Feature/OPED
Peter Obi, Prospects and Challenges

By Jerome-Mario Chijioke Utomi
This piece stemmed from two uniquely similar but different sources. First is a WhatsApp picture of Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential flag bearer and his running mate, Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, which I recently stumbled upon on a group platform.
The referenced portrait was laced with the following inscriptions; Nigeria Has Never Had It This Good! No missing certificates, excellent academic achievements, good, verifiable track records, good business administration and no criminal records.
While reflecting on the portrait and its messages, I got yet another WhatsApp message. Like the first, it reads; ‘Obicracy is a system where the masses choose a competent leader without structure over incompetent leader with full structure’.
To cross-check the validity of these claims about Peter Obi’s popularity, I sought a telephone conversation with a cross-section of quietly influential Nigerians. While all comments were validly important and appreciated, the observations by Tony Ezeagwu, Chairman, Labour Party, Delta state/Coordinator, Peter Obi Campaign Organization, and another by Iwemdi Nwaham, member of People Democratic Party (PDP), not only stood out but formed the nucleus of the present discourse.
‘Like a boil that can never be cured as long as it is covered up until it is opened with all its pus-flowing ugliness to the natural medicine of air and light, their remarks respectively brought to surface the hidden prospects and concerns inherent in Obi’s movement to where it can be seen and treated. Most importantly, the duo subjected Obi’s quest for the presidency to the light of human conscience and the air of national opinion.
Beginning with Tony Ezeagwu, he was not only emphatic as to Obi’s prospect but categorical as to why Nigerians should elect him as their next President.
In his words; as you can see, Nigeria as a country is in a state of decay. Everything has gone wrong, people are suffering, and schools are closed. No hospital to attend. People are being kidnapped and the people have no answer to all that is happening. And you have also heard of Obi’s background particularly when he was a governor.
‘You have heard all he did in Anambra State, how he revived the state. You know what made them impeach him on two different occasions. But each time he goes to the court, the court returns him to the office because of his steadfastness to doing the right thing. He was sure of what he was doing in the office as a Governor. He was doing the right thing and not the wrong thing. Even when they alleged that he did not follow due process and the rest of it, the court insisted that the man followed due process, except if it is a different thing that you are looking for’.
Waxing philosophical, he asked rhetorically; do you know that it is in washing hands that we know who will scramble for the food? And are you also aware that charity begins at home? What you were not taught at your youthful age, you cannot learn in old age. Obi has taught us not to talk about other people. Instead, we should tell Nigerians what he is going to do and what he has done in the past-as that is better than looking into what others have done. Whether they have done well or have done wrong. It is Nigerians that have to say that.
He further stressed that the most important thing is that what he did in Anambra stands him out. Anambra, he explained, is a state, just as Nigeria is a state. If we are talking about the Ministry of Health in Anambra, there is nothing different between the Ministry of Health in Anambra State and the Federal Ministry of Health. If we are talking about the Ministry of Agriculture in Anambra state, there is nothing different from that of the Ministry of Agriculture at the federal level. So, he is only going to replicate whatever he has done in the past.
The only thing is that it is going to be at a larger scope now and because it is on a larger scope, it will require larger resources to spend on those demands. It is not the size of the fund that is in Anambra as a state that is at the federal level. The only thing is that the size of the man’s thinking, the ability that he used in Anambra is the same ability that he is going to use at the federal level. I think it is a very simple and straightforward thing. Anybody who is talking about Anambra being a small state and the rest of it might not be getting it right.
The issue is; does Peter Obi know what to do? That is the question.
‘I am sure you are aware that the issue we are talking about is somebody who will look at a problem on the ground and not only know what to do but figure out the solution. That is exactly what we are talking about. And if you see the people Labour Party is parading now; president and vice presidential aspirants, you will know that first and foremost, two of them possess the energy needed to function at that capacity. They are young people. They are successful entrepreneurs. So, they know what to do to make Nigeria great’.
At this point, he said something very interesting; Obi is not promising the youth anything extra-ordinary than what they are entitled to.
So, what are those things that they are entitled to? I queried.
