Peter Obi’s Independence Day message calls for competent leadership, national unity, and hope, declaring that a great Nigeria is still possible.
On the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has delivered a passionate message of hope, resilience, and a call for a new leadership culture that prioritizes competence, compassion, and accountability.
Remembering Nigeria’s Founding Vision
Obi recalled that when Nigeria gained independence on 1 October 1960, the nation was hailed as a rising African giant with the potential to become a continental superpower. Global platforms such as Time Magazine predicted Nigeria’s rise as a leader in economic and political progress.
According to him, the country’s founding fathers pursued independence with courage, faith, and determination to build a nation that would compete with the world’s most advanced economies.
Lost Opportunities and Leadership Failures
However, Obi lamented that decades of poor governance and corruption have derailed that dream. While Nigeria restored democracy in 1999 and built Africa’s largest economy by 2014, the past decade of APC-led administration, according to him, has left the country weaker and more divided.
He noted that:
Nigeria’s debt profile has risen to about N175 trillion, nearly 50% of GDP, without corresponding growth in productive sectors.
The country has dropped to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, trailing behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria.
Over 15 million Nigerians were pushed into acute poverty within just one year of the current administration.
More than 150 million citizens lack access to healthcare, education, water, and sanitation.
Obi criticized what he described as extravagant government spending, citing billions allocated to luxury projects while essential services such as healthcare, education, and science remain underfunded.
Rising Hardship for Citizens
He highlighted how ordinary Nigerians are burdened with higher costs for food, electricity, fuel, rent, and essential services while receiving little in return. Forecasts from UNICEF and WFP suggest that 33 million Nigerians may face acute hunger in 2025.
Obi also expressed concern about worsening insecurity, with kidnapping, terrorism, and banditry crippling the economy and scaring away investors.
A Call for New Leadership and Hope
Despite these challenges, Obi maintained that Nigeria’s potential remains strong. He urged the adoption of disciplined, people-centred leadership similar to countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, which successfully turned around their economies.
He insisted that Nigeria must embrace:
Prudent economic management
Investment in human capital
Infrastructure development
Rule of law and security reforms
Obi stressed that Nigerians should not despair but instead unite to build a nation where politics works for the people, not against them.
Conclusion: A Brighter Future Ahead
Calling on political leaders to rise above corruption, division, and selfish interests, Obi reaffirmed his belief that “A great Nigeria is still possible.” He ended his message with optimism, assuring Nigerians that the country can be restored to prosperity, security, and justice with the right leadership.
“Despite today’s challenges, the future remains bright. Happy Independence Day to all Nigerians. A new Nigeria is possible.”
— Peter Obi