₦airaland Forum

The Vice-Presidential Candidate of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2019 General Elections, Mr Peter Obi, has pointed out that committed support for Micro, Small and Medium Entreprises (MSMEs), through well articulated fiscal and monetary policies, remains the surest way of eradicating poverty in Nigeria.

Obi, who has remained a committed advocate of a private sector-driven economy as the engine of economic growth, made the remark in a message to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. He maintained that a government desirous of taking people out of poverty, must support the small business sector.

He explained that comparable economically progressive countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines etc each has a thriving private sector which encourages Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Job creation and Poverty Reduction. He observed that the public sector is often associated with mismanagement of resources, financial imprudence and looting of public funds that end up deepening the level of poverty in the country.

"There is a strong positive relationship between economic growth, MSMEs growth, GDP per capita growth and overall development of the economy. A vibrant private sector, especially the MSMEs, will not only benefit the people through job creation and increase in economic activities, but will also benefit the government which will be able to generate more revenue through taxation, when more people are gainfully employed.

"For example, Indonesia, with a population of 260 million people, has about 150 million of its population as the workforce, and MSMEs employ over 90% of this workforce, which is about 135 million people, and contribute over 60% of Indonesia's GPD. So the Nigerian government must support the small business sector in order eradicate poverty", Obi concluded.

He further advised Nigerians to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship, which are mostly showcased through MSMEs, noting that this will definitely lead to job creation and poverty eradication.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is celebrated on October 17 every year.

Obi felicitating with General Ibrahim Babangida during his birthday celebration at Minna.

Seun
Lalasticlala

Few pictures from the in-house 80th birthday celebration of General Babangida

1. H. E Peter Obi, Prince Uche Secondus, other PDP leaders arrive Minna airport, Niger State, for General Babangida's 80th birthday celebration

2. Arrival of Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki at Minna airport for Gen Babangida's birthday celebration

The Vice Presidential Candidate of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, in 2019 elections, Mr Peter Obi, has expressed warm felicitations to Former Military President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Babangida as he marks his 80th birthday.

In his Congratulatory Message, Obi expressed gratitude for Babangida's economic plan which laid emphasis on a private sector driven economy. Obi mentioned that his economic policies freed the economy from excessive government involvement.

Obi equally described Babangida as a detribalised Nigerian whose desire for a more united Nigeria and integrated development of the nation burned high. Speaking of him as a resourceful leader, Obi said he was courageous, broad-minded and accommodating.

"As he celebrates his birthday today may God protect, bless him and his family always. I wish him a Happy 80th birthday", Obi said.

Pictures to follow in the comments section...

Still on the events

More pictures rolling in.

Mr Peter Obi also donated another N2 million to St Felix Hospital, Nnewi as part of his 60th birthday celebration.

He noted that his birthday is a period of sober reflection for him and all God has done for him.

Obi made a donation of N2 million to Diocesan Hospital, Nnewi.

He noted that the church has remained committed to the progress of society by providing most basic amenities that were supposed to be provided by the government.

He said he will continue to encourage the church by supporting their progressive projects.

More

More pictures

1. The RECDOT family saying the prayers of the faithful

2. Mr Valentine Ozigbo, PDP's Candidate for Anambra 2021, came to join in the celebration

3. Most Rev Martin Uzoukwu, Bishop of Minna Diocese, leading the concelebrated Holy Mass

4. The RECDOT Choir

Lalasticlala
Seun

Come, let's celebrate with one of Nigeria's most prudent leaders, who lives out his integrity in his everyday life.

1. Mr Peter Obi and his lovely wife, Mrs Margaret Obi making their entrance into the church

2. Some children of the RECDOT family during the mass

3. Mr Peter Obi taking the reading during the mass

4. The RECDOT family celebrating with Peter Obi

The oracle will be 60 tomorrow

Mr. Peter Obi will be 60 years old tomorrow. We do not yet know the colour the celebration will take tomorrow but we can venture some surmises: somber to reflect the mood of the time? Noisy to reflect some of what we observe helplessly amongst some of us? A time for reflection on the journey of life so far? Visits to schools and hospitals as a way of continuing show of gratitude to God and giving back to the society? All this are conjectural.

