Peter Obi reflects on Rwanda visit, calls for strong leadership

Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has shared insights on his recent visit to Kigali, Rwanda, where he engaged in various discussions aimed at addressing Africa’s challenges, particularly in areas like productivity, leadership, and development.

Obi, who reflected on the visit on his X handle, explained that his trip over the weekend featured planned and spontaneous meetings with influential figures in the development sector.

He noted that the discussions spanned personal topics to critical issues like sports and food insecurity.

A recurring theme in the conversations was the need for African countries, including Nigeria, to shift from a consumption-based economy to one driven by productivity.

Reflecting on his conversation with former Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, Obi highlighted Ethiopia’s efforts to boost productivity after realising that their output was significantly lower than that of China.

One of the key moments of Obi’s visit was a meeting with the Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, a leader he greatly admires.

Obi described Kagame as a model of effective leadership, committed to the prudent management of scarce resources and dedicated service to his people. Their conversation touched on the pressing needs for Africa to move forward and the importance of visionary leadership.

Obi also spoke at the Sherrie Silver Foundation’s “The Silver Gala,” where he observed the potential for Africa’s youths to drive the continent’s growth through innovation and entrepreneurship. “I saw a continent on the rise if only we could have the right leadership and invest in the entrepreneurial, innovative energy of our youths,” he said.