By Our Correspondent
The Obidient Movement, in partnership with Anambra State Support Groups, has hosted a one-day symposium that focused on strengthening and repositioning the movement for greater impact and strategic development.
The event, titled, ‘Repositioning the Obidient Movement for greater impact’, was held at the All Saints Cathedral Auditorium in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Saturday.
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, stated the possibility of a “new Nigeria”, if the people imbibed the right attitude of selecting those that lead them.
Tanko said founding fathers such as Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Tafawa Balewa, among others, laid a positive foundation for the country, but the country has been undergoing series of challenges due to poor leadership.
He said, “Following the formalisation and restructuring of the ‘Obidient Movement’, this symposium aims to harmonise efforts, reinforce the Movement’s organisational structure and unify its mission to uphold social and political cohesion, ethical leadership, and purpose-driven advocacy.
“This symposium focuses on six core objectives such as harmonisation, restructuring, unification of purpose, social & political cohesion, ethical leadership and the role of the diaspora in reshaping the homeland.
“We are dedicated to promoting good governance and accountability by bringing together key stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s future. This event underscores the movement’s commitment to unity, justice and equity.
“A new Nigeria is possible if we start doing the right things in the area of electing our leaders. We are determined to bid farewell to bad governance in Nigeria by ensuring the right people are elected.
“The Obidient Movement seeks to empower Nigerian youth, advocating for meaningful change and accountability. Its mission aligns with the quest for good governance, justice, and equity.”
Tanko also urged the South East to continue to support the movement, stressing that “charity begins at home”.
He also hailed Peter Obi for his commitment to ensuring the country’s well-being, adding that come 2027, the people should ensure the right leaders with capacity to advance Nigeria’s interest are elected.
The chairman of the occasion, Prof. Stella Okunna, in her remarks, stressed the importance of good governance, thanking the organisers for re-energising the movement.
Okunna tasked the team to increase visibility beyond party affiliation.
Also addressing the stakeholders, the Labour Party governorship aspirant for Anambra’s 2025 election, Valentine Ozigbo, emphasised the Obidient Movement’s goal of advancing Nigerian interests.
Ozigbo urged members to remain united, working toward a better Nigeria. He said that what the Labour Party did in 2023 was to show Nigerians that it’s possible. He appreciated those who helped the movement to gain greater heights, especially folks like Obasanjo, and others.
Ozigbo noted that a few things that were left undone in the past should be corrected this time around
He said that 2025 is very important for the ‘Obident Movement, because of the Anambra Election which he is contesting for.
He said, “I have distributed a document titled, ‘Ka Anambra Chawapu’. The document contains policies for a better, brighter and a more prosperous Anambra, which when implemented will ensure that Anambra is better off than what the state currently is.
“The people must come together to ensure that they wrestle power from the incumbent.”
Another governorship aspirant in Anambra, John Nwosu, outlined his vision for Anambra, focusing on security, health, economy, education, environment, social welfare, and technological advancement.
Nwosu prioritised technology, production, and agriculture as core development areas, calling on the Obident Movement to stay together for the work ahead.
Also speaking virtually, Prof. Pat Utomi, called for synergy and pro-activeness among members, emphasising collective action toward a brighter future.
Utomi called on the people of the south-east to remain together and focused on the task ahead.
The symposium reaffirmed the Obidient Movement’s dedication to Peter Obi’s unified Nigeria vision.
The event attracted dignitaries, including Alhaji Ibrahim Abudlkarm, Ikenna ‘Obident General’, Dr. Oseloka Obaze, Hon. Nzeribe and Donald Amamgbo.
