Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has emphasized that Nigeria’s northern region holds the key to the country’s transformation, describing it as the nation’s “greatest asset.” Speaking at a meeting of the National Political Consultative Group (North) in Abuja, Obi highlighted the region’s untapped agricultural potential and called for urgent investments in education and infrastructure to tackle persistent poverty and insecurity.
Obi pointed out that despite its vast land and resources, the North remains underdeveloped due to years of neglect. He cited rice production as an example, noting Nigeria produces less than six million tonnes annually—less than 10 percent of Bangladesh’s output, despite Bangladesh having a much smaller landmass. “The North can change Nigeria,” Obi declared, stressing that agriculture could generate more revenue than the oil sector.
Linking poverty to insecurity, Obi warned that desperation makes communities vulnerable to recruitment by bandits and extremist groups. “When people don’t know where their next meal will come from, you can never control their actions,” he said. He urged the government to prioritize education, pointing to the brilliance of Almajiri children and advocating for innovative approaches like taking schools to them.
Obi expressed optimism that with visionary leadership and targeted investment, Nigeria can overcome its challenges. “There’s a lot of work to be done, but I believe Nigeria can be turned around,” he concluded.
His remarks echo his ongoing commitment to reviving the North through programs focusing on security, agriculture, education, and economic development, aiming to restore the region’s role as a vital engine for national progress.
