Peter Obi Calls for Competent Leadership at Cambridge, Urges African Youths to Fight Corruption and Invest in Human Development
Cambridge, UK, May 11, 2025 – Former Nigerian presidential candidate and Labour Party leader Peter Obi delivered a compelling address to African youths at the University of Cambridge, emphasizing the urgent need for competent, visionary leadership to transform Nigeria and the continent. Speaking at the African Together Conference organized by the African Society at Cambridge, Obi challenged young Africans to actively engage in governance and demand integrity from their leaders.
Focus on Security, Education, and Poverty Alleviation
Obi outlined three critical reforms any leader should prioritize within their first 100 days: ensuring security of life and property, investing in education, and pulling people out of poverty. He stressed that tackling poverty is key to reducing insecurity, noting that many regions in Nigeria suffer from mass poverty, which fuels criminality.
“The simple and most important measure of development is the Human Development Index, which includes health, education, and poverty reduction. By focusing on these, we can address insecurity and build a better Nigeria,” Obi said.
He highlighted the collapse of primary healthcare and the alarming infant mortality rates in Nigeria, which surpass those of countries with much larger populations like India. Obi called for urgent investment in health systems, education, and economic empowerment to improve citizens’ quality of life.
Dismantling Elite Capture and Promoting Accountability
Addressing the entrenched problem of elite capture, where those in power become beholden to narrow interests, Obi urged for alliances that dismantle corrupt networks and build inclusive governance structures.
“We can no longer have alliances that perpetuate the old order. We must come together to build a nation that benefits everyone, especially the poor,” he stated.
He acknowledged the challenges reformers face, including resistance from entrenched interests and risks to personal safety, but expressed optimism that a growing number of Nigerians desire change.
Lessons from Global Development Models
Drawing on his international education and experience, Obi referenced countries like China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia, which have dramatically improved human development indicators through focused investments in education, health, and poverty reduction.
“These countries were once at our level but have moved ahead because they made deliberate decisions to invest in their people,” he said.
Obi noted that Nigeria’s literacy rate remains low at around 50%, compared to over 90% in these countries, underscoring the need for urgent educational reforms.
Call to Action for African Youths
In closing, Obi challenged African youths not to remain passive observers but to become active participants in shaping their nations’ futures.
“We must all get involved. We must insist on leaders with integrity. That is how a new Nigeria and a new Africa will emerge. A new Nigeria is possible,” he declared.
The conference attracted participants from across Africa and the diaspora, united in their commitment to reimagining leadership and governance on the continent.
