Obasanjo: Nigerians Have No Reason To Be Poor

Obasanjo: Nigerians Have No Reason To Be Poor

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has asserted that poverty should have no place in Nigeria, given the country’s abundant natural and human resources. According to him, the current economic challenges stem largely from poor resource management rather than a lack of capacity or divine provision.

Obasanjo made this statement during a dinner held in his honor by the Abia State Government on Friday at the Government House in Umuahia…READ MORE…

“Nigerians have no justification to live in poverty,” he said. “God has blessed this nation with everything it needs. If we are failing to utilize these blessings effectively, we have no one to blame but ourselves.”

Commending Governor Alex Otti for the positive transformation ongoing in Abia State, Obasanjo applauded the administration’s performance, which he said has received widespread acclaim. He urged the governor to remain steadfast in delivering good governance, adding that if Nigeria had at least 18 governors performing at a similar level, the nation would experience significant development.

Obasanjo also emphasized his deep concern for the welfare of Nigerians and the standard of governance they receive. “Whether or not people greet me is inconsequential. What truly matters is that Nigerians are getting the governance and development they deserve,” he remarked.

Recalling a past interaction with former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, Obasanjo shared how he once advised the minister to consult the national railway development blueprint, which aimed to connect every state capital by rail—a plan Amaechi had initially been unaware of.

“Even if you don’t like me, I’ll offer you advice if it’s in the national interest,” he said. “Back then, I directed you to the archives to find the comprehensive rail network plan.”

In his remarks, Governor Otti acknowledged Obasanjo’s support and reflected on the long political journey that brought him to office. He stressed the importance of vision and resilience in leadership, recounting how his electoral victories in 2015 and 2019 were thwarted until his eventual success in 2023.

“Vision must be followed by consistency,” Otti said. “Though the road was long, I remained certain about the calling I received.”

He also highlighted the administration’s efforts in reforming the education sector to improve access to quality learning across the state.

Speaking at the event, Rotimi Amaechi urged Abia’s political stakeholders to begin preparing for the 2027 elections, emphasizing the importance of sustaining good leadership. He noted that often, the value of competent governance is only fully appreciated when replaced by less capable administrations.

“In Obasanjo’s case, regardless of who becomes president, his leadership remains exemplary,” Amaechi stated. He urged Abians to support effective leaders like Governor Otti to ensure continued progress.

“Other political parties, including the APC, are already mobilizing. If we don’t start planning now, we risk losing the gains we’ve made,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, and Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, Acting National Secretary of the Labour Party, both expressed pride in the state’s achievements under Governor Otti. They also extended their gratitude to Obasanjo for his continued encouragement and acknowledged the administration’s equitable development across all local government areas.