Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, has raised alarms over Nigeria’s escalating poverty rate, contrasting it with the success of nations like China, India, and Vietnam, which have successfully lifted millions out of poverty through disciplined policy execution.
Obi delivered his keynote address on the theme “Execution as a Competitive Edge” at the inaugural Lagos Business School (LBS) All MBA Students Conference, attended by visiting MBA students from Cambridge University’s Judge Business School. Highlights of his remarks were later shared on his X platform.
During his address, Obi emphasized that planning and strategy alone are insufficient without effective implementation. He stated, “Execution that delivers results is driven by competent and responsible leadership with capacity, compassion, and character to drive disciplined and committed implementation of sound policies and strategies.”
He cited the remarkable achievements of China, India, and Vietnam, where disciplined execution under capable leadership has led to significant progress. From 2000 to 2015, during the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) era, China lifted over 430 million people out of poverty, India lifted 270 million, and Vietnam lifted 45 million, all contributing to improved Human Development Index (HDI) scores.
In stark contrast, Obi lamented that Nigeria and much of Sub-Saharan Africa have failed to achieve similar outcomes, despite being part of the same global initiatives. “While these countries and others are lifting people out of poverty, more people are falling into poverty in Nigeria, with over 130 million Nigerians presently classified as multidimensionally poor,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor pointed out that the lack of competent leadership and inconsistent policy execution has hindered Nigeria’s progress. He stressed that capable leadership is crucial not only in governance but also in corporate boards and management teams to ensure sustainability and growth.
Concluding his address, Obi urged the nation to adopt leaders who possess capacity, compassion, character, and commitment to disciplined execution, stating, “That is what Nigeria needs today. A New Nigeria is Possible.”
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