Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has emphasised the importance of practical business experience and wealth creation in governance, arguing that Nigeria needs leaders capable of building and managing economic prosperity rather than merely distributing resources.
Obi made the remarks during an exclusive interview on News Central TV aired on Thursday, May 14, 2026, while discussing leadership, education and economic management.
Speaking during the interview, the former Anambra State governor described trading and entrepreneurship as some of the most demanding professions in the world, noting that successful business management requires discipline, experience and strategic thinking. “Trading is one of the most difficult jobs you can do in the world. If it was easy, everybody would be trading and making money,” Obi stated.
The former presidential candidate also highlighted his academic background, saying he had attended several globally recognised institutions and leadership programmes over the years. “I can tell you that in terms of education, for example, I’ve been to the best schools in the world,” he said.
Obi disclosed that he participated in executive and professional programmes at institutions including the London School of Economics, University of Oxford and University of Cambridge. “I’ve done programs and I’m in programs that took months from London School of Economics to Oxford to Cambridge. These three I call, I’m not just, I’m an alumnus,” he stated.
He further listed other international institutions he attended, including Harvard University, Columbia University and INSEAD. “I’ve been to Harvard, Columbia, INSEAD, I’ve been to Switzerland. I can go on and on,” Obi said.
Despite his academic exposure, Obi stressed that formal education alone is insufficient without practical experience in creating and sustaining economic value. “So in terms of education, I’ve passed through school. But education is not the same thing as creating and doing it,” he stated.
Drawing a distinction between theoretical and practical expertise, Obi said many advanced countries place significant value on professionals with hands-on experience. “You know, in America, they have more clinical professors than academic professors. I’m clinical in what I’m saying. And I’ve proves it,” he said.
The former governor maintained that Nigeria’s major challenge is the absence of leadership focused on productivity, efficient management and long-term economic planning.
“What Nigeria needs today is somebody that will create wealth, not somebody who shares wealth,” Obi stated. He added: “What Nigeria needs today is somebody who can manage their resources more efficiently and save for the future…Read More
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