Former Anambra Governor, and Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, said that only free and fair election was all Nigeria needed to be on the right path and solve challenges facing it as a nation
Obi made this known on Thursday during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s democracy dialogue 2024 held in Benin.
The theme of the dialogue was: “Functional Education and Effective Political Leadership as a panacea to Africa’s Growth and Development’’.
He thanked the former president for the sacrifices he made to keep Nigeria United and in peace stressing that, no other leader in Nigeria has ever done what he did.
Obi noted that education remained the most important fundamental developmental ingredient needed to keep Nigeria on the path of development.
Earlier, while opening proceedings of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan democracy dialogue 2024, Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, said Africans were blessed with great population of young people, hungry for success
Obaseki noted that the theme: “Functional Education and Effective Political Leadership as a panacea to Africa’s Growth and Development’’ was apt saying that, it placed responsibilities at the foots of political leaders in the Africa continent.
“I welcome you all to this great gathering which is serving as a platform where African and local leaders have gathered to have an honest conversation.
“And discuss democracy and the undeniable role of education in fostering growth and development in Africa,”.
Obaseki commended the former president for his actions and role played in keeping Nigeria together following the rare decision he took during the 2015 general election, when he conceded defeat as incumbent President to an opposition party.
“The leadership ability you showed at that critical moment in our democracy saved the nation as your actions has kept us as a nation and if not for your decision, we would not have the opportunity to celebrate democracy day.
“You will forever be praised in the annals of Nigeria as your actions demonstrates the vision of your foundation.
“As Africa leaders, we are responsible for making the decision that will enable the youths play their parts in developing Africa and its continent.
“‘As political leaders, we have worked the talk in Edo State and people are coming to Edo State to under study our educational reforms,’’ Obaseki said.
In his goodwill message, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Mamman Tahir, commended Obaseki’s education reforms, saying that the Federal Government had successfully returned two million out of school children back to school.
The minister noted that President Bola Tinubu had prioritized education and was committed to tackling the challenges facing the sector.