Peter Obi: Africa shouldn’t be battling hunger or poverty

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for urgent action to address hunger and poverty across Africa, stating that the continent has no business being impoverished given its vast resources.

Obi, who was the Labour Party’s flagbearer in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, made these remarks during a visit to media mogul Dele Momodu at his Lagos residence.

The visit was part of celebrations ahead of Momodu’s 65th birthday, which includes a leadership lecture titled “How to End Hunger and Poverty in Africa.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo will deliver the lecture, with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan as the guest of honour.

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In a post on X, Obi shared details of his visit and reiterated his longstanding position on Africa’s potential to lead in global food supply.

“Africa should have nothing to do with hunger, but should actually be a powerhouse for the supply of food in the world,” he wrote.

Despite being the world’s second-largest continent, Africa remains underutilised in terms of its agricultural capacity.

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“Africa’s rice production is about 26 million tonnes, while Bangladesh, with less than 0.5% of Africa’s land, produces over 55 million tonnes. India, with about 10% of Africa’s size, produces about five times more rice,” Obi noted.

He blamed poor governance and a lack of investment in agriculture and industry for the continent’s challenges.

“All Africa needs is to have a citizen-led governance that prioritises the welfare of its people, by investing in the critical areas of development,” he added.

Obi’s comments come amid growing concerns over food insecurity in several African countries, despite the continent holding 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land.