Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has held a high-level meeting with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, at the Commonwealth Headquarters in London.
According to Obi, the discussions focused on strategies to promote democracy, strengthen the rule of law, expand access to education, and empower young people across Commonwealth nations. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Margaret Obi.
Highlighting the importance of youth inclusion, Obi noted that with over 2.5 billion people under the age of 30, young people represent the Commonwealth’s greatest asset and hope for the future. He emphasized that for Nigeria — a nation blessed with immense human and natural resources — meaningful investment in education, innovation, and entrepreneurship remains critical to unlocking the vast potential of its youth.
“When properly equipped, our young people will not only drive national development but also contribute significantly to global progress,” Obi stated.
He further identified youth unemployment as one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges of the time, calling for intentional and practical action through skills development, access to quality education, and support for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
Hon. Botchwey, who recently became the first African woman to lead the 56-member Commonwealth, reaffirmed her commitment to prioritising education, youth engagement, and job creation. She underscored the need to build inclusive societies that uphold democracy, good governance, justice, and equal opportunity for all citizens.
Describing her as a “visionary and reform-minded leader,” Obi commended Botchwey for amplifying the voices of developing nations within the Commonwealth and fostering stronger cooperation among member states.
“Her dynamic leadership continues to inspire and strengthen the global Commonwealth community,” Obi said, adding that her dedication to youth empowerment, education, and democratic ideals “makes her a trailblazer in every sense.”
Botchwey, in turn, reiterated that empowering young people is essential not only for sustaining democracy but also for shaping a stable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all Commonwealth citizens.
Obi concluded by expressing optimism that under Botchwey’s leadership, the Commonwealth will continue to serve as a beacon of unity, hope, and shared progress for its member nations.
ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU
