ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has said Nigeria’s persistent poverty is not caused by a lack of natural resources but by poor leadership choices and a culture that celebrates corruption.
Obi made the remarks in Abuja while receiving members 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 him, a country blessed with oil, gas and a vibrant population should not be grappling with widespread hardship.
Obi said, “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.”
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He argued that the real problem confronting Nigeria is not scarcity of resources but the failure to prioritise integrity, education and healthcare.
Drawing a comparison with Indonesia, Obi said the Asian country, which he described as similar in size and population to Nigeria, had made stronger leadership decisions that translated into better economic outcomes.
Recounting a past conversation with an Indonesian leader, Obi said he was advised to tackle the theft of public funds, invest heavily in education and healthcare, and allow the resulting human capital to drive economic growth.
He maintained that sustainable development comes from investing in people and supporting small businesses, stressing that Small and Medium Enterprises thrive only where governments create stable and transparent systems.
“Join the fight for a great Nigeria,” he urged.
“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.”
Earlier, Everest said ASVAN had been closely following Obi’s political journey and considered it necessary to identify with leaders they believe can reposition the country.
He described artisans as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy but lamented that the sector continues to struggle due to weak policy support.
Everest disclosed that the association had developed a blueprint for a world-class artisan workshop village aimed at enabling members to produce competitive finished products.
He said although the government had promised land for the project over the past three years, the allocation was still pending.
The ASVAN president added that the association has coordinators across the 36 states and represents over two million skilled and unskilled artisans nationwide.
He also revealed that ASVAN is pushing for legislation at the National Assembly to formally recognise and regulate the artisan sector across the country.