In a renewed call for youth empowerment, quality education, and democratic renewal across Commonwealth nations, Nigeria’s former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and his wife, Margaret, on Thursday, October 16, met with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, at the organisation’s headquarters in London.
The high-level meeting focused on shared priorities — deepening democracy, advancing the rule of law, promoting education, and expanding opportunities for young people across member nations.
According to Mr. Obi, who shared details of the meeting on his official social media handle, the conversation was “deep, inspiring, and forward-looking,” particularly at a time when many developing nations within the Commonwealth are grappling with economic hardship, weak institutions, and a growing youth population in search of opportunity.
Meeting of Minds on Education and Democracy
During the discussions, Mr. Obi highlighted the central role of education and innovation in unlocking the vast human potential within Commonwealth nations, particularly Nigeria. He noted that over 60% of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 30 — a demographic reality that, if properly harnessed, could transform the country’s economy and global standing.
“With over 2.5 billion people under 30 across the Commonwealth, young people remain the organisation’s greatest asset and hope for the future,” Obi said. “For Nigeria, a nation richly endowed with human and natural resources, meaningful investment in education, innovation, and entrepreneurship is key to unlocking the potential of our youth. When properly equipped, our young people will not only drive national development but also contribute significantly to global progress.”
He reiterated his long-standing belief that education remains the most effective weapon against poverty and underdevelopment, stressing that the Commonwealth’s vision of inclusivity and cooperation must be built on empowering its youthful population through access to knowledge, skills, and opportunity.
Addressing Youth Unemployment and Economic Inclusion
The Labour Party presidential flagbearer in the 2023 elections expressed concern over the rising levels of youth unemployment and underemployment across Africa, describing it as a ticking time bomb that must be addressed with urgency and intentionality.
“Unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time,” Obi said. “Tackling it requires deliberate investment in skills development, quality education, and the creation of an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to thrive. Without this, we risk alienating a generation whose creativity and energy could otherwise power economic transformation.”
He proposed stronger partnerships between governments, the private sector, and international institutions like the Commonwealth to foster youth entrepreneurship, technical education, and digital innovation. Such efforts, he noted, would not only reduce poverty but also strengthen democratic participation by giving young citizens a stake in their societies.
Botchwey’s Vision for the Commonwealth
Responding, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey — the first African woman to serve as Secretary-General of the 56-member Commonwealth — reaffirmed her commitment to youth inclusion, education, and democratic renewal.
A seasoned diplomat and former Ghanaian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Botchwey outlined her priorities for the Commonwealth under her leadership, noting that she intends to focus on strengthening institutions, promoting good governance, and empowering citizens through education and economic opportunity.
She described the Commonwealth’s youth as “the backbone of its future,” adding that “investing in their education and leadership development is vital to building stable, peaceful, and prosperous societies.”
Botchwey, who assumed office earlier this year, said her administration would intensify support for member countries in addressing structural barriers to youth participation in governance and entrepreneurship. She emphasized the importance of creating inclusive platforms that amplify young voices and ensure that democratic institutions reflect the diversity of their populations.
“The Commonwealth’s strength lies in its people,” she stated. “By empowering our young citizens, upholding justice, and investing in education, we lay the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous global community.”
Championing Democracy and the Rule of Law
Both leaders agreed that democracy remains the foundation for peace, progress, and development across Commonwealth nations. Obi underscored the need to deepen democratic institutions, protect electoral integrity, and uphold the rule of law, noting that without these pillars, economic growth and social stability would remain elusive.
“Democracy cannot thrive where the rule of law is weak or selective,” Obi said. “The legitimacy of any government rests on its ability to deliver justice, protect rights, and ensure that citizens’ voices are not only heard but respected.”
He urged the Commonwealth to continue serving as a moral and institutional guide in promoting fair elections, strengthening judicial independence, and supporting reforms that enhance transparency and accountability.
Hon. Botchwey, in turn, commended Mr. Obi for his advocacy for good governance and his consistent emphasis on integrity in public life. She observed that leaders like Obi embody the spirit of service and responsibility that the Commonwealth seeks to nurture among its member nations.
Women and Education as Catalysts for Development
Mrs. Margaret Obi, who joined the meeting, also spoke about the intersection of education, gender equity, and social progress. She stressed the importance of educating girls and empowering women as key drivers of sustainable development.
She commended the Commonwealth’s programmes that promote women’s leadership and access to education, calling for greater investment in rural and underserved communities where girls still face barriers to schooling.
“Every child, regardless of gender or background, deserves an opportunity to learn and thrive,” Mrs. Obi said. “When you educate a girl, you educate a generation.”
A Shared Commitment to Inclusive Growth
Throughout the meeting, both parties emphasized the need for renewed collaboration between Nigeria and the Commonwealth to address challenges such as inequality, environmental degradation, and youth disillusionment with governance.
Hon. Botchwey noted that her tenure would prioritize creating a shared framework for cooperation on youth empowerment initiatives, especially through educational exchanges, innovation hubs, and leadership training across member states.
She added that the Commonwealth would continue to support countries in developing digital skills, advancing renewable energy projects, and fostering entrepreneurship ecosystems capable of generating millions of jobs for young people.
Obi Commends Botchwey’s Leadership
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Obi commended Hon. Botchwey for what he described as “a visionary and reform-minded leadership style that reflects the best traditions of the Commonwealth.”
He hailed her as “a trailblazer whose passion for education, youth empowerment, and democratic ideals continues to inspire hope across the developing world.”
Obi expressed confidence that under her stewardship, the Commonwealth would not only remain a beacon of unity but also emerge as a powerful voice for social justice, good governance, and inclusive development.
He reiterated his own lifelong commitment to promoting education, ethical leadership, and economic reform as the surest path to a just and prosperous Nigeria.
Thursday’s meeting in London was more than a diplomatic courtesy — it was a convergence of ideas between two reform-minded leaders dedicated to shaping a better future for the Commonwealth’s 2.5 billion citizens.
For Peter Obi and his wife, the engagement reaffirmed their advocacy for education and youth empowerment as the pillars of Nigeria’s renewal. For the Commonwealth Secretary-General, it underscored the organisation’s resolve to promote democratic governance and inclusive growth across its 56 member nations.
As the world navigates economic uncertainty and political tension, the message from London was clear: empowering young people through education, innovation, and participatory democracy remains the surest route to a more peaceful and prosperous global community.