Look, he responded; first and foremost they are entitled to a good life. Secondly, they are entitled to go to school and if you have a course of four years, you will do it for four years and not for eight years. Thirdly, when you graduate, you will get a job. Fourthly, our people used to call Benue State the food basket of the nation. Today, Benue State is no longer the food basket. They have been driven out of the bush and their farms and you don’t expect us (Nigerians) to be getting food the way they used to. Go to Zamfara State, people are being slaughtered every day. Go to Kaduna State, people are being slaughtered every day. So, what he is going to do is that he has to bring Nigeria to oneness again. It will no longer be Christian/Muslim or Hausa/Igbo, Yoruba or South versus North. It has to be if you are a Nigerian, you are a Nigerian. That is what he wants to put in place.
However, while Tony exudes confidence about how Peter Obi will win the forthcoming presidential election and turn the fortunes of this country around, Iwemdi Nwaham, a member of PDP in Delta State, said something new and different.
He said, I don’t have a contrary opinion as per observation. I only have a contrary opinion as per actualization. When you open social media, when you look around you, you just find people who are ‘Obidient’ all over the place. You go to school, you go to a motor park, palm wine drinking bar, and honestly, the mileage of stocks is in favour of Obi because Obi is saying the right things. Obi is really touching on the nerves and this is where APC must know that they have thrown up an Obi because of the way they have misruled this country. You know, when you come out of that, you look at the ingredients for electoral victory.
‘The ingredient for electoral victory is not just to sit down in a palm wine bar and talk. It is much more. When they say structure, you have to have a structure and because of the way people are interpreting it, I don’t even like using the word structure anymore but it is real. In party politics, you entrench yourself, you put certain tentacles into the ground. If you don’t have it, you will just ramble around it’.
I tell you, Peter Obi might not even score 30 per cent in Anambra State of the votes that will be cast for president. But he is so popular; people like to listen to him. His messages are resonating everywhere. He will get to the presidency but not in 2023. There are certain things that must be in place in dismantling the skewed nature of Nigeria. Nigeria is too skewed in favour of one ethnic group and it is not fair. Those things that will be done to dismantle it cannot be done by Peter Obi or Tinubu. It can only be done by somebody like them who will say ‘look my people, I think this unfairness has become too much. We have gone too far. This country might go into a conflagration if we don’t apply sense’. Then he now begins to reorder gradually. It cannot be done mechanically. He concluded.
Whatever may be the case; this piece on its part holds the opinion that the current administration has no clear definition of our problem as a nation, the goals to be achieved, or the means to address the problems and achieve the goals. Secondly, the system has virtually no consideration for connecting the poor with good means of livelihood-food, jobs, and security. This is the only possible explanation for the present situation and a fact that has made the need for a third force in the coming 2023 general election important!!!
Utomi is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Public Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He can be reached via jeromeutomi@yahoo.com/08032725374
Feature/OPED
Nigeria’s Bold Strides Towards a Sustainable Future

By Alex Oware
President Bola Tinubu has firmly established Nigeria as a proactive and visionary leader in the global pursuit of climate action and sustainable development. Recognising that environmental stewardship is intrinsically linked to economic prosperity, his administration has moved beyond viewing climate change as a mere ecological concern, positioning it instead as a pivotal economic opportunity ripe for exploration and investment.
President Tinubu’s emphatic pronouncements at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and during a high-level virtual dialogue underscored Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to international collaboration, emphasising the critical need for a unified global response to the escalating climate crisis. He astutely highlighted that the realisation of a truly sustainable future necessitates robust global interconnectedness and a shared sense of responsibility amongst all nations.
Nigeria’s comprehensive strategy for tackling the multifaceted challenges of climate change rests upon three fundamental pillars: a decisive shift towards clean energy transition, the building of robust climate resilience, and an overarching commitment to sustainable development. To translate these core principles into tangible realities, the current administration is actively implementing a range of key initiatives designed to wean the nation off its reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
A significant aspect of this endeavor involves the substantial expansion of infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles. Simultaneously, the government is strategically focusing on harnessing Nigeria’s abundant solid mineral resources to provide crucial materials for the burgeoning green energy sector.
Complementing these efforts are the implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices, aimed at simultaneously enhancing national food security and minimising detrimental environmental impacts.
