ABUJA — Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has resumed public engagements after a brief health-related break, reaffirming his advocacy for massive investment in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as a pathway to economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction in Nigeria.
Obi, who revealed that his absence followed medical advice, announced his return on Monday via a statement on his official X handle. His first engagement was a visit to Maison de Helen (MDH), a Nigerian luxury fashion brand founded in 1990 by designer Helen Unuane and now co-managed with her daughter, Elsie.
Expressing admiration for the brand’s innovation, Obi described MDH as “living proof of how Nigerian creativity, heritage, and enterprise can resonate on the global stage.” He praised its use of indigenous Akwete fabrics to create fashion pieces that enjoy international demand.
Highlighting the importance of SMEs in powering global economies, Obi cited reports valuing the textile and apparel industry at $1.7 trillion, with over 300 million workers worldwide. He contrasted Nigeria’s underutilized potential with Bangladesh, where textiles generate more than $50 billion annually—surpassing Nigeria’s oil revenues.
According to Obi, MDH currently provides jobs for over 50 young Nigerians and could create more employment opportunities if given greater investment and government support.
“The collapse of Nigeria’s textile industry has left the sector contributing little or nothing to our economy,” Obi lamented. “But the dedication of workers at MDH shows what is possible if we move Nigeria from consumption to production by supporting SMEs.”
He called on both government and private stakeholders to replicate such success stories nationwide, stressing that SMEs hold the key to transforming Nigeria into a hub of creativity and global trade.
“A New Nigeria is possible,” Obi concluded.
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