By Salisu Ibrahim
One of the presidential front-runners of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the 2023 Labour Party candidate, Mr. Peter Obi has outlined reasons why more than half of Nigeria’s population lives below poverty line, despite the avalanche of Nigeria’s natural and human resources.
“Nigerians 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,” he stated.
Obi made this known while receiving leadership of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), led by the National President, Comrade Obijuru Everest, who paid him a courtesy call in Abuja.
He explained that the reason behind the persistent poverty in Nigeria is very clear – lack of good leadership, as he reminisced about a conversation he had with political leaders in Indonesia, a country similar in size and population to Nigeria, which is thriving due to its better leadership.
A statement signed by POMR Spokesman, Ibrahim Umar said, to improve Nigeria, Obi recounted how the Indonesian leader advised him to combat the theft of public funds, invest in education and healthcare, and observe the positive outcomes as healthy, educated individuals contribute to the economy.
He emphasised that, in every viable economy, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) drive growth, supported by a responsible and corruption-free government that creates an enabling environment.
“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. Vote, defend your votes, and help produce good leaders at all levels, from Councillor to President, and you will see the country change,” Obi stressed.
Earlier, Comrade Obijuru Everest, the National President of ASVAN, said, they had been following Obi’s journey and believed it was important to associate with him and support his aspirations.
He pointed out that, members of the association have been supporting the nation’s economy, yet, the government has failed to provide a conducive environment necessary for them to grow and make greater meaningful impact.
ASVAN, has over two million members skilled and unskilled artisans across the country with coordinators in all the 36 states of the country and Abuja.
He said, “we are advocating for a bill in the National Assembly to have a sector that officially recognised us so that activities of our members can be regulated and controlled properly”.
“We have developed a blueprint for a world-class artisan workshop village, engaged with the government, which promised to provide us with a piece of land for this project in the past three years.
While, “we are still awaiting the government, our members are eager to unfold and implement many initiatives that will assist in the transformation and the development of Nigeria’s artisan sector.
He said the association’s contributions would assist in building the country’s economy”.