Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
Following a productive visit to Birmingham, where he gained further insight into how universities promote inclusive excellence, Peter Obi participated in the 8th Annual Conference of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, UK, themed “Restoring the Dignity of Man through Building an Equitable, Inclusive, and Compassionate Society.”
In his keynote address, Obi highlighted that leadership failure remains the greatest threat to human dignity and national progress in Nigeria. He warned that the country’s Human Development Index (HDI) is declining, reflecting persistent challenges in security, rule of law, and basic education, including the alarming statistic of 20 million out-of-school children.
Obi also painted a stark picture of Nigeria’s healthcare system, noting a depleted health workforce, under-equipped hospitals, and limited access to basic medical care for the poor. He expressed deep concern over the country’s rising poverty rate, citing the World Bank report indicating 139 million Nigerians now live in poverty, a sharp increase from two years ago. He further warned that millions of Nigerians face hunger and uncertainty about their next meal, placing Nigeria among the hungriest nations globally.
According to Obi, restoring the dignity of Nigerians requires collective responsibility. He stressed that leaders must eschew corruption, govern with integrity, transparency, and empathy, and make deliberate investments in critical areas of human development. Citizens, he emphasized, must also rethink leadership selection, ensuring only individuals with character, competence, and compassion are entrusted with public office.
Obi concluded with a vision for a new Nigeria, one where opportunities align with skills, security is guaranteed, and every citizen can live with pride, dignity, and purpose.
“This is the Nigeria we deserve — and it is possible,” Obi affirmed, calling for sustained commitment from both leaders and citizens to achieve an equitable and inclusive society.
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