in 1957, my father owned 3 Mercedes Benz cars, today, none of those properties exist – Obi

DDM News

Former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has again championed the cause of youth empowerment through hard work and integrity.

He made this known while addressing young people at the maiden edition of the Amatutu Community Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Summit, held in his hometown of Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the summit drew a large number of young people from Agulu and nearby communities, all eager to gain inspiration and practical guidance for self-sustenance.

Speaking at the gathering, Mr. Obi expressed concern over what he described as a disturbing trend among Nigerian youth, an increasing appetite for sudden wealth without a corresponding desire to work for it.

He warned that the obsession with shortcuts to riches was harming the moral fabric of society and stunting long-term national development.

The former governor told the audience that success rooted in hard work and entrepreneurship lasts longer and contributes meaningfully to national growth.

He emphasized that building a sustainable future requires commitment, patience, and consistent effort, not the pursuit of unethical opportunities.

Mr. Obi used his personal story to drive home his point.

He recounted that his father was once a prosperous businessman in the 1950s, owning three Mercedes Benz cars and several properties.

Yet, today, none of those possessions remain.

According to him, this experience highlights the fleeting nature of wealth and the enduring power of values and character.

He called on youths to invest in education, skills, and personal discipline rather than glorifying illicit or risky ventures.

“Real success is built gradually,” he said.

“It is not always glamorous at the beginning, but it becomes meaningful and enduring in the end.”

He noted that Nigeria has suffered deeply from the consequences of a culture that celebrates fast, dishonest money.

He urged young Nigerians to reject that path.

He also appealed to parents, teachers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to help in reshaping the values of the youth.

According to Obi, communities must consciously nurture an atmosphere that rewards honesty, innovation, and consistent hard work.

He criticized the growing trend of celebrating questionable wealth, saying it confuses young people and sets a dangerous precedent.

He encouraged leaders at all levels to model the kind of behavior they want to see in the next generation.

During the summit, participants attended workshops and breakout sessions that introduced them to basic entrepreneurial concepts.

Topics discussed included agriculture, small-scale industry, digital innovation, and ethical business practices.

Experienced business owners and professionals shared their journeys, offering insights into how they started small and built lasting legacies.

Obi told the attendees that while ambition is good, it must be matched with patience and responsibility.

He noted that every notable entrepreneur began with humble efforts and many challenges.

He said that failure is part of the learning process and should not discourage anyone.

The summit, which was organized to encourage youth-led enterprise and dissuade involvement in illegal activities, was widely hailed as timely and impactful.

Several attendees expressed appreciation to the organizers and said they had been given new motivation to begin or scale their ventures.

Some shared that they had long wished to venture into business but lacked mentorship and proper direction.

The summit also provided small empowerment packages to select participants who demonstrated strong potential in business ideas.

Organizers of the event stated that it would now be held annually and expanded to include more communities, facilitators, and support systems.

They believe such community-based initiatives are critical to redirecting the focus of Nigerian youths towards productive and sustainable livelihoods.

Mr. Obi concluded his address with a reminder that national transformation begins at the community level.

He said that local empowerment programs, when consistent, have the capacity to change the country from the ground up.

He also reiterated that Nigerian youths must understand that there is dignity in labor.

He added that leadership positions, wealth, and influence are best earned through merit and sustained by values.

“In 1957,” he said, “my father owned three Mercedes Benz cars among other properties. Today, none of those properties exist.”

“What remains are the principles and lessons he passed down to us.”

Those, he said, are far more valuable and lasting than material possessions.

Peter Obi’s message struck a chord with many attendees who described the summit as a life-changing experience.

They said the program had ignited a new vision in them, especially the realization that they too could build something from scratch.

The Amatutu Community Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Summit has now positioned itself as a beacon of hope for young people in Anambra State and beyond.

By stressing hard work, ethical conduct, and innovation, the summit, and Obi’s message, offer a counter-narrative to the growing get-rich-quick culture.

As Nigeria grapples with youth unemployment, rising crime, and economic uncertainty, such grassroots initiatives may well provide the answers the country seeks.

DDM will continue to follow this development and report on future editions of the summit as they unfold.

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