Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address at the African Business Forum held at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, USA.

The event, which has been a platform for discussions on Africa’s progress for over 30 years, brought together over 500 students, many of them from Nigeria and other parts of Africa, to engage in deep conversations about the continent’s future.

Wharton, known as America’s oldest business school, has long been a hub for intellectual dialogue and innovation.

This year’s forum centred on the role young Africans can play in building a prosperous Africa and how the next generation can tackle the continent’s long-standing challenges.

Peter Obi, drawing from his wealth of experience in business and public service, shared insights on leadership, resilience, and community engagement.

During his address, Obi made mention of the immense potential of Africa, emphasizing that the continent is blessed with abundant natural and human resources.

However, he lamented that this potential has often been squandered due to poor leadership and systemic failures over the years.

Speaking directly to the young African students in attendance, Obi stressed that they hold the key to rewriting the continent’s narrative.

He reflects on his journey, from his early days in the trading world to his achievements in corporate life and public service.

He acknowledged the hurdles he faced but underlined the importance of persistence and determination in overcoming obstacles.

Obi states that his experiences taught him the value of resilience and the need to stay committed to one’s goals, regardless of challenges.

Obi also spoke about the importance of leveraging knowledge and education for societal transformation.

As someone who has studied at top global institutions, including Harvard and the London School of Economics, he emphasizes that true fulfilment comes not just from personal success but from using one’s skills and knowledge to improve the lives of others.

He urges the students to engage with their communities at the grassroots level, arguing that meaningful change must start from the bottom up.