Peter Obi, African Democratic Congress (ADC) Coalition member, said, “in every economy, small businesses remain the greatest employers of labour.”
The former Governor of Anambra State made the statement when two sister who work for Nigerian Airline, Air Peace, at Asaba Airport, invited him to commission their restaurant.
Obi said, before the commissioning of the “inspiring” micro-business, he was shocked to discover that the twin sisters had employed “twelve” people, adding, what commenced as a “dream” has emerged “into a source of livelihood for many others”.
Obi wrote on X: “I journeyed to Asaba, Delta State, to commission a restaurant – a modest but inspiring micro-business that I was very happy to be part of.
“A year ago, the twin sisters who work with Air Peace at Asaba Airport and usually greet me whenever I pass through, told me they were planning to start a small restaurant. They prayed it would succeed, and I encouraged them. I reminded them that starting a business in Nigeria is never easy, but with focus and the right practices, they could thrive.
“About three months ago, they sent me a message saying they had finally begun. They admitted it was difficult, but they were coping, and things were looking promising. They then informed me that after one year, they would like to unveil their restaurant formally, and it would be their greatest joy if I could be part of the event and commission it. I promised them I would, to support and encourage their endeavour.
“To my surprise and delight, shortly before the commissioning yesterday, I discovered that they now employ over twelve people. What began as a dream in the hearts of two determined sisters has blossomed into a source of livelihood for many others.
“What I witnessed is a clear testimony to what production and enterprise can do for a nation. Imagine if we had one million such small businesses, each employing ten people – that alone would provide ten million jobs.
“Small businesses remain the greatest employers of labour in every economy – from the largest, such as the USA and China, to the fastest-developing ones like India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Nigeria, too, can multiply such success stories if only we create the right environment and support micro and small businesses.
“A New Nigeria is POssible.”
Photos: X/Peter Obi
