Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s alarmingly low industrial capacity, describing it as a major threat to economic progress.
Speaking in Abuja at the public presentation of “The Chronicles of a Legend”, a biography of billionaire philanthropist Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, Obi stated that Nigeria with over 120 million people of working age—should not be operating with less than 1,000 functional industries.
He argued that Nigeria’s economic salvation lies not in politics but in entrepreneurship and private sector innovation. Highlighting Igbinedion’s decades-long impact, Obi said, “If we had 8,000 people like him, unemployment would be a thing of the past.”
Obi lauded Igbinedion for pioneering ventures such as Nigeria’s first private university and one of its earliest private airlines, as well as for obtaining one of the first private banking licences. He also criticized the absence of government representatives at the event, noting, “Who from the Ministry of Education or Transport is here today to recognise that?”
According to Bsgistnews, the event drew dignitaries from across sectors to honour the 89-year-old Esama of Benin, whose achievements are captured in the newly released 256-page book. The biography details his work in aviation, education, finance, and philanthropy across 16 chapters.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, commended Igbinedion’s legacy. He described the business mogul as a “titan of Nigerian enterprise”, whose life reflects “resilience, innovation, patriotism, and service.”
Tinubu acknowledged Igbinedion’s efforts in founding Okada Air and Igbinedion University, hailing them as monumental strides in Nigeria’s development. He also praised the Esama’s dedication to preserving the Benin cultural heritage, calling it “a national asset.”
Also speaking, former Edo State Governor and son of the honouree, Lucky Igbinedion, said the book aims to inspire current and future leaders to lead lives of “purpose, integrity, and impact.”
