According to Nigerian Tribune, former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate under the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has advised young Nigerians to embrace hard work and entrepreneurship, instead of focusing on shortcuts to success. He made this known while speaking at the first edition of the Amatutu Community Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Summit. The event, which took place in his hometown of Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, brought together many young people from across the region.
Peter Obi used the opportunity to express concern over what he described as a worrying trend among some youths who are desperate to get rich quickly without considering the long-term consequences. He urged them to understand the value of genuine effort and to cultivate habits that promote sustainable development. According to him, success built on hard work not only lasts longer but also helps to build a better society. He explained that entrepreneurship offers more meaningful rewards than unlawful pursuits.
During his address at the summit, Obi gave personal insights into his family background. He mentioned that his father was once a wealthy man who owned luxurious properties and several vehicles, including three Mercedes Benz cars in the late 1950s. He explained that despite this, the family did not hold on to those material things forever. This, he noted, serves as an example that wealth can come and go, but values and principles remain. He encouraged the youth to focus on acquiring knowledge, building character, and developing useful skills that would prepare them for future leadership and business roles.
The event was organized to educate young people on the importance of entrepreneurship and to promote the idea of self-reliance. It also aimed at discouraging illegal or unethical means of making money. Many of the participants were drawn from Agulu and neighboring communities and came with the hope of gaining direction and support for their entrepreneurial dreams. Various speakers at the summit shared their experiences in business, agriculture, trade, and innovation. The event also included workshops and sessions where youths were introduced to basic entrepreneurial tools and ideas.
Peter Obi stressed the importance of changing the mindset of many young people who believe that success must come instantly. He explained that while it is good to be ambitious, it is dangerous to chase wealth without patience or morals. He said that Nigeria as a country has suffered from this kind of thinking and that young people must be taught early to do things the right way. He reminded the audience that building a business takes time, and real achievements are not rushed. According to him, every great entrepreneur starts from somewhere, and the road is usually filled with lessons.
In addition to his message to the youth, Obi also urged parents and community leaders to take part in guiding the younger generation. He said that communities must create environments that reward honesty, creativity, and effort. He pointed out that societies that celebrate criminal wealth without asking questions send the wrong message to their youth. He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and educators to play active roles in promoting uprightness and encouraging youths to focus on activities that bring real value to society.
Participants at the event expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary. Some said they had already been thinking of starting businesses but lacked proper direction. Others said they were inspired by the stories shared and looked forward to applying the lessons learned. The summit also provided networking opportunities and small empowerment packages to selected young people who showed potential in different business areas. Organizers of the summit said that the event would continue annually and would involve more partners and trainers in the future.
