By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The. former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi on Tuesday stressed that investments made in education in Nigeria is not charity, but a strategic instrument towards the country's future.

He stated this during his visit to Cardinal Francis Arinze Secondary School in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State where he made a donation of N10 million in support of the school’s educational development.

Interacting with students of the school, Obi explained that his donation was rooted in his belief that education remains the strongest instrument for national transformation and personal success.

He said: "Investing in education is not charity, but a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria."

Responding to a question from a student, Miss Ifechukwu Blessing Boniface, who asked how young people could thrive in a society where merit is often sacrificed to favouritism and jobs are given to those with powerful connections, Obi told the students that education makes people job creators, not job seekers, even in a flawed system.

Though She cited such practices as things that discourage hard work and undermine the value of education, the former Anambra State Governor admitted that Nigeria does not sufficiently support intellectual capacity where talent and opportunity should naturally meet.

He however described knowledge as the strongest tool for independence, relevance and success.

Reminiscing on his own experience, Obi said "I have never worked for anyone. Everything I have achieved as a former governor, bank chairman, and presidential aspirant was built on the foundation of education.

"The future belongs to the educated. The world is now knowledge-driven and ideas are valued more than property material wealth.

"The richest people today are those who possess knowledge, creativity, and skills. My academic journey from primary and secondary school in Onitsha to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Education has the power to transform both individuals and society."

He however regretted that Nigeria’s slow progress is closely linked to inadequate emphasis on education, as many people still rely more on money and “magic” than on knowledge and innovation.

Obi further gave assurance that he would continue to support education at all levels, describing it as the foundation of societal development and sustainable national growth.

Earlier in his speech, Principal of the school, Bro Emeka Maduka, commended Obi for his consistent commitment to education citing his previous visits,