Nigeria is poor because we give titles those who steal public funds – Peter Obi

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi has said Nigeria’s persistent poverty is not due to a lack of resources but the result of the choices made by its leaders and citizens.

Speaking in Abuja while receiving members of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), led by its National President, Comrade Obijuru Everest, Obi said a country richly endowed with oil, gas and a large youthful population should not be battling the level of hardship currently seen across the nation.

According to him, the real problem lies in leadership and a system that celebrates corruption instead of confronting it.

“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,” Obi said.

He compared Nigeria’s situation with that of Indonesia, noting that the Asian country, which has similarities in size and population, has made stronger economic progress due to more focused leadership and clearer national priorities.

Obi explained that during a previous interaction with an Indonesian leader, he was advised that the key to national progress is tackling corruption, investing heavily in education and healthcare, and allowing citizens to become productive contributors to the economy.

He stressed that countries that achieve sustainable development place priority on people and small businesses, adding that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) perform better when governments create stable and transparent systems

“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 said.

Earlier, Everest stated that ASVAN had been following Obi’s political journey and believed it was important to support his aspirations for national development.