Obi Pledges Agriculture, Small Businesses as Engine of Youth Employment

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to return millions of Nigerian youths to farming, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and productive work if elected president in the 2027 general election, describing agriculture and entrepreneurship as the fastest path to tackling unemployment and poverty.

Obi made the promise on Saturday at a political gathering in Kaduna, where he appeared alongside his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to outline the NDC’s economic vision. He said Nigeria’s greatest asset is its youthful population, but argued that too many young people have been left without meaningful opportunities because the economy has become driven by consumption rather than production.

According to Obi, his administration would prioritize securing farming communities, expanding irrigation, improving rural roads and linking farmers to finance and markets, while providing stronger support for small businesses and manufacturers to create sustainable jobs.

“We will raise agricultural productivity by securing farming communities, expanding irrigation, improving rural roads and storage, and linking farmers to finance and markets,” Obi said, adding that his goal is to move Nigeria “from consumption to production.”

The former Anambra State governor argued that economic recovery cannot depend on imports or government employment alone. Instead, he said young Nigerians should be empowered to become farmers, artisans, manufacturers, programmers and entrepreneurs capable of creating jobs for themselves and others.

Obi maintained that improving security is essential to reviving agriculture, noting that farmers must first be able to safely return to their lands before food production and rural prosperity can improve. He also promised to strengthen agro-processing industries so that Nigeria exports more finished goods rather than raw commodities.

At the Kaduna gathering, Kwankwaso urged supporters to participate actively in the democratic process and said the party’s campaign would focus on practical solutions to unemployment, education and economic development. The town hall formed part of the NDC’s grassroots engagement strategy ahead of the 2027 election campaign.

Obi also called on politicians across party lines to avoid unrealistic campaign promises, insisting that elections should be driven by issues rather than rhetoric. He argued that Nigerians deserve leaders who can present measurable plans for improving livelihoods, restoring security and expanding opportunities for young people. Channels Television

As political campaigns gather momentum, Obi’s emphasis on farming and SMEs places productive enterprise at the centre of his economic message. Whether voters ultimately embrace that vision will depend on the wider 2027 campaign, but the Kaduna event underscored how job creation, agriculture and youth empowerment are already emerging as defining themes in Nigeria’s next presidential race.