Peter Obi expresses concern over Ukraine donating food to Nigeria amidst war
The Labor Party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed his dismay over the fact that a war-torn nation like Ukraine is currently providing food aid to Nigeria. Obi conveyed this sentiment through a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday.
Remember that the Ukrainian government recently contributed 25,000 tonnes of wheat as urgent food aid to support 1.3 million vulnerable individuals affected by the crisis in Nigeria's northeastern region.
This occurrence unfolds against the backdrop of escalating food prices and prevailing economic hardships in the country.
Peter Obi acknowledged the commendable gesture from Ukraine but remarked that it highlights the shortcomings of the Nigerian government in meeting the needs of its citizens.
He emphasized that this situation reflects a national embarrassment stemming from years of leadership failure, calling for an immediate reassessment of national priorities and resource management.
While appreciating the generosity of the people of Ukraine, Obi urged for increased global solidarity towards them.
However, the former Anambra State governor emphasized that such circumstances underscore the crucial role of effective political leadership as the fundamental prerequisite for any nation aspiring to foster development and improve the living standards of its people.
Obi expressed his dismay over the fact that Nigeria, once economically self-assured with extensive fertile land and abundant natural resources, now finds itself seeking food aid from war-stricken Ukraine.
In his statement, he conveyed gratitude to Ukraine for their generous contribution of tons of grains, acknowledging their assistance in the ongoing battle against widespread hunger in Nigeria.
“As laudable as Ukraine’s kind gesture is, it speaks volumes for us as a people endowed with all needed human and natural resources, that a country officially prosecuting a brutal war of national survival with its powerful neighbor, Russia, is generous and kind enough with their food supplies to help us who are officially at peace.
For the people of Ukraine, this act of human solidarity showcases an uncommon generosity of spirit that merits greater global support, emphasizing our shared humanity."
Obi further emphasized, "Nevertheless, a situation like this underscores the critical role of effective political leadership as the foremost requirement for any nation aspiring to develop and improve the standard of living of its citizens.
"It is disheartening that our once economically confident nation, endowed with extensive arable land and abundant natural resources, now depends on a war-torn Ukraine for food assistance.
"This national embarrassment results from years of leadership failure, prompting an urgent need for reflection and a reevaluation of our national priorities, as well as resource management and allocation. Notably, Ukraine, with a population of 43 million on 603,728 km2, outshines Northern Nigeria, covering 744,249 km2, with a young and energetic population exceeding 100 million.
In 2015, Ukraine boasted a GDP per capita of $2125, slightly below Nigeria's $2680. However, by 2022, despite being engaged in a war, Ukraine's GDP per capita exceeded $4000, while Nigeria's regressed to $2184. Ukraine actively cultivates over 60% of its arable land, whereas Nigeria has over 60% of its arable land left uncultivated.
"Even amid conflict, Ukraine manages to sustain itself, exporting agricultural products worth over $25 billion, a figure equivalent to our crude oil export earnings. It has positioned itself as a key global food supplier, extending aid to a peaceful yet less productive Nigeria.
"To overcome this embarrassment, we must decisively realign our priorities by channeling resources into productive sectors like agriculture. Addressing insecurity is paramount to encourage farmers to return to their fields, fostering a thriving manufacturing sector and supporting small businesses.
"Within 4 to 5 years, this concerted effort can reverse the current trend, steering us toward a productive and revitalized Nigeria, a vision that I believe is attainable and within our grasp."
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