Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, who suspended his scheduled appearances over the weekend due to his health has resumed public engagements.
the former governor of Anambra State had earlier through his official X handle announced the medical break on Saturday, revealing that he fell ill on Friday while attending a tourism event in Enugu.
Obi said he had suspended all engagements within and outside Nigeria for the weekend in respect to his doctor’s advice.
“I am complying with my doctor’s advice and will be taking a short rest, during which I will not be able to meet up with scheduled engagements,” Obi had stated.
Obi said he resumed activities on Monday, by honouring a long-standing promise to visit an SME owned by a Nigerian entrepreneur he had encountered during his travels.
“MDH is more than a textile house. It is living proof of how Nigerian creativity, heritage, and enterprise can resonate on the global stage,” he said.
He emphasised on the significance of SMEs in economic growth, stating that MDH employs over 50 young Nigerians directly and indirectly, and has the capacity to grow further with the right investment and government support.
The former Governor using Bangladesh where textiles account for over 70% of national exports, generating over $50 billion annually as an example, lamented on the collapse of Nigeria’s textile industry, which once played a major role in the economy.
“Our textile sector has regrettably collapsed and now contributes very little to the national economy. This shows how much untapped potential lies within our borders,” he said.
He reemphasised for Nigeria to transition from a consumption-based economy to one driven by local production, particularly through support for SMEs.
“Investing in small businesses is key to lifting millions out of poverty and positioning Nigeria as a global player in creativity and trade,” Obi said.