Furthermore, the newly introduced National Clean Cooking Policy seeks to promote clean energy solutions at the household level, promising significant environmental, health, and socio-economic benefits for Nigerian citizens.
These ambitious endeavors are meticulously designed to deliver palpable value and positive impact directly to the lives of Nigerians. The diversification of energy sources holds the promise of cleaner air and a significantly healthier environment for communities across the nation.
The active promotion of CNG as a viable alternative fuel is strategically aimed at mitigating the economic and social hardships that have arisen from the removal of fuel subsidies, offering a more affordable and sustainable energy option for transportation and domestic use. The widespread adoption of climate-smart agriculture is paramount for bolstering food security, ensuring a stable and reliable food supply, and safeguarding vulnerable local communities from the increasingly severe adverse effects of climate change, such as droughts and floods.
Moreover, the deliberate expansion of the green energy sector is projected to generate a wealth of new employment opportunities and empower local entrepreneurs, particularly in rural communities that are gaining access to reliable and sustainable electricity for the first time.
In a demonstrably bold move that underscores the administration’s commitment to these overarching goals, President Tinubu’s government has put forward a significant N10 billion solar power project specifically for the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. This ambitious initiative is presented as a crucial step towards establishing a more sustainable and dependable energy future for the entire nation, starting from the highest levels of governance.
Proponents of the project persuasively argue that it aligns seamlessly with global best practices, drawing parallels with the increasing adoption of solar energy in key government institutions worldwide. The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has vigorously defended the project, asserting that it is fully in line with President Tinubu’s broader reforms aimed at fundamentally transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape and decisively tackling the persistent and crippling energy debt crisis.
The ECN further emphasises that solar energy offers inherent efficiency, provides a crucial shield for Nigerians against the volatility of rising tariffs on conventional energy sources, and has the potential to significantly ease the immense pressure currently burdening the national electricity grid.
While the project has understandably sparked public debate and scrutiny regarding its substantial cost and prioritisation in the face of other pressing national needs, the government strategically positions it as an innovative approach that demonstrates leadership by example and a profound commitment to integrating clean energy solutions at the very apex of Nigerian governance.
Beyond these crucial domestic initiatives, President Tinubu has actively and strategically sought robust international collaboration and support for Africa’s complex transition towards a green economy, fully acknowledging that the necessary investments are inherently capital-intensive.
Nigeria has already demonstrated commendable leadership on the continental stage by being the first African nation to successfully launch Sovereign Green Bonds, specifically designed to finance environmentally sustainable projects across various sectors.
Furthermore, the country is actively in the process of developing a comprehensive Global Climate Change Investment Fund, with the primary aim of attracting substantial further investment in critical green infrastructure and innovative clean energy initiatives.
Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the ambitious target year of 2060 and is actively engaged in the crucial process of updating its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the esteemed UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The recent finalisation of the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Policy in March 2025 is projected to unlock a substantial potential of up to $2.5 billion in valuable carbon credit investments by the pivotal year of 2030. This influx of capital is expected to further bolster climate-aligned economic growth and create new avenues for sustainable development.
Moreover, Nigeria is actively collaborating with various United Nations agencies to develop a comprehensive guideline for a just transition towards a fully decarbonised economy. This crucial collaboration ensures that the inevitable shift towards clean energy and climate-resilient solutions is implemented in a manner that leaves no community or economic sector behind, prioritising the creation of green jobs, the development of essential skills, and comprehensive capacity-building initiatives across the nation.
President Tinubu’s overarching strategy underscores a holistic and integrated approach that seamlessly weaves climate action into Nigeria’s broader development agenda, recognising it not as a separate concern but as a fundamental strategic imperative for sustained economic growth and comprehensive national transformation.
By diligently pursuing these comprehensive and interconnected strategies, Nigeria aims not only to effectively address the urgent and pressing challenges posed by climate change but also to unlock significant and lasting economic and social benefits for all its citizens, paving a clear and sustainable pathway towards a resilient, equitable, and prosperous future for generations to come.
Alex Oware is the Regional Director for YP4T
Feature/OPED
Navigating the Maze: Solutions for Nigeria’s Flourishing Foodtech Industry

By Diana Tenebe
Nigeria’s foodtech sector holds immense promise to transform our nation’s food production, distribution, and consumption systems. However, this burgeoning industry currently navigates a complex maze of challenges that could significantly hinder its progress.
