Abuja:The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, insists that public resources should be utilized strictly for the benefit of Nigerians.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Obi conveyed this message in his Independence Day anniversary address, stating that Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources should result in better living standards, security, productivity, and shared prosperity for its citizens. He highlighted that the major issue facing Nigeria is not a lack of resources but the inability to transform these resources into human development and economic opportunities.
Obi urged Nigerians to use the independence anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s progress, evaluate its present condition, and strategize on achieving the objectives set by its founding fathers. He identified poverty, insecurity, education deficits, food insecurity, unemployment, drug abuse, and poor health outcomes as some of the pressing challenges facing the nation.
Expressing concern over the high levels of poverty and hardship, as well as the number of children out of school, Obi also pointed out the ongoing issues of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, which continue to impact lives and economic activities adversely. His recent visit to Sokoto, accompanied by his running mate Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, highlighted these issues, particularly at the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Ramin Kura in Sokoto metropolis, where many women and children are living in difficult conditions.
Peter Obi assured that his message is not one of despair but of hope and responsibility. If elected president, he promised to make governance accountable and focus on the welfare and productivity of Nigerians. His priorities would include enhancing security, education, healthcare, and promoting a productive economy that generates jobs and supports agriculture and manufacturing.
Obi also committed to ensuring that those displaced by insecurity could safely return to their communities. He expressed his intention to spend time in various parts of Nigeria, such as Zamfara, Borno, Kwara, Ebonyi, Edo, and Ekiti states, to engage with citizens and understand their challenges better.
He stressed the importance of leadership that views public office as a sacred trust, ensuring that public resources are used for the public good. Obi encouraged Nigerians to celebrate the independence anniversary with gratitude for past achievements, honesty about existing challenges, and the courage to work towards a more secure, united, and productive nation.