Obi Urges African Youths to Demand Honest Leadership

Obi Urges African Youths to Demand Honest Leadership

 

 

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on African youths to rise and demand accountable and visionary leadership from those in power.

 

Speaking at the Ubuntu Africa Youth Assembly Series organised by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) under the theme “Ethical Leadership and Empowering Youth”, Obi described Africa’s youthful population of over 400 million as the continent’s greatest resource.

 

The virtual forum, held on Sunday, is part of the African Renaissance Initiative aimed at promoting intergenerational dialogue, ethical leadership, and youth participation in governance.

 

Obi warned that societies that neglect their young people are destined to fail. Citing the Ubuntu philosophy, he urged Africans to embrace collective growth, mutual support, and the principle of “I am because you are”.

 

He expressed concern over Africa’s economic decline despite abundant natural and human resources, saying many leaders have failed to learn from countries with sustainable growth models. Obi called on governments to adopt practical policies that enhance productivity, inclusivity, and human capital development, citing China and Indonesia as examples of nations that prioritised youth-driven entrepreneurship and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).

 

“Nations are measured by the quality of their human capital. Selfishness and corruption have continued to kill entrepreneurship and impoverish Africa,” Obi said. “The Ubuntu philosophy promotes a better humanity where no one fears the success of others.”

 

Obi dismissed claims that his critiques demarket Africa, insisting that only ethical, compassionate, and character-driven leadership can drive the continent forward.

 

He further noted that smaller nations like the Netherlands successfully export food despite limited arable land, whereas Africa struggles with food security due to poor leadership. “Africa’s greatest challenge is leadership failure, not natural disaster,” he said.

 

Rev. Fr. Canice Chinyeaka Enyiaka, Director of African Peace Initiative and Engagement at GPF, in his opening remarks, reaffirmed the relevance of the Ubuntu philosophy in Africa’s moral and social transformation.