Peter Obi, at the Amatutu Empowerment Summit in Anambra, urged Nigerian youths to reject shortcuts and embrace hard work, values, and entrepreneurship.
He emphasized that true success stems from character and impact, not flashy wealth.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has once again called on young Nigerians to steer away from shortcuts to success and instead embrace hard work, self-discipline, and entrepreneurship as the path to lasting prosperity.
Speaking at the inaugural Amatutu Community Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Summit, held in his hometown of Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Obi addressed a large gathering of youths drawn from various parts of the region. The summit was conceived to encourage self-reliance, responsible enterprise, and ethical values among young Nigerians especially in a society increasingly driven by instant gratification and the glamorization of questionable wealth.
During his keynote address, Obi spoke passionately about the need for a change in mindset among Nigerian youths, expressing concern about the growing desperation for overnight wealth, often at the expense of hard work, patience, and moral principles.
“There is a disturbing trend where many young people believe success can come overnight, without effort or ethics,” he said. “But this kind of success does not last, and more importantly, it does not build a better society.”
Obi stressed that the pursuit of real, lasting success lies in building character, acquiring useful skills, and being productive through legal and constructive means. He argued that entrepreneurship provides a genuine avenue for young people to create value, impact their communities positively, and achieve financial independence without resorting to illicit activities.
Reflecting on his own life and upbringing, Obi offered a personal story that served to drive home his message. He revealed that his father was once a wealthy man, owning multiple luxurious properties and even three Mercedes Benz vehicles as far back as 1957 an extraordinary achievement in those days. However, Obi noted that those possessions did not last forever, emphasizing that material wealth can disappear, but values and principles are timeless.
“In 1957, my father owned three Mercedes Benz cars among other properties. Today, none of those properties exist,” Obi told the crowd. “That experience taught me that wealth is fleeting. What remains are the values you build, the knowledge you acquire, and the legacy you leave behind.”
The summit served as more than just a forum for speeches it was a practical, hands-on learning platform. The event featured panel discussions, business strategy workshops, and presentations from successful entrepreneurs and innovators who shared stories of perseverance, discipline, and growth. From agriculture and manufacturing to tech and trading, speakers highlighted how youths can tap into local resources to create sustainable businesses.
Participants, mostly young men and women from Agulu and neighboring towns, expressed deep appreciation for the summit, calling it a wake-up call at a time when many feel directionless or pressured to pursue unrealistic dreams sold on social media.
One attendee, Chinyere Umeadi, a graduate of business administration, said the summit reignited her drive to start her own agricultural produce business. “Listening to Mr. Obi and the other speakers today, I realized that starting small is not a disadvantage. It’s actually how most successful people began,” she said.
Others praised the summit for providing clarity and motivation. Some participants received small empowerment packages including seed capital and business mentorship intended to help them kickstart their ventures. Organizers said more extensive support programs would be launched in future editions of the summit.
Peter Obi did not stop at speaking to the youth alone. He also directed a heartfelt appeal to parents, guardians, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, urging them to take up the responsibility of positively shaping the values of the younger generation. He said families and communities must stop glorifying questionable sources of wealth and instead highlight the dignity of labor.
“Our society must stop celebrating people simply because they have money,” Obi said. “We must ask how that money was made. If we don’t, we are sending the wrong message to our children. Communities must become safe spaces that reward honesty, encourage enterprise, and punish criminality, not admire it.”
He further stressed that the poor leadership plaguing Nigeria today is rooted in the failure to instill values early in life. According to him, entrepreneurship is not just about money-making, but about problem-solving, creating jobs, and contributing meaningfully to the economy.
He concluded his speech by urging young people to take control of their futures. “Start now. Build something real. Invest in yourself, and don’t be afraid to fail. Every successful entrepreneur you admire today started with an idea, a plan, and consistent effort.”
The Amatutu Community Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Summit was described by many as a resounding success. It not only inspired a fresh wave of optimism among youths in Anambra but also reinforced Peter Obi’s legacy as a passionate advocate for education, responsible leadership, and youth empowerment. Organizers say the summit will become an annual event and expand to reach more communities, with plans to partner with private sector players, training institutes, and NGOs.
In a nation grappling with youth unemployment, a weakening economy, and moral erosion, Obi’s message was simple yet powerful: there are no shortcuts to meaningful success. Hard work, integrity, and entrepreneurship remain the surest way forward.
