Nigerians Shouldn’t Be Poor – Obasanjo Laments

ABAKALIKI, ABIA STATE, NIGERIA – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has asserted that Nigerians have no reason to be living in poverty, given the country’s abundant natural and human resources.

Speaking during a dinner held in his honour by the Abia State Government at the Government House, Umuahia, on Friday, April 11, 2025, Obasanjo lamented the persistent hardship in the country, attributing it to poor resource management.

“Nigerians have no business with poverty because God has given us all that we need.

“If we are mismanaging what God has given us, we do not have God to blame; we have ourselves to blame”, he stated.

Obasanjo commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for what he described as visionary and impactful leadership, noting the widespread admiration for his administration.

He encouraged the governor to stay the course, suggesting that if at least 18 governors in the country delivered effective leadership, Nigeria’s fortunes would be significantly better.

He stressed that good governance is the right of every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliations or personal sentiments.

“For me, whether you don’t greet me or I greet you and you don’t answer, what is important is that the people of this country are getting what they deserve – and that is good governance”, Obasanjo said.

Reflecting on past leadership challenges, Obasanjo cited an instance involving former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, who he said was unaware of the national railway development plan during his tenure.

The document, according to Obasanjo, had to be retrieved from the archives.

In his response, Governor Otti expressed deep appreciation for Obasanjo’s support and guidance.

He recounted the challenges that marked his path to office, revealing that it took a decade of perseverance.

“It took us ten years to get here. The two elections we contested in 2015 and 2019, we won clearly, but they were all stolen.

“A lot of people had given up hope, but I was certain I heard clearly from God”, Otti said.

He emphasized the importance of vision and faith in leadership, crediting divine guidance and resilience for his eventual success.