Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has attributed Nigeria’s poverty not to a lack of resources but to the nation’s own choices.
Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit from the leadership of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria, led by its National President, Comrade Obijuru Everest, Obi said a country endowed with oil, gas, and a vibrant population should not be grappling with such economic hardship.
“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 stated.
Obi highlighted leadership and a culture that rewards corruption as the real culprits.
Drawing a comparison with Indonesia, he pointed out that nations of similar size and population thrive economically when leadership is strong and priorities are clear.
Recalling advice from an Indonesian leader, Obi said the key lies in tackling public fund theft, investing in education and healthcare, and watching as healthy, educated citizens contribute meaningfully to the economy.
He emphasized that sustainable growth happens where governments create stable, transparent systems that allow Small and Medium Enterprises to flourish.
“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,” Obi urged.
Earlier, Everest explained that ASVAN has been tracking Obi’s political journey and believes in aligning with his vision to move the country forward.
He highlighted the role of artisans in driving the economy while pointing out the challenges they face due to insufficient government policies and support.
“We have developed a blueprint for a world-class artisan workshop village, which will be equipped to help our artisans produce top-quality finished products, giving them an edge over their counterparts in other countries. We have been engaging with the government, which has promised us land for this project over the past three years, but we are still waiting. We have many initiatives to implement that will transform and develop Nigeria’s artisan sector and build the country’s economy,” Everest said.
He added that ASVAN operates coordinators across all 36 states, representing over two million skilled and unskilled artisans, and is actively pushing a bill at the National Assembly to formally recognise and regulate the sector nationwide.
