The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while addressing young Africans at the Africa Together Conference held at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, advised them to dismantle corruption in order to build a better continent. The event, themed “The Making of Africa’s Future Presidents,” brought together aspiring leaders from across the continent.
Sharing insights from his political journey on his X handle on Sunday, Obi said, “Yesterday, at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, I was honoured with an invitation to address African youths in the African Together Conference tagged ‘The Making of Africa’s Future Presidents.’” He continued, “I was delighted to interact with these youths drawn from different African countries and passionate about making a positive difference in society. I was inspired by the energy and determination of these young leaders, and I remain committed to empowering them to shape Africa’s future.”
The former Anambra governor spoke extensively on how entrenched corruption and misgovernance have crippled development across African nations, pointing to examples from Asia that demonstrate how visionary leadership can transform struggling countries into economic forces. “Our discussion centred on the pathway to dismantling corruption and building a better future for our continent,” he said. “I reiterated how investing in the critical areas of human and national development, education, health, and pulling people out of poverty can drive immeasurable growth and development in any nation and continent.”
Obi argued that countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam turned their fortunes around through targeted investments and leadership with foresight, elements he said are lacking in much of Africa today. “Drawing examples from our comparable nations: China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the continent of Asia, I showed how committed leadership can turn around any country and continent by prioritising investments in these areas,” he said.
He didn’t shy away from addressing his own political experiences, saying, “I shared insights from my political journey, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with serving the public. I maintained that Nigeria, and indeed Africa, can work for all if we dismantle corruption and rascality in governance and prioritise investment in the critical areas of development.”
Obi stressed that if the right leadership emerges in Nigeria, the country can inspire the rest of the continent. “With competent, committed, and compassionate leadership, Nigeria can become a beacon of hope, and Africa will rise to become a global economic powerhouse,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the African Society, University of Cambridge, for organizing the event and acknowledged the participants for their dedication. “I thank the African Society, University of Cambridge, for hosting this important event, and I also appreciate the young leaders who participated with such enthusiasm and dedication,” Obi wrote.
In a veiled critique of ongoing leadership failures, he urged Nigerians to ensure that only credible leaders are entrusted with public office. “As we strive to build the New Nigeria, we all must get involved in this important process of nation building by ensuring that only competent, capable, committed leaders with character and integrity are elected into public offices,” he concluded.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
