The Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has identified poverty as a key factor driving Africa’s security challenges, with over 50% of the continent’s population living in multidimensional poverty.
Speaking in Athens, Greece, during an international dialogue with global leaders, including former presidents and senior government officials, Obi highlighted unemployment, corruption, poverty, and inequality as the major obstacles to peace and security across Africa.
“I joined global leaders, former presidents, prime ministers, high-ranking government officials, military chiefs, academics, and sports figures for a Leadership Dialogue in Athens. Our discussions centered on governance, security, and the economy, drawing lessons for future leaders,” Obi said.
In his presentation, he stressed the need for leaders to recognize the vast global and generational changes unfolding. Despite Africa’s rich human and material resources, critical gaps persist in governance and development, which must be addressed.
“Urgent action is required to enhance collective security, lift people out of poverty, and combat injustice and inequality in society,” Obi emphasized.
He pointed out that Africa faces escalating insecurity, rampant corruption, severe poverty, widespread youth unemployment, and significant inequality. “Over 50% of the world’s multidimensional poor are in Sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria and Congo both seeing over 60% of their populations living in poverty,” Obi added, noting that non-state actors have taken control of security in some regions.
Furthermore, Obi called out African governments for underinvesting in critical sectors like health and education, which are essential for sustainable development.
Looking ahead, Obi urged future African leaders to take bold, transformative actions to foster people-centered development. He called for a robust response to security challenges, a commitment to reducing corruption, and substantial investment in key areas such as health, education, poverty alleviation, and youth unemployment.
“Nigeria possesses all the resources necessary to drive this change, and we remain committed to putting the nation on the right path,” Obi concluded, reiterating his vision for a prosperous and secure Nigeria, adding, “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
