By Valentine Amanze
The Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi, has called on Nigerian leaders to address key needs of the country such as employment and support for micro, medium and small enterprises.
Obi gave the advice during the Summit on Education organised by the Catholic Diocese of Awka at the Bishop Obiefuna Retreat Centre, Okpuno, yesterday.
The Anambra State former governor, who commended the role of the church in education and provision of healthcare, said that the hopelessness in the land had forced people to take refuge in religion in inappropriate manner that suggested the country was sliding into religious economy when other countries were moving into knowledge economy.
Insisting that God is not a magician, Obi said, “We must show enough will for Him to bless the work of our hands.”
Comparing other countries of comparable development with Nigeria through their budgets for education, Obi said that it was easy to see why Nigeria has not progressed.
For example, he said that the budget of South Africa on education for a year was bigger than that of Nigeria on education for 10 years.
In his remarks, the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Diocese, Dr. Jonas-Benson Okoye, eulogised Obi for his character, which he noted has remained consistent of the part of humility, prudence and discipline.
The bishop said that the Church would not relent in thanking him for his good deeds, including return of school to their owners.