Presidential hopeful Peter Obi has promised to build an economy where employment opportunities are based on merit rather than political connections, while pledging major investments in healthcare and a crackdown on government waste.
Speaking during a town hall engagement in Port Harcourt, Obi said Nigeria must become a country where “the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.”
Obi criticised what he described as a culture in which Nigerians seeking employment are forced to depend on political connections and influential individuals.
He said young Nigerians should be empowered to build businesses and create employment rather than waiting indefinitely for government jobs.
According to him, government policy should focus on supporting entrepreneurs and productive businesses, enabling them to expand and employ more Nigerians.
“We want a Nigeria where the child of nobody can be somebody without knowing anybody,” Obi said.
He maintained that economic growth driven by productive businesses would create more sustainable jobs and reduce dependence on political patronage.
Obi also outlined an ambitious healthcare agenda, promising to work towards establishing functional and properly staffed primary healthcare facilities across Nigeria.
He said his administration would target at least 10,000 functional primary healthcare centres, compared with Nigeria's existing wards.
The proposal, he said, would focus on ensuring that existing health facilities are properly equipped, staffed and functional.
The former governor also raised concerns about access to specialised healthcare, particularly kidney treatment and cancer care.
He said Nigeria needs significantly more dialysis and kidney treatment centres, arguing that many patients currently struggle to access affordable treatment.
Obi also promised greater investment in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment facilities.
He argued that government spending priorities should place greater emphasis on saving lives and expanding access to healthcare infrastructure.
During his address, Obi criticised what he described as excessive government expenditure on official travel and other non-essential activities.
He argued that resources spent on luxury and administrative costs could instead be redirected towards healthcare, education and infrastructure.
He specifically compared the estimated costs of expanding medical facilities with government expenditure, arguing that Nigeria must reassess its spending priorities.
The presidential hopeful said:
“We must stop this waste.”
He pledged to reduce what he described as waste, corruption and excessive public expenditure if elected.
Obi also addressed concerns that political opponents could face persecution under a future administration.
He said his government would not victimise Nigerians based on political affiliation.
“No Nigerian will be victim when we come. Every Nigerian will be Nigerian,” he said.
According to him, his administration would seek to build a government focused on national unity and equal opportunity.
Obi urged young Nigerians and citizens to become more involved in shaping the country's future.
He said Nigeria belongs to its citizens and should not be treated as the property of a privileged political class.
The Port Harcourt town hall ended with Obi reiterating his commitment to job creation, healthcare, education, poverty reduction and more accountable management of public resources.
He maintained that Nigeria's economic challenges could be addressed through stronger institutions, productive investment and leadership focused on competence, transparency and service.
Note: The financial figures, healthcare statistics and spending claims mentioned during the town hall are attributed to the speaker and should be independently verified before being presented as established facts.
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