Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has asserted that with the abundance of resources Nigeria possesses, there is no reason for its citizens to endure poverty. He emphasized that the nation’s vast natural wealth, if properly managed, should eradicate poverty. Unfortunately, he pointed out, mismanagement of these resources has contributed significantly to the widespread economic challenges facing the country.
Speaking at a dinner organized in his honor by the Abia State Government on Friday at the Government House in Umuahia, Obasanjo remarked that Nigerians have no reason to be impoverished. “God has endowed us with all we need, but when we mismanage what has been given to us, the blame falls not on God but on ourselves,” he stated. His remarks reflected his deep concern for the state of the nation’s governance and economic development.
The former president did not shy away from highlighting the positive strides made by Governor Alex Otti of Abia State. He commended the governor for his remarkable efforts in transforming the state, noting the widespread recognition of his achievements in governance. “Governor Otti has made a significant impact in Abia, and I urge him to continue on this path of progress,” Obasanjo added, praising the governor’s leadership style.
Further elaborating on Nigeria’s potential, Obasanjo emphasized that if more state governors performed their duties with the same diligence and dedication as Otti, the country would see a remarkable transformation. He suggested that with just 18 governors committed to good governance, Nigeria could be rebuilt. He reiterated his concern for the well-being of Nigerians, underscoring that the ultimate goal is to ensure that the populace receives the quality of governance they deserve.
Reflecting on his past advisory role, Obasanjo recounted how he had once guided former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, to the national railway development plan, which he had not been aware of during his tenure. According to Obasanjo, while Amaechi had some success in implementing railway projects, there were aspects that required improvement. He emphasized that offering advice for the nation’s benefit is not about personal gains but about national development.
During the dinner, Governor Alex Otti acknowledged Obasanjo’s support throughout his political journey. Otti shared the challenges he faced during his ten-year political career, particularly the struggles he encountered in the pursuit of leadership.
He recounted how two elections, which were rightfully won in 2015 and 2019, were stolen, yet he remained persistent, driven by a strong sense of faith and vision. “It took us ten years to get here, and we faced many obstacles, but I knew that I was following the vision that God had given me,” Otti explained.
The governor also outlined the extensive reforms his administration had introduced in the education sector to improve access to quality education for the people of Abia. According to Otti, the importance of vision and perseverance in leadership cannot be overstated, as these qualities play a pivotal role in transforming any society.
In his remarks, former Minister Rotimi Amaechi reflected on the significance of quality leadership for national development. He expressed that the true value of a competent administration often becomes apparent only when a less effective government takes over. Amaechi highlighted Obasanjo’s lasting legacy of visionary leadership, asserting that no matter who occupies the presidency, the former leader has always stood out for his forward-thinking approach.
Amaechi also emphasized the importance of preparing for future elections, urging political stakeholders in Abia to begin strategizing for the 2027 general elections. He stressed that the citizens of Abia must rally behind capable leaders like Governor Otti in the upcoming elections to ensure the continued progress of the state and nation at large.
The event concluded with a shared understanding among the attendees that good governance is the cornerstone of Nigeria’s development, and the people must play their part in ensuring the election of competent leaders who prioritize the country’s growth and prosperity.
