Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has reiterated his call for a values-driven approach to Nigeria’s development, urging citizens and leaders alike to embrace integrity, transparency, and hard work as the foundation for national progress.
Speaking at the Reimagining Nigeria Symposium 2025, themed “A Journey to Development”, Obi emphasized that Nigeria’s vast arable land and youthful population remain untapped strengths that could transform the country into a global leader in food production. He lamented that despite these resources, Nigeria continues to rank among the hungriest and poorest nations in the world.
Obi also criticized systems that glorify shortcuts, questionable wealth, and criminality, warning that no nation can thrive on foundations that undermine integrity. He called for the building of genuine businesses and enterprises that reflect honesty and resilience, stressing that economic growth must be anchored on transparency and accountability.
Beyond leadership, Obi urged ordinary Nigerians to become advocates for change, noting that the task of rebuilding the nation cannot be left solely to politicians. “True change begins when citizens use their voices, platforms, and actions to demand and defend what is right,” he told the audience.
He concluded by asserting that Nigeria’s journey to development is not just about policies but about values and collective resolve. “A more productive, united, and globally competitive Nigeria is possible, and together, we must continue to work toward it,” Obi said.