Obi to Diaspora Africans: Your voices matter when things go wrong

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for Nigeria's Democratic Congress (NDC), has called upon Africans living abroad to actively engage in the continent's development, stressing that their voices are vital when issues arise.

Speaking at a discussion on "The Role of the Diaspora African in Sustainable Development across Africa" at the African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York, Obi stated that the diaspora community plays a significant role in fostering good governance, accountability, and sustainable development. He noted that while many Africans abroad reside in countries with more effective institutions and stronger accountability mechanisms, they have both an opportunity and a responsibility to contribute to Africa's progress.

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Even where you cannot vote, your voices matter. They should be heard both at home and abroad whenever things are going wrong on our continent. Stand firmly for what is right. Speak truth to the leaders who visit you. Let them know where they are getting it wrong.

"Even where you cannot vote, your voices matter," Obi declared in a statement shared on his Facebook page. "They should be heard both at home and abroad whenever things are going wrong on our continent. Stand firmly for what is right. Speak truth to the leaders who visit you. Let them know where they are getting it wrong."

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The missing link is competent leadership with capacity, compassion, character and commitment to good governance.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, described Africa as a continent rich in resources and human capital, boasting abundant mineral deposits, vast arable land, and a youthful population that presents opportunities for economic transformation. With over 1.5 billion people and more than one billion young individuals in their productive years, Africa has the potential to become a global food and economic powerhouse. However, he expressed concern that despite this potential, Africa still hosts a large percentage of the world's poorest people.

He attributed this paradox to what he termed the absence of competent leadership possessing capacity, compassion, character, and a commitment to good governance. Obi believes that rectifying leadership issues would unlock Africa's potential. He cited examples from countries like Japan, China, and India, where diaspora communities significantly contributed to economic and technological advancements. Obi urged Africans at home and abroad to collaborate towards free, fair, and credible elections, viewing electoral integrity as fundamental to legitimate governance and unlocking the continent's potential.

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When we create the enabling environment necessary for sustainable development, we start unlocking Africa’s potential.