By Daniel Edu

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, emphasized that Nigeria has no valid reason to endure poverty. Speaking at the annual LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards in Abuja, where he was honored as the LEADERSHIP Politician of the Year 2023, Obi expressed his conviction that hunger and poverty should not be pervasive, particularly in the North, which boasts ample land for agriculture.

During his acceptance speech on Tuesday, Obi stressed the importance of engaging young Nigerians in productive activities, both by the government and private enterprises, as a means to eradicate poverty and reduce crime.

In his words, “Let me thank the LEADERSHIP Newspaper for this event and the award. We’ve all heard from the keynote speaker. For me, this award, I am grateful to the almighty God. If I have the opportunity, I will give my all to the country. I am not desperate to be president; I am desperate to make Nigeria work.”

Obi expressed his dismay that Ukraine, a country grappling with war, donated grains to Nigeria, pointing out that Niger State alone has the potential to feed the entire continent. He emphasized the vast agricultural potential in Nigeria, citing the enormous land resources available, particularly in states like Niger, Borno, and Taraba.

“Ukraine has no reason to give us grain. Niger State can feed Nigeria, Africa with over 73,000 square meters of land. The two biggest states in the North-East, Borno with over 70,000 square meters of land and Taraba, are four times the size of Belgium that is exporting food. There is so much we can do in the country if we have the right leadership. The more you remove people out of poverty, the more you have fewer criminals,” he added.