By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The presidential front-runner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former 2023 candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has attributed Nigeria’s worsening poverty to leadership failure, corruption, and misplaced societal values.
Obi made the remarks in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), led by its National President, Comrade Obijuru Everest, during a courtesy visit.
According to Obi, Nigeria’s poverty persists not because of a lack of resources but due to choices made by its leaders and citizens.
“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,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with Indonesia, a country he described as similar to Nigeria in size and population, Obi said better leadership and responsible governance have enabled the Asian nation to achieve economic growth. He recounted advice from Indonesian political leaders who urged that tackling public fund mismanagement, investing in education and healthcare, and prioritising human capital development were critical to national progress.
He stressed that in thriving economies, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) serve as key drivers of growth, supported by corruption-free governance and policies that create an enabling business environment.
Obi called on Nigerians to take responsibility for the country’s future by rejecting corrupt practices and demanding accountability.
“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,” he urged.
Earlier, ASVAN National President, Comrade Obijuru Everest, said the association decided to engage Obi after closely following his political journey and reform proposals.
He noted that artisans, despite being critical contributors to the nation’s economy, continue to operate in difficult conditions due to inadequate government support and lack of structured regulation.
ASVAN, which has coordinators across the 36 states of Nigeria and over two million members comprising skilled and unskilled artisans, is advocating for a bill before the National Assembly to formally recognise and regulate the artisan sector.
Everest disclosed that the association has developed a blueprint for a world-class artisan workshop village aimed at boosting productivity and competitiveness. However, he lamented that although the government promised land for the project three years ago, the association is still awaiting allocation.
He added that the proposed initiative, alongside other reforms, would significantly transform Nigeria’s artisan sector and contribute meaningfully to national economic development.