Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Tuesday held a series of high-level engagements at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, where he called for a deeper and more strategic partnership between Europe and Africa, especially Nigeria.
Obi attended parliamentary sessions and met with members across several committees, including the Committee on Foreign Affairs; the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs; the Africa–EU Delegation; the Committee on Transport and Tourism; and the Committee on Development, among others.
In his discussions, he urged European lawmakers to strengthen their engagement with Africa, noting that the continent—despite its size, population, and abundant natural resources—remains trapped in poverty due to persistent bad governance and corruption. Nigeria, he said, reflects this reality most starkly.
Obi appealed for EU support in promoting good governance and democratic processes that encourage the emergence of competent and accountable leaders capable of transforming their nations.
He also highlighted areas where deeper cooperation could drive real change, including tackling insecurity, improving power generation and distribution, strengthening education and healthcare systems, and supporting initiatives aimed at lifting millions out of poverty.
Obi further emphasised the need for Europe to invest in and support Nigeria’s young population, describing them as innovative, entrepreneurial, and eager to contribute meaningfully to society—if given the right opportunities.
He stressed that Africa’s success is ultimately beneficial to Europe, adding that both continents share interconnected futures shaped by migration, security, economic development, and global stability.
Reaffirming his optimism, Obi concluded that Africa—and Nigeria in particular—can rise to its full potential with the right leadership and international support. “A New Nigeria is possible,” he noted.
