Peter Obi resumes public duties after a brief medical break, reaffirming his commitment to SMEs and urging Nigeria to invest in local production

Peter Obi medical break has ended, with the former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate returning to public engagements on Monday after taking a doctor-advised rest.

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Obi had earlier paused all scheduled appearances over the weekend, citing health concerns following his attendance at a tourism event in Enugu on Friday.

In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, he shared that he would be stepping back temporarily to recover, as recommended by his physician.

Resuming his activities this week, Obi honoured a promise to visit a small and medium enterprise (SME) run by a Nigerian entrepreneur.

The visit underscores his consistent focus on supporting local businesses as engines for economic growth.

The Peter Obi medical break did little to slow his advocacy. During the visit, he praised the SME’s impact, noting it employs over 50 Nigerians directly and indirectly.

He used the moment to emphasize the potential of such enterprises to reshape the economy when properly supported.

Referencing global examples, Obi lamented Nigeria’s missed opportunities.

“Our textile sector has regrettably collapsed and now contributes very little to the national economy,” he said, drawing a contrast with Bangladesh, whose textile exports exceed $50 billion annually.

He reiterated his message of shifting Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to one centered on production, urging government investment in SMEs to lift millions out of poverty and create sustainable growth.

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For Obi, the message remains unchanged: Nigeria must empower its entrepreneurs if it hopes to reclaim economic stability and global competitiveness — even after a brief rest.