However, what I can authoritatively let you know now is that the celebration just commenced with the mass of thanksgiving being presided by the Catholic Bishop of Minna, Bishop Martin Uzoukwu assisted by Rev. Fr. Theo Odunukwe. What a reverential manner to start!

The venue: an intriguing Obi always pulls surprises. Not the Basilica, not the Cathedral, not the parish Church, but at St. Aloysius Church of Divine Mercy, the Chaplaincy of The Recdot Centre at Ozubulu.

Have you been to Recdot? You need to. It is the home for orphans, physically challenged and the tramps. Such a home is an ideal place for retreat and reflection about life.

The place of the challenges in Obi’s life reminds us of how dear such people are to the Church as could be seen from the life of St. Lawrence of Rome.

Obi is accompanied by his wife, one in a million and unarguably the best First Lady Anambra going by any indices.

Almost all Obi EXCO led by Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, the former Commissioner for Economic Planning/budgeting and Chief of Staff are in the Church

The mass is on, by and by I shall inform you more and better.

More pictures from the event.

1. Obi in a group photograph with the Archbishop after the event.

2. Obi with Cardinal Arinze at the event

3. A cross section of Bishops at the event

The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2019 elections, Mr Peter Obi, has hailed the Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev Valerian Okeke, on the occasion of the celebration of his 40th priestly anniversary, while commending his contributions to society and human development.

Obi spoke today, Saturday, July 17, 2021, during the 40th anniversary of Bishop Okeke’s priestly ordination at the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, Onitsha. The mass led by Francis Cardinal Arinze, featured over 20 bishops and many priests.

Obi described the Archbishop as one who has established a rich legacy of ecclesiastical engagements as a minister of God, teacher and administrator. He commended the Archbishop’s love and commitment for education as made manifest in the roles he played to ensure that mission schools were returned to the church, under his (Obi’s) administration as governor of Anambra State.

“In the strong belief in the biblical injunction, you have demonstrated through your actions, that faith without good works is dead. These include your constant prisons apostolate and the apostolate to the youth as evidenced in the such value-added projects as the Holy Family Village at Amansea, set up for the wholesome formation of the young ones and tomorrow’s leaders.

“You have also sustained your passion for education; and we fondly recall your active role in the return of schools to their original proprietors during my tenure as Governor of Anambra State, which has yielded positive results in our dear state. Indeed, you have even moved many steps further, with the establishment of a university for your Archdiocese,” Obi stated.

He prayed God to continue to bless the Archbishop with good health, wisdom and abundant grace to continue to shepherd the flock under him.

“As you celebrate your 4 decades of Sacerdotal Ordination, we join all men and women of goodwill in most sincerely wishing the Almighty God’s continued blessings on you, as you work in His vineyard and for humanity,” Obi added.

Here are some pictures from the just concluded Former PDP Governors Forum held today at the party's Legacy House Abuja.

In attendance at the meeting were The Chairman of the Forum, Chief Servant Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu; Former Governor of Anambra State and PDP'S Vice Presidential Candidate in 2019 elections, Mr Peter Obi; Former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Muhammad Makarfi;
Former Senate President and Governor of Kwara State, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki;
Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido;
Former Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema;
Former Governor of Kogi State, Idris Wada;
Former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; Former Governor of Adamawa State, Boni Haruna; Former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Liyel Imoke and Former Governor of Imo state, Emeka Iheodioha.

More details from the meeting are expected later today.

slysdesign:
You know... Going through some of the comments on Twitter. I worry about the future of Nigeria... i hope God helps us all...

My thoughts exactly....

