The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has commended Nigerian singer Davido for using his platform at the FIFA World Cup to draw attention to insecurity in the country.
In a statement on Sunday, Obi said the participation and performances of Nigerian artists at the tournament demonstrated the country’s immense potential despite challenges at home.
The former governor of Anambra state and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, argued that Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup reflects leadership failures rather than a lack of talent.
“Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup, as I previously stated, stems not from a lack of talent but from a conspicuous deficiency in political leadership that has failed to create an enabling environment for talent development,” he said.
Obi said the presence of Nigerians representing other countries and the visibility of Nigerian entertainers at the tournament highlighted the need for leaders to invest more in youth development.
“These observations present a significant imperative for Nigeria’s political leaders to actively foster an environment in which the nation’s youth can fully realize their potential,” he said.
The former governor specifically praised Davido for drawing global attention to the plight of abducted schoolchildren.
“Furthermore, Davido’s impactful gesture in drawing global attention to Nigeria’s security challenges warrants commendation.
“He prominently displayed the names of schoolchildren who had been held captive for an extended period, advocating for their safe return,” he stated.
Obi said the singer went beyond entertainment by using an international platform to highlight the country’s security challenges.
“By utilizing his international platform, Davido effectively highlighted Nigeria’s security crisis, transcending mere entertainment,” he said.
The former LP presidential candidate noted that Davido wore a customised black leather jacket bearing the message “BRING THEM HOME” and the names of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire LGA of Oyo state.
Obi said Nigeria’s insecurity situation deserves greater attention and renewed efforts from government authorities.
“The pervasive insecurity in Nigeria merits international scrutiny, particularly given the government’s apparent inability to effectively address the situation. Nevertheless, the prospect of a revitalized Nigeria remains achievable,” he added.
