By Mercy Okpe
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for 2023, has criticized the Nigerian government for harboring more corrupt individuals than are found in the broader society.
Speaking as the guest speaker at Nexford University’s 4th graduation ceremony in Lagos, Obi expressed concern over the widespread misuse of public resources by government officials.
“When we discuss vices, it’s important to recognize that it’s not just about Yahoo boys. In fact, there are more Yahoo-like individuals in government than outside of it. We have turned the entire country into a crime scene where both those in power and those outside are engaged in theft,” he stated.
Obi emphasized the need for strong leadership, encouraging graduates to become agents of positive change.
“Leadership is about igniting the future. While it’s not rocket science, it is challenging. It requires strong character and the resolve to avoid wrongdoing,” he remarked.
He urged the graduates to apply their knowledge toward building a better society.
“You are victims of Nigeria’s challenges because our generation and those before us have failed to do what is right, and you are bearing the consequences,” he added.
On the sidelines of the event, Obi highlighted the significance of online education in addressing Nigeria’s educational challenges. He cited successful models from countries like India, Pakistan, and Turkey, advocating for Nigeria to adopt a hybrid approach that combines online and traditional education.
“We must prioritize education, as it is one of the most crucial tools for development. The more educated a country or society is, the more advanced it becomes,” he concluded.
