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Says it is key to Northern economic revival
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From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has identified the revival of Kano’s troubled manufacturing sector as a major pathway to tackling unemployment, poverty and economic decline in Northern Nigeria.
Obi said restoring the state’s once-thriving factories and strengthening its industries would not only reposition Kano as a major commercial hub but also stimulate economic activities across the region.
The former Governor of Anambra State spoke on Saturday at the fifth convocation ceremony of Skyline University Nigeria in Kano.
He expressed concern over the collapse of several industries that previously contributed significantly to the state’s economy.
According to him, Kano’s historical importance in commerce, business and manufacturing makes its industrial decline a major setback for Nigeria’s productive capacity.
“This city represents the country’s strength in commerce, business and manufacturing. Kano was once a major industrial hub, with several factories operating here. Today, many of those factories are no longer functioning. We need to bring them back, revive manufacturing and create employment opportunities for our people,” he said.
The former governor argued that Nigeria could make meaningful progress in addressing poverty and unemployment by shifting attention from dependence on raw material exports to local production and industrial development.
He pointed to Vietnam as an example of a country that had recorded significant economic progress through manufacturing, urging Nigeria to adopt a similar approach to expanding its productive capacity.
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Obi also stressed the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises, describing them as essential drivers of employment and economic growth.
He called on the government to create a business-friendly environment that would enable entrepreneurs to expand their operations, attract investment and employ more Nigerians.
The NDC presidential candidate further advocated increased financial support for young entrepreneurs, arguing that government resources should be channelled towards productive ventures capable of generating jobs and wealth.
Obi maintained that identifying and adequately funding promising entrepreneurs could help transform young Nigerians from job seekers into employers, while creating opportunities for millions of people.
He also called for greater investment in education and human capital development, insisting that Nigeria’s prosperity should be measured by the quality and productivity of its citizens rather than its natural resource wealth.
“What matters most is human capital. The more we invest in human capital, the better our chances of building a prosperous nation,” he said.
Addressing the graduating students, Obi urged them to believe in their abilities and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He also advocated a society where access to opportunities would depend on competence and hard work rather than family background, personal connections or privilege.
