Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has praised the talent, determination, and resilience of Nigerian youths, highlighting their growing influence on the global stage and urging them to take an active role in shaping the country’s future through democratic participation.
Obi made the remarks in a statement shared through his official X account on Monday, June 15, 2026, where he reflected on the performances of several young Nigerians who featured prominently during activities surrounding the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup.
According to him, the accomplishments of these individuals serve as a powerful reminder of the immense potential that exists among Nigeria’s younger generation.
The former governor noted that despite Nigeria’s absence from the tournament itself, the country’s presence was strongly felt through the achievements of Nigerian-born talents and entertainers who captured international attention during one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
He argued that their performances demonstrated the creativity, excellence, and global relevance of Nigerian youths.
Among those singled out for special recognition were internationally acclaimed music stars David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and Damini Ogulu, better known by his stage name Burna Boy. Obi commended the artists for their contributions to the event and for helping to project a positive image of Nigeria before a global audience.
According to him, the two entertainers have continued to serve as ambassadors of Nigerian culture through their music and international achievements, earning recognition across continents and showcasing the country’s rich creative potential.
Obi also reserved praise for another globally celebrated Nigerian music sensation, Rema, whose growing international profile has further elevated Nigeria’s standing within the global entertainment industry.
He described the trio as examples of the remarkable accomplishments that can be achieved when young people are given opportunities to develop and showcase their talents.
The former governor observed that the presence and performances of these entertainers helped remind the world of Nigeria’s significance despite the country’s absence from the football tournament. He noted that their contributions reflected the strength of Nigerian culture and reinforced the nation’s reputation as a major force in Africa.
Beyond the entertainment industry, Obi extended recognition to young Nigerians excelling in other fields, including sports. He specifically acknowledged footballer Felix Nmecha, who represents Germany at the international level, as one of several individuals of Nigerian heritage making notable contributions on the global stage.
According to Obi, the achievements of Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent in various countries demonstrate the quality of human capital the nation possesses. He argued that these successes should inspire confidence in the country’s future and encourage greater investment in youth development.
The former governor used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of creating an environment that allows young people to thrive.
He maintained that Nigerian youths have consistently demonstrated their capabilities in areas such as technology, entertainment, business, education, and sports whenever they are provided with the right support and opportunities.
While celebrating their accomplishments, Obi also delivered a message focused on civic responsibility and political engagement. He encouraged young Nigerians not to limit their contributions to professional and creative achievements alone but to also become actively involved in the democratic process.
He stressed that the future of the nation rests largely in the hands of its younger population and urged them to take ownership of that responsibility by participating in upcoming elections. According to him, meaningful change can only occur when citizens engage actively in determining the direction of governance.
