Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has resumed public engagements after a brief medical break that forced him to cancel appearances over the weekend.
Obi had announced the short rest on Saturday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, explaining that he fell ill while attending a tourism event in Enugu on Friday. Following his doctor’s advice, he paused all scheduled activities both within and outside Nigeria.
“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 said.
On Monday, he returned to public activities by visiting an SME owned by a Nigerian entrepreneur he had met during his travels, fulfilling a long-standing commitment.
Highlighting the role of SMEs in economic growth, Obi noted that MDH employs more than 50 young Nigerians directly and indirectly and has potential for further expansion with proper investment and government support.
He cited international examples, such as Bangladesh, where textiles make up over 70% of exports, generating more than $50 billion annually, contrasting it with the decline of Nigeria’s once-thriving textile industry.
“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.
Obi reiterated his call for Nigeria to shift from a consumption-driven economy to one anchored on local production, especially through supporting SMEs.
“Investing in small businesses is key to lifting millions out of poverty and positioning Nigeria as a global player in creativity and trade,” he added.
