By Tai Emeka Obasi / New York
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has lamented that although Africa possesses virtually every ingredient required for genuine greatness, it continues to be held back by one critical deficiency: quality leadership.
Mr Obi made the observation on July 10, 2026, while delivering the keynote address at the opening session of the African Diaspora Conference & Awards Ceremony held at the Nelson Mandela Hall, African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations, New York.
Speaking on the theme ‘The Role of the African Diaspora in Sustainable Development Across Africa’, the former governor of Anambra State argued that Africa is richly endowed with all the resources necessary for prosperity. He cited the continent’s favourable climate, youthful and productive population, vast arable land, abundant mineral resources and highly talented human capital as undeniable advantages.
He stressed that despite these enormous blessings, however, Africa has continued to underperform because of poor leadership.
Expanding on the conference’s theme, Obi stressed that Africans in the diaspora have a significant role to play in the continent’s sustainable development. He urged them to begin to cultivate a stronger culture of investing in Africa, describing such investments as one of the surest paths to sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity.
He, however, acknowledged that poor leadership across much of the continent remains a major obstacle to meaningful progress. Consequently, he challenged Africans in the diaspora to become actively involved in promoting competent, compassionate, transparent and accountable leadership in their respective countries.
Obi maintained that even where they are not constitutionally eligible to vote, they still have a responsibility to influence the democratic process through lawful advocacy, civic engagement and other legitimate means to help ensure the emergence of credible leaders through free and fair elections.
He reiterated his conviction that all Africa needs to blossom is lasting peace, genuine unity and quality leadership capable of making decisions in the interest of the people.
Professor Pat Utomi, co-founder of Pan-Atlantic University, who arrived at the venue alongside Mr Peter Obi, also spoke at the event, delivering a succinct goodwill message to the organisers for Africa.
The conference opened with remarks by Ambassador Mohammed Edress, permanent observer of the African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations.
The welcome address was delivered by Ambassador Dr Prince Oddy Nwabuani, coordinator of the conference and executive vice president and chief executive officer of the African Trade Centre.
Other dignitaries who addressed the gathering included Ambassador Lewis Garseedah Brown II, permanent representative of Liberia to the United Nations and chairman of the African Group at the United Nations; Ms Salsmatta Diablo of the New York Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs; Ambassador Hawa Taylor-Kamara Diallo, president and executive director of the I.B. Taylor-Kamara Foundation; His Majesty Mansa Suliman Al Kushi, founder and king of the Kingdom of Kush; Ms Eugenia Boateng, principal convener of the African Diaspora Youth Hub; and Hon. Suraj Budathoki, Democratic Member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives representing Hillsborough’s 40th District.
The event also featured several distinguished panellists who engaged participants through interactive discussions and a question-and-answer session coordinated by Dr Edward E. Ilechukwu.
Proceedings were moderated by Dr Daniel Gbujie, chief executive officer of Team 54 International, assisted by Ms Tatenda Dzvimbo.
*Obasi writes for POEM, PO Express Media.
