The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has emphasised that Nigeria possesses the requisite human and natural resources to achieve total transformation if anchored on the values of integrity, hard work, and character.
Obi in a statement posted on his X page on Monday said over the weekend, he undertook a busy itinerary across the Southeast, attending five major events in Imo and Anambra States.
The former governor of Anambra State said that these visits reinforced his belief that a “New Nigeria” remains possible through visionary leadership and human capital development.
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The tour began in Imo State at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Umuawuka, where Obi participated in the Golden Jubilee (50th Ordination Anniversary) of Rev. Godfrey Izamujo.
Izamujo is the founder of Songhai International, which is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Obi lauded the facility as the second-largest employer in the Benin Republic and credited Izamujo with providing technical support for the establishment of Masdevan Farms in Awka North during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State.
Also in Imo State, Obi paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Basil Nnanna Ukegbu.
He described the First Republic parliamentarian as a “foremost nationalist” who pioneered private higher education in Africa by establishing the Imo Technical University in the 1980s.“
He had a vision of social and economic transformation of the black race through techno-industrial development,” Obi remarked, recalling Ukegbu’s legacy of building schools like Owerri Grammar School (OGS) at the young age of 29.
In Anambra State, Obi joined the historic double celebration of His Royal Highness Igwe Kenneth Nwafor Orizu III, the Obi of Nnewi.
The monarch, who is Africa’s longest-reigning traditional ruler, marked his 100th birthday and 62 years on the throne.Obi praised the Igwe for his “character and integrity,” noting his immense contributions as the Chairman and Patron of the Anambra State Traditional Council.
The final leg of his journey focused on the education sector, where he celebrated the 90th birthdays of two legendary educators.
The first, Boniface Anaedum, is a renowned teacher at the School of Rehabilitation, Oji, credited with educating generations of physically challenged, blind, and deaf students.
The second, Anthony Onyechi Ibeziako, was Obi’s former teacher and served as Vice Principal at Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha.
Obi described Ibeziako as a “disciplinarian” who played a pivotal role in shaping the character of his students.
Obi stated that the lives of these five individuals serve as a testament to the potential within the Nigerian people.
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He reiterated that by prioritizing education, agriculture, and ethical leadership, the nation can overcome its current hurdles.
“These events reinforce my commitment that we have the resources to transform our economies and enhance peace,” Obi said.
