The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi has stated that Nigeria could lead Africa out of poverty with deliberate steps grounded in accountability and perseverance.
Mr Obi made the submission on Saturday while delivering a Keynote Reflection via Zoom at the Paul Alaje 2nd Colloquium, held in Abuja, with the theme: “Breaking the Cycle: How Nigeria Can Lead Africa from Poverty to Prosperity.”
He noted that for too long, Africa has been regarded as a continent brimming with potential, yet struggling to achieve outcomes that reflect that promise.
He said at the forefront of this challenge is Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy.
“We are a country endowed with talent, abundant resources, and resilient spirits. Yet, we are also fully aware of the significant challenges reflected in our human development indicators.
“I remain hopeful because I firmly believe in Nigeria’s potential to rise—not only for our own sake but for the sake of Africa as a whole,” Obi said.
According to him, prosperity does not occur by chance, nor is poverty an unavoidable fate. Noting that Nations chart their paths to prosperity through thoughtful choices, steadfast discipline, and accountable leadership.
“Today, we have the opportunity to break the cycle that has held us back for decades,” he said.
Obi proposed five foundational pillars for Nigeria to consider as it strives to transition from managing poverty to creating shared prosperity.
These, according to him, include Shift from Consumption to Production; Prioritise Human Capital; Strengthen Governance and Institutions;.Build a 21st-Century Economy Emphasising Innovation and Technology; and Foster National Unity and a Shared Purpose.
On poverty, he said the country must be willing to change its approach if it desires different outcomes in the future.
“Encouragingly, other nations have overcome challenges even greater than ours. What distinguished them was visionary leadership, disciplined strategies, and a united populace.
“Nigeria can indeed shine as a beacon of hope for Africa—if we prioritise production over consumption, invest in our people rather than patronage, and build a government that serves rather than extracts. By healing our divisions and creating an inclusive nation where every Nigerian is valued, we can transform this vision into reality—well within our reach.
“Let us collectively choose prosperity and productivity, embracing the bright potential of a new Nigeria. When Nigeria rises, Africa rises. A renewed Nigeria is not just a dream,” Obi said.