We are degenerating into a nation of empty lives, showing off on social media and mistaking events for achievements.

I wonder when attracting a crowd in a pool party became an achievement

God help Nigerian youths

The priest was released unharmed yesterday being Monday, October 21, 2019.

From a reliable source....

An amazing thread here. Thanks for sharing your travel stories.

EVILFOREST:
INDOMIE and PAMPERS caused all these....
When BOYS were eating palm kernel/coconuts/kuli kuli /Agidi/watery-beans/ soured egusi/ did we hear all these..??

Then BOYS and GIRLS could trek to schools several miles, but now Parents do everything for them. Some are even transported to schools like dogs with their Tongues spilling out.
Then Neighbors could beat and correct you in the absence of your parents, but now everything is “WITCH”
Now......
Teachers Pamper them
Churches Pamper them
Neighbors Pamper them
Parents Pamper them

So, exposure to LITTLE PRESSURE, everything EXPLODES

You took the words out of my mouth!

bahtiyar:
Austria is definitely worth traveling. Your trip with the virgin passport was so nice. Thanks for the story, dear.

You are welcome brother.

Nice blog you have there

babajeje123:
I wish op could let us have an estimate so we can be preparing. The earlier the better.

Hello Bro, just seeing your comment now.

Of course, you understand that traveling cost depends on your taste and style of travel.

I am a low budget traveler, so I keep my expenses very low.

With that said, here is a rough estimate of what you should expect:

Assuming you don't already have Int'l passport = N30,000
Visa Application Fee = N39,000
Flight fare return ticket = N328,000 (could be more or less)
Health Insurance = My friend took care of it, I wouldn't know the cost. But you can use Nigerian based insurance companies which are relatively cheaper. Bear in mind that you need to show this during visa application
Accommodation = I lodged with my friend, but I can tell you that hotels in Austria are quite pricey... Airbnb might be your best option here. You will also show a proof of this during visa application.
Feeding = feeding is relatively cheap in Austria. you can feed on less than 10euros per day. I was spoon-fed throughout my stay though
Shopping = Well, except you travel during summer sales, shopping is expensive in Austria.
Miscellaneous = Just have enough money for some other unforeseen circumstances.

This is the much I can remember now. I you need more info, let me know.

Thanks.

cutegentility:
Bro, how Estonia go be be nah

Na school things bro.

kennyclassic:
Nice story. I think I’ll check back when I’m ready to travel to draw some lessons from your experience

Vielen dank meine bruder

May GOD make your travel dreams come true

More Grace.

nnamdiosu:
Lol you're so mean. Rocktation abeg use right hand and leg warn this guy again biko

How are you doing sir?

Congrats brother. More grace to your home

Rocktation:
Lol. I no gree. Cheap light weight bags de...
You just won go fall our hand. Whites dem get GMG? And they transport stuff...
Na left hand I de take warn u now...lemme not catch you anywhere across the Atlantic again with GMG... ....

Interestingly, almost nobody across the Atlantic even knows the GMB enough to even call it tacky..

The bolded got me laughing uncontrollably

Funny enough when I got to Austria, I didn't know how to dispose of the bags. Their waste bins were too clean that I felt guilty dumping the torn GMG bags there.

I left them for my friend and asked him to take care of them

Ugosample:
I can see that

now you go dey vex for Nigeria and it's system

I am tired of vexing , now I just laugh amidst the suffering

Ugosample:
This thread still dey

I don conclude my story sir

Rocktation:
Dude, but why did you use a ghana-must-go? Just tell me whyyyy?!! You buy ticket how many hundred thousand finish, you come refuse to buy extra bag? Ahn ahnnnn...

Lol

It was not because of the cost. Those fanciful echolac traveling bags are always heavy on their own and considering the fact that I wanted to transport food stuffs to my friend, the GMG bag was my only option. If I had used the Echolac bag, by the time I pack the food stuffs, I would exceed the kg limit alloted by the airline.

That's why