UMUAHIA. Nigeria – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed concern over Nigeria’s state of poverty, despite the nation’s abundant resources.
Speaking at a dinner organized in his honour by the Abia State Government on Friday, April 11, 2025, Obasanjo lamented that Nigeria’s natural wealth is not being properly managed, leading to the country’s persistent poverty.
“Nigerians have no business with poverty because God has given us all that we need,” Obasanjo stated.
“If we are mismanaging what God has given us, we do not have God to blame, we have ourselves to blame.”
The former president emphasized that Nigeria’s vast resources—both human and material—should make the country prosperous, but poor governance and mismanagement are the root causes of its struggles.
He called for better management and vision from leaders at all levels of government.
During his address, Obasanjo praised the leadership of Governor Alex Otti of Abia, commending the strides made by his administration in transforming the state.
He described Otti’s efforts as a model for good governance, noting the public’s wide approval of his performance.
He also encouraged Otti to continue working towards improving the state and its governance.
“If Nigeria had 18 governors doing well in their responsibilities as leaders, we would build the country up,” Obasanjo remarked, stressing the importance of good governance for national development.
Reflecting on his own experiences in leadership, Obasanjo recalled offering advice to former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, regarding the national railway development plan.
He pointed out that despite some challenges, Amaechi made significant contributions to the development of the national transport infrastructure.
Governor Otti, in his speech, thanked Obasanjo for his guidance and support, especially during his decade-long political journey.
He shared the story of his perseverance through multiple electoral challenges, highlighting his faith and commitment to serving Abia.
Otti also mentioned the ongoing reforms in the education sector aimed at improving access to quality education in the state.
In addition to Otti’s comments, former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, urged political actors in Abia to start preparing for the 2027 elections, stressing the importance of building on the state’s progress.
He emphasized that good leadership, like Otti’s, is crucial for the state’s continued development and success.
