Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that Nigerians have no reason to be poor, given the nation’s abundance of resources, but highlighted that the country’s poverty is due to the mismanagement of these resources.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by the Abia State Government in Umuahia on Friday, Obasanjo emphasized that Nigeria has all the resources it needs to prosper. He stated, “Nigerians have no business with poverty because God has given us all that we need. If we are mismanaging what God has given us, we do not have God to blame, we have ourselves to blame.”

Obasanjo praised Abia Governor Alex Otti for his administration’s progress, urging him to continue his efforts in transforming the state. He pointed out that if more governors led with similar dedication, Nigeria could experience rapid development.

The former president expressed concern for the welfare of Nigerians and emphasized the importance of good governance in driving national progress. He also shared a past conversation with former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, advising him on the national railway development plan and encouraging him to explore historical resources for valuable insights.

Governor Otti expressed gratitude for Obasanjo’s guidance and support, acknowledging that his perseverance and political journey had shaped his leadership vision. Otti also highlighted ongoing reforms in Abia’s education sector aimed at improving access to quality education.

Former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, in his remarks, called for early preparations for the 2027 elections, emphasizing the need to support capable leadership like that of Governor Otti. Lawmakers Chief Ginger Onwusibe and Senator Darlington Nwokocha also praised Obasanjo for his continued support and lauded the governor’s developmental strides across Abia.