While innovation and entrepreneurial drive are abundant, a confluence of infrastructural deficits, economic headwinds, technological disparities, and logistical complexities casts a shadow on the sector’s long-term viability.
Understanding and addressing these multifaceted hurdles is paramount for foodtech companies aspiring to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s food security.
One of the most significant impediments to the foodtech sector’s advancement is Nigeria’s persistent infrastructural weaknesses. The unreliable power supply, a well-known constraint for businesses nationwide, directly threatens food preservation, increasing spoilage risks and driving up operational costs for companies reliant on refrigeration and consistent processing.
Similarly, the often-deteriorated state of our road networks complicates logistics and transportation, hindering the efficient movement of goods from farms to consumers and across the supply chain.
Furthermore, limited access to clean water exacerbates operational challenges, particularly for maintaining food processing and hygiene standards. Collectively, these infrastructural shortcomings inflate operational expenses and introduce vulnerabilities throughout the food supply chain.
Economic constraints add another layer of intricacy. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates create instability in pricing and procurement, especially for businesses dealing with imported technologies or ingredients. Persistent inflation erodes consumer purchasing power and increases the cost of essential inputs, squeezing profit margins for startups.
Moreover, limited access to credit and investment capital makes it difficult for emerging foodtech companies to secure the necessary funding to invest in crucial technology, infrastructure, and expansion efforts. This financial constraint can stifle innovation and prevent promising ventures from reaching their full potential.
The digital divide also poses a unique challenge for foodtech companies aiming to leverage online platforms and digital solutions. While mobile phone usage is widespread in Nigeria, disparities in digital literacy and access to reliable internet connectivity can restrict the widespread adoption of online food ordering and delivery services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This necessitates creative and inclusive strategies to bridge the digital gap and reach a broader consumer base.
Inefficiencies within the supply chain represent a critical bottleneck in the Nigerian food system. Fragmented agricultural supply chains, characterised by numerous intermediaries and a lack of transparency, contribute to alarmingly high post-harvest losses.
Inadequate storage facilities and inefficient transportation infrastructure further compound these issues, leading to significant waste and price volatility. Addressing these systemic weaknesses is crucial for ensuring a stable and affordable food supply for all Nigerians.
Navigating Nigeria’s regulatory landscape can also be a daunting task for foodtech businesses. The presence of multiple regulatory agencies, coupled with often bureaucratic and time-consuming processes for obtaining licenses and permits, can create significant hurdles for startups. Clear, consistent, and streamlined processes within the regulatory framework are essential to foster a more enabling environment for innovation and growth.
Building consumer trust and acceptance for new food technologies requires overcoming inherent skepticism and unfamiliarity. Concerns regarding food safety, quality, and the security of online transactions can hinder the adoption of novel food products and digital platforms. Transparent communication, robust quality control measures, and consistent consumer engagement are vital for building confidence and fostering widespread acceptance.
Finally, a notable talent gap exists within the Nigerian foodtech ecosystem. A shortage of professionals possessing specialised skills in food science, technology, business management, and logistics can limit the growth and innovation capacity of companies in this sector. Addressing this skills deficit through targeted training and development initiatives is crucial for long-term success.
Despite these significant challenges, promising pathways forward can be forged through innovative and context-specific approaches. Investing in localised infrastructure solutions, such as independent power generation and efficient localised logistics networks, can mitigate the impact of broader infrastructural deficiencies.
Exploring diverse funding avenues beyond traditional banking, including angel investors, government grants, crowdfunding, and revenue-based financing, can alleviate financial constraints.
Adapting to the digital divide by leveraging basic mobile technology and employing offline strategies like local agent networks can expand reach and inclusivity. Building resilient supply chains through direct farmer relationships, investing in aggregation centres, and utilising technology for farm management offer tangible solutions to logistical inefficiencies.
Proactive engagement with regulatory bodies and advocating for clearer, more supportive policies are crucial for navigating the regulatory landscape effectively. Building consumer trust necessitates transparent sourcing practices, clear communication about product benefits and safety, and active engagement with consumer feedback.
