The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on Africans living in the diaspora to play a more active role in advancing good governance and sustainable development across the continent, stressing that their voices remain vital whenever Africa faces challenges.
Obi made the appeal while delivering a keynote address at Mandela Hall, African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York, on Friday, during a forum on “The Role of the Diaspora African in Sustainable Development across Africa.”
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, the former Anambra State governor said Africans living abroad have a unique opportunity and responsibility to influence positive change on the continent, having experienced societies where institutions are stronger and public accountability is more effective.
“Even where you cannot vote, your voices matter. They should be heard both at home and abroad whenever things are going wrong on our continent. Stand firmly for what is right. Speak truth to the leaders who visit you. Let them know where they are getting it wrong,” Obi said.
He described Africa as a continent richly endowed with natural resources and a youthful population, noting that its vast mineral wealth, extensive arable land and over 1.5 billion people provide the foundation for becoming a global economic and food production powerhouse.
According to Obi, the continent’s greatest challenge is not the lack of resources but the absence of visionary leadership capable of translating its potential into sustainable prosperity.
“The missing link is competent leadership with capacity, compassion, character and commitment to good governance,” he said, adding that effective leadership would unlock Africa’s economic opportunities and improve the lives of its people.
Obi also pointed to the experiences of countries such as Japan, China and India, saying their diaspora communities played key roles in driving economic growth, technological advancement and national development.
He urged African governments to create an enabling environment that would encourage skilled professionals in the diaspora to contribute their expertise, particularly in healthcare, education, technology and innovation.
The former presidential candidate further appealed to Africans abroad to support campaigns for free, fair and credible elections across the continent, describing electoral integrity as the bedrock of accountable governance.
“When we create the enabling environment necessary for sustainable development, we start unlocking Africa’s potential,” Obi said.
He concluded by urging Africans both at home and in the diaspora to work collectively towards building a continent founded on unity, peace, shared prosperity and sustainable development.
