The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has met with former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who emphasised that leadership should always focus on the people and their well-being.
The meeting, which took place during Obi’s travel from Jakarta to Solo, focused on leadership, governance, and national development.
Obi, in a series of posts on his X handle, expressed admiration for Widodo’s transformative leadership, particularly in the areas of health and education.
He highlighted that under Widodo’s presidency, Indonesia’s GDP grew from $890 billion in 2014 to approximately $1.4 trillion in 2024, with per capita income rising from $3,476 to around $5,000. The country’s Human Development Index (HDI) also improved from medium to high.
In contrast, Obi noted that Nigeria experienced economic decline during the same period, with GDP and per capita income falling by more than 50%.
During their discussion, Obi asked Widodo about his motivation for joining politics and governance.
Obi’s words, “When we finally met, after a warm reception and introductions, I asked him, “What is the most driving purpose—the most important reason—for your involvement in politics and governance?” He responded, “The people, especially the poor and vulnerable.”
“I then asked, “What was the most important thing you focused on when you had the opportunity to serve?” He answered, “Their social welfare, health, education, and lifting people out of poverty.”
He added that the Indonesia president emphasised that for a leader to be successful, he has to always think about the people and the things that would benefit them.
“His last words to me were: “Always think about the people and always do what will benefit them. I wish Nigeria well, and I look forward to more collaboration between Nigeria and Indonesia,” Obi stated.
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