Chinedum Elekwachi
Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi has urged leaders to make care for the poor and marginalised priorities.
Obi and former Governor Kayode Fayemi were among global dignitaries at the Vatican for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, where he echoed the Pope’s powerful message on confronting poverty.
He further called for greater compassion and justice, noting that true love of God is best expressed through action that uplifts the vulnerable.
Reaffirming his commitment to social justice, Obi pledged continued advocacy for bold investments in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
“A well-educated population remains the foundation for building a just, inclusive, and prosperous society,” he stressed.
Reflecting on the occasion, Obi recalled standing with Fayemi at the same spot in 2013 for the inauguration of Pope Francis.
The Labour Party 2023 Presidential candidate described both events as deeply significant moments in the life of the Church and the world.
He also recounted his continued ties with the Vatican, including his participation in Nigeria’s official delegations to the canonisations of Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa.
He further recalled his involvement in Scholas Occurrentes, a global initiative founded by Pope Francis to promote education and intercultural dialogue.
Obi expressed his delight at seeing President Bola Tinubu and other world leaders in attendance, united in faith.
He described Pope Leo XIV’s homily as “profoundly moving,” particularly the call for collective responsibility in addressing poverty and restoring dignity to the forgotten.
This is an inspiring call to action by Mr. Peter Obi, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the poor and marginalized. His message aligns deeply with the values of compassion and justice, which are essential for societal progress. It’s refreshing to see leaders advocating for bold investments in education and healthcare, as these are indeed the pillars of a prosperous society. The mention of his participation in global initiatives like Scholas Occurrentes highlights his commitment to intercultural dialogue and education. However, how does he plan to ensure that these ideals translate into tangible actions and policies in Nigeria? Also, what specific strategies does he propose for effectively addressing poverty on a large scale? It would be interesting to hear more concrete steps to support this vision.