Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has returned from a productive visit to Indonesia, where he engaged with key government officials to discuss strategies for national development in Nigeria. In a statement released on Monday via X, Obi highlighted the necessity for structured policies and decisive leadership to propel Nigeria’s growth.
During his discussions with notable figures such as former Coordinating Minister of the Economy Agung Laksono, former Vice President Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, and Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Yandri Susanto, Obi gained valuable insights into Indonesia’s successful governance practices.
Obi noted that his conversation with Laksono shed light on the effective planning and execution strategies employed under former Presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo. He emphasized how these strategies have significantly contributed to measurable development across critical sectors.
In his meeting with Kalla, who served under two different presidents, Obi learned about the importance of focused commitment and decisive leadership in achieving simultaneous development across various sectors. Kalla’s insights reinforced the idea that such leadership is essential for fostering national progress.
Furthermore, Obi’s discussions with Minister Susanto revealed Indonesia’s structured approach to rural development, which categorizes villages based on their level of development. This system allows for targeted improvements in education, healthcare, and support for micro and small businesses, showcasing a data-driven strategy that could be beneficial for Nigeria.
Obi concluded that Nigeria could unlock its full potential by adopting similar structured, data-driven policies aimed at rural development, industrialization, and economic diversification. He urged that with the political will and effective execution, no region in Nigeria should be left behind.
This visit underscores the importance of international collaboration and the sharing of best practices in governance to enhance national development efforts.
