Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has insisted that poverty should have no place in Nigeria, given the nation’s wealth of natural and human resources.
Speaking during a dinner held in his honour by the Abia State Government at the Government House in Umuahia yesterday, Obasanjo expressed frustration over the persistent mismanagement of Nigeria’s abundant blessings.
“There’s no reason why Nigerians should be living in poverty,” he said. “God has already provided us with everything we need. The problem lies with how we’ve chosen to manage those gifts—not with God.”
Obasanjo commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his administration’s progressive policies and praised the visible improvements being made across the state.
He encouraged the governor to stay the course, stating that Nigeria would be in a far better place if at least 18 governors were performing at a similar level.
“What truly matters to me,” the former president added, “is not personal recognition. Whether or not people greet me, what matters most is that Nigerians are governed well and receive the leadership they deserve.”
Reflecting on past interactions with political figures, Obasanjo recalled a moment with former Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi.
He said he had advised Amaechi to consult historical documents regarding a national railway development blueprint, which the minister was initially unaware of.
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“You weren’t familiar with the existing railway master plan that aimed to connect all state capitals. I told you to check the archives—it was already there,” he said.
“You did a few things right in the office, and a few things wrong.”
In his address, Otti expressed deep appreciation for Obasanjo’s mentorship and shared some of the challenges he faced on his political journey.
“Leadership requires vision and determination,” Otti said.
“It took ten years of perseverance to get to where we are today. We contested elections in 2015 and 2019 and won, but the victories were stolen. Still, I believed strongly in the calling and never gave up.”
He added that his government had begun major reforms in education aimed at improving access and quality across the state.
However, former Minister Amaechi urged Abia’s political stakeholders to begin early preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He stressed that the real impact of effective leadership often becomes clear only in contrast to less competent administrations.
“No matter who holds office, Obasanjo continues to distinguish himself through visionary leadership,” Amaechi stated.
“If we don’t begin to mobilise now, especially with other parties like the APC already organising, we may lose the ground we’ve gained.”
He called on residents to continue backing Governor Otti, warning that failure to do so could cost the state dearly in the future.
Similarly, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, representing Isiala Ngwa North and South in the House of Representatives, and Labour Party’s acting National Secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, expressed satisfaction with the strides being made in Abia.
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Both lawmakers praised Obasanjo for his enduring support and commended Governor Otti for his even-handed development agenda that has touched all local government areas of the state.
