Former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has returned to public engagements following a brief medical rest that led to the suspension of his scheduled appearances over the weekend.
Obi had earlier announced his temporary withdrawal via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, citing illness during a tourism event in Enugu on Friday.
Acting on medical advice, he paused all engagements within and outside Nigeria, stating,
“I am complying with my doctor’s advice and will be taking a short rest.”
Resuming activities on Monday, Obi honored a long-standing promise to visit Maison de Helen (MDH), a Nigerian-owned textile SME.
He praised the business as “living proof of how Nigerian creativity, heritage, and enterprise can resonate on the global stage,” emphasizing its role in job creation and cultural preservation.
Obi noted that MDH currently employs over 50 young Nigerians directly and indirectly, and highlighted its potential for expansion with proper investment and government support.
Drawing comparisons with Bangladesh’s textile sector – which contributes over 70% of its national exports and generates more than $50 billion annually – he lamented Nigeria’s decline in textile production.
“Our textile sector has regrettably collapsed and now contributes very little to the national economy. This shows how much untapped potential lies within our borders,” Obi said.
He reiterated his longstanding advocacy for shifting Nigeria from a consumption-based economy to one driven by local production, particularly through support for SMEs.
“Investing in small businesses is key to lifting millions out of poverty and positioning Nigeria as a global player in creativity and trade,” he added.