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Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Election, Peter Obi, has called on affluent Nigerians to increase their support for the less privileged in society, particularly in the areas of water provision and education.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, Obi highlighted the significant wealth disparity in Nigeria, with about one percent of the population controlling 70 percent of the nation’s wealth.
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He emphasized that if even a fraction of these wealthy individuals directed their resources toward meeting the basic needs of the poor, it would greatly alleviate their suffering.
Obi urged governments at all levels to prioritize resource allocation towards improving the living conditions of the less privileged and lifting them out of poverty.
His advocacy for enhanced support in water and education stems from his recent humanitarian tour of various regions in Nigeria, where he witnessed firsthand the extent of poverty and neglect experienced by many communities.
Obi disclosed that he has initiated the construction of ten boreholes in several states in the North to provide short-term water supply to underserved communities. He called on 200,000 wealthy Nigerians to join him in similar initiatives, which would significantly address the water needs of the poor.
Similarly, in education, Obi expressed concern for the plight of out-of-school children, particularly in Northern Quranic schools. He emphasized the importance of providing adequate support to nurture the potential of these children, who he observed to be remarkably intelligent.
In response to questions regarding his priorities as a potential president and criticism of coastal road projects, Obi emphasized the need to prioritize fixing existing road infrastructure before embarking on new projects. He stressed that his focus is on addressing immediate challenges and improving the overall functioning of Nigeria.
Regarding the internal crisis within the Labour Party, Obi expressed confidence in an amicable resolution, characterizing the issues as minor compared to those faced by larger political parties.
In response to criticisms about not building new schools during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, Obi clarified that his focus was on revitalizing existing educational institutions and enhancing their quality.
He cited significant improvements in Anambra’s education sector during his tenure, resulting in the state’s rise to the top in educational performance.
