Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has praised Nigerian music star Davido for using the global stage of the FIFA World Cup to draw attention to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Obi made the remarks in a statement shared on his Facebook page, where he reflected on Nigeria’s absence from the tournament and the broader need for effective leadership and youth development across the country.
Nigeria’s Absence from the World Cup
According to Obi, Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup should not be viewed as a reflection of a lack of talent among its people.
Rather, he argued that the country continues to struggle with inadequate structures, poor planning, and insufficient leadership needed to nurture and develop the immense potential of its citizens.
He noted that Nigerians continue to excel globally in sports, entertainment, business, and other sectors whenever opportunities and enabling environments are available.
Nigerian Talent on Display
Obi pointed to the presence of Nigerian entertainers and athletes at the World Cup as evidence of the country’s enormous human capital.
He observed that while Nigeria is not participating in the tournament as a nation, several Nigerian-born players are representing other countries, while Nigerian artists continue to command global recognition on some of the world’s biggest stages.
According to him, these achievements demonstrate what Nigerians can accomplish when given the right support and opportunities.
Davido’s Message Draws Attention
The former presidential candidate specifically commended Davido for what he described as a courageous and meaningful gesture during the tournament.
The award-winning singer reportedly appeared wearing a custom black leather jacket bearing the inscription “BRING THEM HOME.”
The outfit also featured green buttons displaying the names of schoolchildren reportedly abducted in Oyo State, drawing attention to the plight of victims of insecurity in Nigeria.
Raising Global Awareness
Obi stated that Davido’s action went beyond entertainment and celebrity appearances.
According to him, the singer successfully used a global platform to raise awareness about the ongoing security challenges facing many communities across Nigeria.
He noted that the gesture helped amplify conversations around the safety of schoolchildren, victims of kidnapping, and the broader issue of insecurity in the country.
Obi described the move as an example of how influential public figures can use their visibility to support important national causes.
Call for Better Leadership and Opportunities
The former Anambra State governor stressed the need for leaders at all levels to create conditions that enable young Nigerians to thrive.
He argued that investments in sports, education, security, and youth development would help unlock the country’s vast potential and create opportunities for future generations.
According to Obi, Nigeria possesses abundant talent and human resources, but requires deliberate policies and sustained leadership commitment to maximize those strengths.
Hope for a Better Future
Despite the country’s security and developmental challenges, Obi expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future.
He maintained that meaningful progress remains possible if leaders focus on building stronger institutions, improving security, and creating opportunities for citizens.
The former presidential candidate concluded by emphasizing that Nigeria’s greatest asset remains its people and that the nation’s future depends on creating an environment where their talents can flourish.