that Rotary International embodies.
