Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has revealed details of his recent meeting with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, which took place on Thursday, October 16, at the Commonwealth Headquarters in London.
According to Obi, he and his wife met with the Commonwealth Chief to discuss key issues affecting developing nations, including youth empowerment, education, democracy, and the rule of law.
“Our discussions centred on promoting democracy, deepening the rule of law, expanding access to education, and empowering young people across Commonwealth nations,” Obi stated.
Highlighting the crucial role of young people in nation-building, Obi noted that with over 2.5 billion of the Commonwealth’s population under 30, youth remain the organisation’s greatest asset and hope for the future. He stressed that for Nigeria, a country blessed with vast human and natural resources, meaningful investment in education, innovation, and entrepreneurship is key to unlocking the full potential of its young population.
He further pointed out that youth unemployment remains one of the most urgent challenges of the time, calling for “intentional and practical action” through skills development, access to quality education, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Hon. Botchwey, who recently made history as the first African woman to head the 56-member Commonwealth, reaffirmed her focus on education, youth engagement, and job creation as top priorities. She emphasized the need for inclusive societies that promote democracy, good governance, justice, and equal opportunity for all.
Describing Botchwey as “a visionary leader and reformer,” Obi commended her for amplifying the voices of developing nations and strengthening cooperation among member states.
“Her commitment to youth inclusion, education, and institutional reform reflects the enduring values of the Commonwealth,” Obi added.
He concluded by praising the Secretary-General’s trailblazing leadership, saying it continues to inspire hope and unity among Commonwealth nations:
“With leaders like Hon. Botchwey, the Commonwealth will remain a beacon of unity, hope, and shared progress for all.”
