Peter Obi to govt: Support entrepreneurship, small businesses aggressively for achievement of New Nigeria

Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate in the February 25, 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on government to aggressively support entrepreneurship and small businesses for the evolution of the New Nigeria envisioned.

Mr. Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, said this at an interactive session with about 1000 youths in Owerri, the Imo State capital over the weekend.

At the event, tagged Owerri Business Week, Mr. Obi regretted that the neglect of productivity has led to the abandonment of entrepreneurship and small businesses, critical components of development, “which are proven catalysts of development in many comparable economies around the world.”

Obi, who supported the programme with a token of N3million, stressed that the wealth and prosperity of Nigeria “lie in harnessing and encouraging youth entrepreneurship for productivity.”

Full text of the tweet reads:

Yesterday in Owerri, I had a very fruitful and engaging interaction with about a thousand youths where we exchanged ideas on entrepreneurship, leadership, and business management in an event tagged Owerri Business Week.

I was gratified by their zeal to succeed and their enthusiasm to initiate and contribute to positive changes in society. Sadly, our neglect of productivity has made us abandon this critical component of development – entrepreneurship and small businesses, which are proven catalysts of development in many comparable economies around the world. However, I encouraged the youths to remain committed and resolute in being entrepreneurial and growing their small businesses and to continue with their contribution to our national productivity for growth and development. To achieve the New Nigeria which will be anchored on moving Nigeria from consumption to production, governments must encourage and support entrepreneurship and small businesses aggressively.

I supported the program with a token of 3 million Naira. I thank the organisers of the program and the individuals who contributed to mentoring the young ones. I appreciate them for the success they have recorded so far.

The wealth and prosperity of our nation lie in harnessing and encouraging youth entrepreneurship for productivity. Together we will achieve the New Nigeria of our dreams as a land where all great things are POssible. – PO