Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has criticised the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for spending N39 billion on renovating the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, describing it as a glaring misplacement of priorities amid widespread poverty and educational neglect.
Obi made the comments in Abuja on Tuesday while announcing a personal intervention in Chibok, Borno State, where he facilitated three key projects worth over N6 million, including the sinking of a borehole, installation of solar power, and provision of science laboratory equipment at the Government Girls Secondary School.
The school gained global attention in 2014 after over 200 schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents.
Obi also presented ten laptop computers and two laser printers to the school, saying the initiative was not a donation but an investment in the future of Nigeria’s children.
"Anything done to promote education is not a donation, it's an investment," he stated. "The N39 billion used to renovate the International Conference Centre—an already functional structure—could have procured thousands of computers for schools. Our children, who are the leaders of tomorrow, would have benefitted immensely."
He condemned the federal government’s tendency to prioritise projects that benefit the elite while large segments of the population suffer due to lack of basic amenities such as food, healthcare, and quality education.
“This wasteful expenditure on the ICC is happening at a time when teachers in the Federal Capital Territory have been on strike for three months over unpaid salaries. It is shameful,” Obi said.
He lamented the security situation in the North-East, saying he had originally planned to personally make the donation in Chibok but was advised against travelling there due to safety concerns.
"If a section of the country is not safe to visit, then the entire country is not safe," Obi added.
The donation was facilitated by activist and "Bring Back Our Girls" campaigner, Mrs. Aisha Yesufu, who disclosed that the Chibok community reached out to her on May 31 to solicit support in improving computer literacy in the school. She said she contacted Obi immediately, and he responded without hesitation.
Leader of the Chibok community, Dauda Iliya, who received the items on behalf of the school, expressed gratitude for the gesture and assured that the donated equipment would be used to enhance the students’ learning experience.
Obi called on the government at all levels to prioritise investment in education and social services, rather than engaging in wasteful projects that do not directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The former governor recounted similar educational investments during his tenure in Anambra State, noting that he introduced computer literacy in schools at a time when such technology was scarce. "We made sure students used computers—even if it was ten students to one computer—it made a difference," he said.
The former presidential candidate continues to receive praise for his consistent advocacy for prudent governance, human capital development, and equitable national development.
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