Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential candidate, has voiced his frustration with the Nigerian government’s failure to invest in the future of its youth. During a recent visit to the Holy Rosary School of Nursing Emekuku in Owerri North, Imo State, Obi expressed his concerns and offered his support for the institution’s plans to convert into a university.
Obi stated, “I can tell you what it takes for someone like me to be in government. I can provide free education to these people. That’s what I’m doing now. We need to eliminate unnecessary costs and allocate resources where they will have the most impact.”
He criticized the current political class, including himself, for not living up to expectations. “I feel pained when the director of a school tells me he has to borrow money to run these facilities. I will return in September with my own money to help. We should do more,” he added.
Addressing the issue of hunger in Nigeria, Obi emphasized the need for leaders to make sacrifices. “The time has come for us to do the right thing. Leaders need to sacrifice more. We cannot continue like this, especially for the future of our children.”
He also spoke about the backwardness of Nigeria’s educational system, stressing the importance of investing in the future. “We need to move in the right direction. We are heading backward and need to go forward. We are not investing in the future, and we need to care more.”
Regarding the government’s claim of lacking funds to pay workers’ salaries, Obi said, “The conduct of those in power should reflect the financial situation. You cannot tell us to fast while you are feasting. If we must fast, it must start from the leaders.”
The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Diocese, His Lordship Lucious Ugorji, who is also the Director of the school, praised Obi’s efforts. “Mr. Peter Obi has done a lot for schools of nursing and communities across the country, including constructing boreholes in the North. His visit today is an opportunity to present him as a role model for our youth and the political class,” Ugorji said.
During the visit, Obi donated a cheque for N10 million to the school, highlighting his commitment to supporting education and development in Nigeria.
