By James Adamu
Peter Obi has called on Nigerians living abroad to return home and invest, saying the country must be rebuilt into one where the diaspora can confidently contribute to national development.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress gave the charge after meeting with young Nigerian professionals in Washington, D.C., where the conversation centred on Nigeria’s challenges and the reforms needed to move the country forward.
Obi said Nigerians abroad should not be treated as people who have simply left, but as an integral part of the country whose skills, resources and networks should be harnessed for national progress.
“We must build a Nigeria where our young people do not have to leave their country in order to fulfil their dreams, and where those already abroad can confidently return, invest, contribute and participate in our national development,” he said.
According to him, that kind of Nigeria will not happen by chance. It will require responsible and compassionate leadership, stronger institutions and prudent management of public resources.
He added that citizens also have a role to play by continuing to demand a country that works for everyone.
Reflecting on his meeting with the professionals in Washington, the former Anambra State governor said he was reminded of the quality of Nigerians excelling globally in medicine, technology, engineering, law, education and business.
He insisted that Nigeria’s greatest resource remains its people, and that the country can achieve meaningful development if it gets its leadership right.
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