the former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, made a strong statement regarding the root causes of poverty in Nigeria.

Speaking while receiving the leadership of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), Obi argued that Nigeria’s economic struggles are a result of deliberate choices and a flawed social culture rather than a lack of resources.

The Culture of Veneration: Obi explicitly stated, “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.”

Misplaced Priorities: He lamented that the nation rewards corruption instead of professionalism and hard work. He noted that in a healthy economy, government officials should not be wealthier than businessmen and manufacturers.

The Indonesia Comparison: Obi compared Nigeria’s trajectory to that of Indonesia, noting that while both have similar population sizes and resources, Indonesia has progressed by combatting the theft of public funds and investing heavily in education and healthcare.

Economic Contraction: He pointed out that while countries like Bangladesh have used borrowing to double their GDP and per-capita income over the last decade, Nigeria’s economy has effectively contracted due to “weak productivity growth, currency instability, and monumental corruption.”

Call to Action

Obi urged Nigerians, especially the youth and artisans, to stop “worshipping” those who loot the national treasury. He emphasized that the path to a “New Nigeria” requires:

1. Voting for character and competence at all levels of government.
2. Defending votes to ensure leadership truly reflects the will of the people.
3. Prioritizing SMEs, which he described as the backbone of any thriving economy.

This statement comes amid a period of heightened political discourse in Nigeria, as the country grapples with significant inflation and the ripple effects of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.