Peter Obi, a Nigerian businessman and politician, has identified Cross River State as a place that could have been the “Singapore of Nigeria.” He said it has the potential to be a center for tourism and services but has been held back by a lack of good ideas and investment. He argued that the state’s natural beauty and the caring nature of its people are valuable assets that have not been used properly.
In his speech shared by SYMFONI, Obi explained that Singapore, a major world economy, is known for its excellent “service.” He suggested that Cross River State, with its own culture of care and hospitality, could have built a successful economy around tourism, hosting people for holidays and events.
He expressed his sadness that this potential has been wasted, with the state instead facing “crisis upon crisis.” His analysis was a clear example of his main point: Nigeria is a country full of untapped potential, but it lacks the leadership needed to turn that potential into success.
He said, “The same thing would have been happening in Cross River State. Cross River State is one place that would have been the Singapore of Nigeria. You know the only thing Singapore does? The only thing Singapore offers the world is service. If you go there, they serve you well. They’re very caring people. But you have not turned it into an asset. This is where people should have been coming for tourism, holidays, everything. But they’re not coming because you have not invested in the right way.”
