According to a report by Daily Post News, on Thursday, March 05, 2026, Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, has said Nigeria’s poverty problem is not due to a lack of resources but the choices the country has made.
Speaking in Abuja, Obi noted that a nation blessed with oil, gas, and a large, energetic population should not be struggling economically as it currently is. He emphasized that the real issue lies in leadership and a culture that rewards corruption instead of addressing it.
Obi made the comments while receiving the leadership of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), led by its National President, Comrade Obijuru Everest, during a courtesy visit.
Obi highlighted that the country’s wealth is often mismanaged by those in positions of power. He said Nigeria’s human and natural resources provide significant potential for development, but poor governance and the misallocation of funds have hindered progress.
According to him, these challenges prevent the nation from translating its resources into meaningful improvements in living standards for the population.
During the meeting, Obi stressed that public recognition and honours are often given to individuals who misappropriate funds rather than to those who contribute to national development.
He explained that this system of rewarding corruption has entrenched poverty, despite the country’s abundant natural wealth.
The former governor urged citizens and leaders to reassess the values that guide societal advancement.
Obi also addressed the importance of vocational skills and artisanal work in reducing unemployment and promoting economic growth.
He acknowledged the efforts of ASVAN in empowering skilled artisans and providing practical solutions to some of the country’s economic challenges.
He encouraged support for vocational training as a means of creating opportunities and fostering self-reliance among Nigerians.
He further explained that Nigeria’s poverty is a consequence of deliberate choices made over time. “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,” Obi said.
He used this statement to underline that without accountability and ethical leadership, the country cannot achieve sustainable economic growth.
Obi called for a shift in mindset among both leaders and citizens. He said tackling corruption and prioritizing effective governance are essential for transforming Nigeria’s economic prospects.
The former governor emphasized that structural reforms and a commitment to transparency would enable the nation to leverage its resources more effectively for public benefit.
Obi noted that empowering skilled workers, promoting ethical leadership, and ensuring accountability in public office are key steps toward reversing Nigeria’s economic decline. His remarks underscored the need for deliberate action to translate Nigeria’s resources into real development outcomes.See_More…