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The presidential front-runner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has explained why more than half of Nigeria’s population continues to live below the poverty line despite the country’s vast natural and human resources.
Obi spoke while receiving the leadership of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), led by its National President, Obijuru Everest, during a courtesy visit in Abuja.
According to the former Anambra State governor, Nigeria’s poverty crisis is largely a consequence of poor value systems and weak leadership.
“We are poor because we have chosen to be poor,” Obi said. “We give titles and front-row seats of honour to those who steal public funds, yet we expect the country to grow.”
He recalled a conversation with political leaders in Indonesia—a country he said shares similarities with Nigeria in population size and diversity but has recorded stronger economic growth due to better governance and policy choices.
Obi explained that an Indonesian leader advised him that Nigeria could achieve rapid development by tackling corruption and prioritising human capital.
“To improve Nigeria, you must fight the theft of public funds and invest heavily in education and healthcare,” he recounted. “When people are educated and healthy, they contribute productively to the economy.”
The ADC presidential hopeful further emphasised that in thriving economies, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a central role in economic expansion. However, he stressed that SMEs can only flourish under a responsible and corruption-free government that provides an enabling environment.
Obi urged Nigerians to play an active role in reshaping the nation’s leadership culture.
“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. “Vote, defend your votes, and help produce good leaders at all levels—from councillor to president—and you will see the country change.”
Earlier in his remarks, ASVAN National President Everest said members of the association had been closely following Obi’s political journey and believed it was important to identify with and support leaders committed to national progress.
He noted that artisans remain a critical engine of Nigeria’s economy but continue to operate in a challenging environment due to inadequate government support.
Everest disclosed that ASVAN has membership and coordinators across all 36 states of the federation, with more than two million skilled and unskilled artisans under its umbrella.
He added that the association is currently advocating for legislation in the National Assembly of Nigeria that would formally recognise and regulate the artisan sector across the country.
“We have developed a blueprint for a world-class artisan workshop village that will enable our members to produce top-quality finished products and compete favourably with artisans in other countries,” Everest said.
He further revealed that ASVAN had been engaging government authorities over the past three years for land to establish the project.
“The government promised us land for this project, but we are still waiting,” he said. “We have several initiatives that can transform Nigeria’s artisan sector and contribute significantly to building the nation’s economy.”
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