Peter Obi Urges Investment in SMEs as He Returns to Public Engagements

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has resumed public engagements following a two-day medical break, calling for greater support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to drive economic growth and job creation.

Obi made the announcement on his verified X handle on Tuesday and began his return by visiting Maison de Helen (MDH), a luxury Nigerian fashion brand established in 1990 by designer Helen Unuane. MDH is known for producing world-class fashion pieces using locally sourced fabrics, particularly textiles from the Akwete region.

During the visit, Obi highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s textile industry, drawing comparisons with Bangladesh, where the sector accounts for over 70 per cent of exports, valued at around $50 billion.

> “I resumed my engagements yesterday and honoured a promise to visit an SME business. Maison de Helen is more than a textile house; it is proof of how Nigerian creativity, heritage, and enterprise can resonate globally,” Obi said.

“The textile and apparel industry globally employs over 300 million people and is valued at $1.7 trillion. Yet Nigeria has not fully tapped into this potential. SMEs like MDH, which employ over 50 young Nigerians directly and indirectly, could do much more with proper investment and support.

“Investing in SMEs will lift millions out of poverty and position Nigeria as a hub of creativity and trade.”

Obi’s visit underscores his continued advocacy for local production and SME development as key drivers of economic growth, moving away from heavy reliance on imports and consumption.