How to build the Nigeria of our dreams — Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said that Nigeria can only become the nation it aspires to be by cultivating a new generation of responsible and visionary leaders who are dedicated to self‑less service and sound governance.

Obi made the comments in a post on his Facebook page on Sunday after speaking with students at Madonna University’s Okija Campus during the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative, which was themed “Beyond Now: Raising the Next Generation of Leaders.”

He said the interactive session gave him a chance to hear students’ questions, which reflected the frustrations of many young Nigerians with poor governance and widespread corruption that, he added, have denied them opportunities to reach their full potential.

Despite these challenges, Obi noted that he was encouraged by the students’ optimism and determination to contribute to national development.

He stressed that leadership remains the greatest determinant of a nation’s progress, adding that effective leaders must have character, competence, capacity and compassion, and must be willing to make sacrifices for the good of the people.

Obi said Nigeria’s future depends on leaders who are committed to protecting lives, investing in education, creating opportunities and building strong institutions.

He urged the students to take their education seriously and to prepare themselves for leadership roles, encouraging them to see themselves not merely as observers but as agents of change.

According to him, active participation in the democratic process will allow young Nigerians to elect leaders with integrity and the capacity to move the country forward.

As part of his support for education, Obi presented a cheque for N15 million to Madonna University to support its educational programmes.

He described investment in education as one of the most effective ways of developing the human capital required for national progress.

“Together, by raising a new generation of responsible and visionary leaders, we can build the Nigeria of our dreams that is possible,” Obi said.