The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerian youths to prioritise impact over the pursuit of wealth, stressing that value creation remains the foundation of sustainable success.

Obi made the call on Sunday night while speaking at the Faithspiration Initiative Youth Forum Season 3, held in Onitsha, Anambra State.

According to him, true fulfilment comes not from financial gain but from the positive difference individuals make in the lives of others.

“Focusing on impact rather than money creates sustainable success because value creation attracts financial rewards as a byproduct,” Obi said. “Prioritising purpose leads to higher passion, better partnerships, and long-term fulfilment.”

The former governor of Anambra State noted that young people should be encouraged to pursue purpose-driven lives, adding that opportunities are not limited by location or background.

“I was born in Waterside. You can live anywhere and become anything you want to become; you can meet opportunities anywhere,” he said, emphasising that happiness is derived from the lives one has impacted and contributions made to society.

Reflecting on his early years, Obi recounted his upbringing in Onitsha, describing how his humble background helped shape his character and future success. He noted that discipline, education, and consistency played critical roles in his journey to becoming a bank chairman and later a state governor.

Speaking on leadership and integrity, Obi maintained that public office should not be an avenue for personal enrichment. He challenged anyone to accuse him of demanding kickbacks while serving as governor, insisting that his focus in office was on public service, particularly in education.

“I was not elected to be a contractor; I was elected to serve,” he said.

Obi also disclosed that despite signing over 20,000 Certificates of Occupancy during his tenure, he did not allocate land to himself, underscoring his stance against the misuse of public resources.

He reiterated that his political ambition is driven not by personal gain but by a desire to see a functional Nigeria where merit, rather than connections, determines success.

“I am not desperate to be Nigeria’s president; I want to see a country where a child of nobody will be somebody without knowing anybody,” he said.

Highlighting the challenges facing Nigerian youths, Obi lamented a system where highly qualified graduates struggle to find opportunities, while corruption continues to thrive.

He concluded by encouraging young people to remain committed to doing the right thing, expressing hope that integrity and hard work would ultimately yield lasting rewards.