*Says Obasanjo At 87, A True Patriot
THE presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in in February 25, last year, presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, has described the donation of 25,000 tonnes of wheat in emergency food assistance to Nigeria’s 1.3 million vulnerable in crisis-affected Northeast war-torn by Ukraine as national embarrassment
The former Anambra State governor, who expressed his disappoint on his verified X-handle, said: “It is disheartening that our once economically confident nation, blessed with vast arable land and abundant natural resources, now relies on a war-torn Ukraine for food assistance.
“This national disgrace stems from years of leadership failure, necessitating urgent reflection and a reordering of our national priorities and resource management and allocation.
“Instructively, Ukraine, with a population of 43 million on 603,728 km2, outshines Northern Nigeria, covering 744,249 km with a young, energetic population exceeding 100 million.
“In 2015, Ukraine’s GDP per capita was $2125, compared to Nigeria’s $2680. By 2022, despite being at war, Ukraine’s GDP per capita exceeded $4000, while Nigeria’s regressed to $2184.
“Ukraine cultivates over 60 per cent of its arable land, whereas Nigeria has over 60 per cent uncultivated arable land. Despite the conflict, Ukraine feeds itself and exports agricultural products worth over $ 25billion, which is about the same value as our crude oil export earnings, and it serves as a strategic global food supplier, even providing aid to a peaceful, yet unproductive Nigeria.”
To overcome this embarrassment, he suggested: “We must aggressively reorder our priorities by investing resources in productive sectors, like agriculture. Addressing insecurity is crucial for farmers to return to their fields, enabling a productive manufacturing sector and supporting small businesses.
“In four to five years, this concerted effort can reverse the current trend, leading us toward a productive and New Nigeria that I believe is possible and within reach.
In a related development, Obi has congratulated Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on his 87th birthday.
Obi who joined Obasanjo in his birthday Thanksgiving Service at The Chapel of Christ The Glorious King, Abeokuta to mark the commencement of his 87th birthday celebrations, described Obasanjo as a true patriot whose ultimate desire is the development and progress of Nigeria.
A statement by the spokesperson Obi-Datti organisation, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, quoted Obi as expressing delighted to celebrate the revered Nigerian leader due to his many contributions to the country.
“I was delighted to celebrate with this very revered Nigerian who has contributed immeasurably to the growth of our nation. His love for the nation is very evident in his firm commitment to the unity and peace of our dear nation.
“Obasanjo remains a true leader who not only engineered so many positive transformations in our nation, but also left behind a sound economic foundation, which if we have followed, we would not be in the sorry state we are today.”
Obi eulogised Obasanjo for remaining active in the collective work of nation-building, noting that Obasanjo has continued to contribute, by words and actions, to the struggle for good governance in Nigeria.
“With our dear nation going through very challenging times, occasioned by leadership failure, Obasanjo has continued to courageously add his voice to demand good governance in the country.
“He not only speaks, but he takes action to ensure that our nation is saved from further chaos.
“As a father figure, he has continued to inspire and mentor the younger generation in transformational leadership. I am delighted to celebrate him today.”
