Back from the second round of his Thank You tour of United States of America (USA), Mr. Peter Obi, the flagbearer of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections headed to Delta State where, on Friday, May 31, 2024, he participated in the celebration of the life of the revered Asagba of Asaba, HRM Joseph Chike Edozien, who passed on recently.
According to a post on his X handle, Mr. Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State said that he “departed Nigeria on May 23, 2024 for the US tour and held a meeting in the Washington DC/Maryland area. On the 24th, I travelled to Charlotte, NC.
“On the 25th, I honoured an invitation from the Nigerian American Business Forum 2024 conference in Tampa, Florida, delivering a keynote address on “Investing in Nigeria from the Diaspora: Challenges and Opportunities’.
“On Sunday 26th, I proceeded to Wisconsin for another meeting where I engaged in productive discussions on governance with two respected leaders: the longest-serving former Governor of Wisconsin, Tommy G. Thompson, and former Congressman and Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan.
“On Monday 27th, I was in Dallas, Texas, continuing my thank you tour. In all these stops, Nigerians and non-Nigerians who attended were unanimous in their demand for good governance and a new Nigeria which I assured them is POssible.
“On Tuesday 28th I was scheduled to speak at the Wilson International Center for Scholars as part of the Brown Capital Management Africa Forum program with US policymakers, think tank representatives, private sector members, and experts from NGOs and academic institutions, on the topic “Sub National Savings for future development”. However, due to a rainstorm in Dallas that morning, our flight was delayed for about five hours, necessitating the postponement of the event.
“Of all these events, the one that is most memorable was my meeting of young boy Samuel Alia, a dedicated and passionate individual who has been following my journey with keen interest. His enthusiasm for Nigeria’s transformation is palpable, and it was truly heartwarming to see him waiting with a cheque in hand to show his support at the prestigious Wilson International Center for Scholars.
“Undeterred by the thunderstorm that caused the delay, Samuel waited patiently, his determination fueled by his admiration for our tireless efforts to build a better Nigeria. Let us work together to build a Nigeria and Africa that is prosperous, peaceful, and just—a continent where our children and grandchildren can thrive and reach their full potential. We owe it to ourselves, our communities, and our continent to rise above present challenges and seize the opportunities that abound,” Mr. Obi concluded.
Obi said of the departed Asaba Monarch in another X post:
“He was a lover of peace and unity who promoted a more united Nigeria. His passion for education was not only reflected in his educational pursuits but in his support for education in the larger society.
“He remained at the vanguard of promoting good governance in the nation. I pray that the new Asagba of Asaba, taking up the mantle of leadership after him, will be a thoroughbred leader of his calibre, who will continue his good legacies.
“May God grant his soul eternal rest and grant his beloved family, the entire Asaba Kingdom, the government and people of Delta State, and indeed all of us, the fortitude to bear his loss.
“May God grant his soul eternal rest and grant his beloved family, the entire Asaba Kingdom, the government and people of Delta State, and indeed all of us, the fortitude to bear his loss.
“The event witnessed the gracious presence of Former Governors James Ibori and Ifeanyi Okowa; Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme; the Attah of Igala and other notable dignitaries and respected Nigerians. -PO.”
