Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, delivered a keynote speech today in Yola, Adamawa State, at the American University of Nigeria (AUN).
The event was part of his ongoing initiative to engage with students globally, a tradition that has taken him to prestigious institutions like Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Yale, Wharton, and the University for Peace.
During his visit to AUN, Obi expressed deep gratitude to the university’s founder, H.E. Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Wazirin Adamawa. Obi lauded Abubakar’s visionary leadership and his profound contributions to the advancement of education and human development in Nigeria, praising him as both a leader and an elder brother.
In his address to the students, Obi commended their dedication to pursuing education in Nigeria rather than following the growing trend of “Japa” (migration), which has seen many young people leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad. He praised their resilience and commitment to building a brighter future within their own homeland.
Obi also emphasized the vital role of leadership in the development of any nation, stressing the need for leaders with competence, compassion, and the capacity to drive the nation from a consumption-based economy to one focused on production. He highlighted the importance of foresight and long-term vision for national progress, citing the examples of countries like Indonesia, Singapore, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines. These nations have significantly improved their Human Development Index (HDI) and GDP per capita within a decade through determined and enlightened leadership.
Addressing an audience largely composed of young Nigerians, Obi reiterated his message of hope and optimism: “A new Nigeria is indeed POssible.”