Finally, investing in talent development through collaborations with educational institutions and in-house training programs can bridge the critical skills gap.
Foodstuff Store is emerging as a business with a clear vision to directly confront several of these challenges. We are actively developing a decentralised network of businesses supported by strategically located distribution hubs across target states. This approach will directly address the limitations imposed by poor road networks, ensuring more localised access to our food products.
Furthermore, the establishment of regional storage facilities, including a state-of-the-art solar-powered cold storage, directly tackles infrastructural deficiencies related to food preservation and ensuring a consistent supply.
Foodstuff Store’s ambition for end-to-end management of the food supply chain, encompassing in-house production, direct sourcing, advanced storage solutions, and efficient distribution, offers a powerful solution to existing supply chain inefficiencies.
This integrated approach promises enhanced quality control, significant reductions in post-harvest losses, and a more reliable supply of both perishable and non-perishable goods for our customers.
Our aspiration to become the “Amazon for Food Products” is a clear and ambitious goal underpinned by a technology-driven approach to all aspects of our operational management. Foodstuff Store’s vision underscores a business model strategically designed to overcome significant hurdles within the Nigerian foodtech sector, offering a beacon of potential and a pathway to a more secure and efficient food system in a challenging yet remarkably promising landscape.
By Diana Tenebe is the Chief Operating Officer of Foodstuff Store
Feature/OPED
President’s Katsina State Visit Exposes Disconnect from People’s Needs

By Abba Dukawa
The recent visit by the President Bola Tinubu to Katsina State has sparked concerns about the disconnect between the government’s priorities and the people’s needs. The visit exposed the hypocritical approach to the need of their people, states and the northern Nigeria as whole. The quality of leadership in the region has been questioned, with allegations of self serving interest, ineptitude, and a lack of vision.
This is in spite of the fact that northern Nigeria as a whole faces numerous challenges that threaten its stability and development. Some of the key issues include insecurity, poverty, education, economic hardship, inequality and social and cultural challenges. The visit has been seen as an opportunity missed to engage with the state’s residents, listen to their concerns, and chart a way forward for development.
While the visit was marked by displays of pageantry and entertainment, the state’s pressing issues such as insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship, seemed to take a backseat. Critics argue that the government’s focus on superficial events rather than addressing the root causes of the state’s challenges is a clear indication of a disconnect from the people’s needs.
The introduction of Rarara’s wife to the President by the Katsina State Governor, contravening cultural and religious norms, raise questions about leaders’ priorities and values.
Current leaders in the north seem more focused on personal interests and political survival than advocating for the northern Nigeria improvement.
Regardless of the challenges in the region the Governors keep praise for the President’s economic reforms, notwithstanding the region’s struggles, is concerning. economic reforms should lift people out of poverty, create jobs, and stimulate growth. If not yielding tangible benefits, they need reevaluation.
The north needs leaders prioritizing regional development and working towards a brighter future. Leaders understanding our region’s problems and committed to tackling them head-on are crucial. It’s time for a shift in approach, prioritizing people’s needs over personal interests.
As we move forward, we must demand more from our leaders. We need leaders who will stand up for the north and work tirelessly to find solutions. Anything less is a disservice to the region and its people.
We need leaders who cultivate a culture of good governance, prioritizing accountability and transparency to address insecurity and promote development.
The north needs a visionary leaders who prioritize all citizens’ needs, regardless of tribe or religion, are crucial for unity and stability.
Leaders who accelerate economic development, create jobs, and provide essential services like education and healthcare can reduce poverty and insecurity.
We require leaders who will combat corruption and promote social justice, reducing inequality and fostering stability.
In northern Nigeria, effective security reforms are necessary, including modernizing security agencies, enhancing intelligence gathering, and addressing insecurity’s root causes to ensure public safety.
To bridge the gap between the government and the people, there is a need for leaders who understand the intricacies of the state’s problems and are committed to tackling them head-on. By prioritizing the people’s needs and working towards sustainable development, the government can build trust and foster a sense of ownership among its citizens
May God guide Nigeria towards true development and prosperity.
Dukawa, a concerned Nigerian, can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com
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