Obi was the best in tackling poverty as a Governor — Obasanjo’s aide, Kpakol

The former Chief Economic Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo and foremost international development economist, Prof. Magnus L. Kpakol, has described former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential flag bearer Peter Obi as topmost among his peers in tackling poverty while serving as a governor.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the launch of his book “The Living Secret: Endowment for Development in Nigeria”, Prof. Kpakol said that among state governors, Peter Obi stood out as one who implemented economic policies that truly connected with the people.

“No governor ran a policy that connected with the people more than Peter Obi. He engaged the people, and really, you can’t fight poverty without engaging the people.”

When asked if such policies remain necessary today, Prof. Kpakol said nothing has changed. Human capital development requires engaging the people — and that is exactly what Obi did and continues to advocate.

“I am not a politician,” he added, “but speaking as a professional, Peter Obi is outstanding in his engagement of the people in governance and in human capital development.”