Obi tasks rich Nigerians on water, education crises

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has challenged privileged Nigerians to help in tackling water scarcity and provide Almajiri children access to Western education.

Speaking, yesterday, in Abuja on what he described as water and education challenge, Obi asked 200,000 wealthy Nigerians to put their resources into the drilling of one borehole each in locations across the country.

This, he said, will serve as a palliative measure to tackle the dire need for potable water.

The former governor of Anambra State also asked the privileged persons to contribute to an educational endowment that would bring formal schooling directly to the Almajiri at the Qur’anic schools.

According to him, western education can be given to the Almajiri children, where they learn the Qur’an along with English, Mathematics, Sciences and related subjects.

He said: “It is my unwavering commitment to identify and tackle critical issues impeding our nation’s progress. Today, I am pleased to provide updates on my interventions in two pivotal areas: water and education, and to present an empirical foresight on the way to resolve them, earnestly appealing for much-needed intervention.”

Expatiating on the water challenge, Obi said: “During my recent nationwide tour, I witnessed, first hand, the continuous dire need for access to water, which costs about N5 million each (borehole). In response, I have initiated efforts to provide water by undertaking the drilling of boreholes in various communities.

“Recognising Nigeria’s vast population and the unequal distribution of wealth, I appeal to the goodwill of 0.1 per cent of our population, approximately 200,000 individuals, to sponsor the drilling of one borehole per year in any location of their choice. I have personally initiated 10 borehole projects and will ensure their functionality. Additionally, I commit to overseeing the drilling of 10 more in addressing the critical issue of water scarcity.”

On the education challenge, he highlighted the pressing issue of out-of-school children across the country, saying he was privileged to have visited the Madarasatul Hidayyatul Auladi Muslimima Almajiri school in Kawo, Kaduna State.

“During the visit, like others, I had the opportunity to interact with the young people. I also spent time immersing myself in Qur’anic learning. Their enthusiasm for Qur’anic education reaffirmed my belief in the untapped potential within these young students, proficient in Arabic reading and writing.

“I am convinced that these students possess the capability to excel in various fields, from medicine and architecture to engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and beyond. I envisioned a future where they would become professors, doctors, lawyers, economists, captains of industry and competent political leaders. I see the same potential in those trading on the streets,” he stated.

Appealing to the government to match the effort and cut waste, especially in the area of education, particularly in Northern Nigeria.