Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate in Nigeria, has publicly condemned the sexual assaults and harassment faced by women during the controversial 'Alue-Do' festival held in Ozoro, Delta State. He described these incidents as indicative of Nigeria's misplaced national priorities, where pressing social issues like the empowerment of women are overlooked. Obi emphasized that the attacks are trivial distractions from far more significant development needs, particularly in empowering women who make up over half of Nigeria’s population.

In his statement titled 'Channelling Our Women to Critical Areas of Development', Obi criticizes the lack of investment in women's education and leadership opportunities, which he believes leads to a stagnation in national progress. He pointed out that while other nations invest in critical areas of development, Nigeria continues to lag behind due to societal norms that do not prioritize women’s contributions to governance and societal progress. According to Obi, ensuring that women are educated and actively involved in leadership roles could significantly contribute to the nation’s development.

Obi's remarks come at a time when discussions around women's rights and safety are increasingly relevant in Nigeria, reflecting broader societal issues. He advocates for a shift in priorities towards greater support for women and their roles in various sectors. By addressing the sexual violence at the festival and raising awareness about the importance of women's empowerment, Obi aims to spark a conversation about national development strategies and the urgent need for societal change to protect and promote women's rights.