ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party Presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 election, Peter Obi has highlighted the critical issue of food security, underscoring that productivity in Nigeria remains low.
“Most of the comments, I had resonated well with belief for example, whenever I talk about productivity, I maintain that our productivity is low and my emphasis remains on our country moving from consumption to production”, he said
He stated this during a recent visit to Kigali, Rwanda, and emphasized that Nigeria must shift from a consumption-based economy to one driven by production in order to overcome the country’s current challenges.
Sharing an example from his meetings, Obi recalled a conversation with Ethiopia’s former Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, who revealed that in their early interactions with China, the Chinese outproduced Ethiopians by six to seven times.
Today, Desalegn proudly noted, “The average Ethiopian produces 60-70 per cent of what the Chinese can do”, adding that this stark difference led Ethiopia to take measures to increase their productivity.
Obi pointed to this example as a path Nigeria could follow, reiterating his long-held stance on the need for Nigeria to boost productivity in order to secure long-term growth and food security.
At the heart of his engagements was a pivotal meeting with Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame. Obi lauded Kagame’s commitment to effective resource management and public service, values that resonate deeply with him.
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The two leaders discussed what it will take for Africa to move forward, with a focus on the strategic use of scarce resources to serve the people.
Kagame’s governance model has long been admired for its efficiency and results, and Obi expressed his belief that similar leadership principles could help propel Nigeria and other African nations forward.
Obi also attended the Sherrie Silver Foundation’s “The Silver Gala,” where he was inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of Africa’s youth. Looking around the room, he saw immense potential for the continent, but noted that this potential would only be fully realized with the right leadership.
He emphasized that Africa must invest in its youth, channeling their innovative energy towards solving the continent’s most pressing challenges. Reflecting on his time in Kigali, Obi was filled with optimism. He believes that the future of both Nigeria and the African continent is bright, provided the right investments are made in productivity, leadership, and youth development.
“Overall, my experience in Kigali has reinforced my belief that the new Nigeria is possible and that Africa, the continent, is on the rise and unstoppable,” he concluded.
Obi’s visit to Rwanda served to reaffirm his commitment to tackling Nigeria’s economic challenges, with a focus on transforming the country from a consumer to a producer nation, bolstering productivity, and investing in the future through youth empowerment.