By Cynthia Hubert

May 21, 2025

Peter Obi, whose 2023 campaign for Nigerian president ignited a powerful political movement led by hundreds of thousands of young people, had high praise for Sacramento State’s innovative student programs during a recent visit to campus.

Sac State honored Obi on April 26 with the 2025 Peace Leadership Award from the University’s Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution (CAPCR). Obi received the award for his influence on peaceful electoral politics and significant efforts to advance the welfare of vulnerable communities.

Sac State President Luke Wood, First Lady Idara Wood, and CAPCR Director Ernest Uwazie, a professor of Criminal Justice, visited Nigeria last year, spreading the word about the University’s groundbreaking programs, including its Black Honors College, and its desire to bring more international students to campus.

Obi’s visit grew out of that trip.  

“We were incredibly honored to host Peter Obi, who has inspired millions of young people in Nigeria and elsewhere,” Wood said. “His visit to Sacramento State is a testament to our university’s effort to ensure our students and campus community can engage the most influential leaders in our world. Our university has hosted Martin Luther King Jr., Jimi Hendrix, Maya Soetoro-Ng, Maya Angelou, and now we can proudly say, the Honorable Peter Obi.”

During his appearance on campus, Obi discussed his fight to end political corruption, improve the economy and elevate education in his native country and beyond. He stressed that leadership must inspire hope among the youth and cultivate the new generation of peace-driven young leaders.

Obi also praised Sac State’s efforts to uplift underrepresented students, citing the University’s Project Rebound program for formerly incarcerated people and its Guardian Scholars Program for former foster youth.

Sacramento State’s first-in-the-nation Black Honors College launched in August 2024 to provide an enhanced, co-curricular experience for all students interested in Black history, culture and contributions. It features specialized coursework, internships, mentorships, distinctive research opportunities, creative arts programs, residential living and learning initiatives and scholarships.

Obi visited with Black Honors College scholars during his visit, taking careful time to learn about their journeys to Sacramento State and hopes to improve the world.

Obi is a successful businessman and former governor of the Anambra State in Nigeria. He ran for President of Nigeria in 2023 against candidates of the country’s two major parties. His campaign sparked a movement of young supporters known as the “Obidients,” who continue to embrace his ideology of prudence and accountability.

The Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution was established in 1996 to provide conflict resolution and reconciliation services for agencies, governments, institutions, businesses, civil society and community organizations and other groups through training, education, research and intervention. It also sponsors the annual Africa & Diaspora International Conference, which includes the Peace Awards.

“We were incredibly honored to host Peter Obi, who has inspired millions of young people in Nigeria and elsewhere. His visit to Sacramento State is a testament to our university’s effort to ensure our students and campus community can engage the most influential -leaders in our world." -- Sacramento State President Luke Wood

Uwazie said Obi’s visit to campus aligns with University initiatives.

“It creates a golden opportunity for new and expanded joint educational partnerships and international student recruitment,” Uwazie said. “As a champion of empowerment through education and youth development, Mr. Obi represents the great promise and future of positive, progressive leadership in Nigeria. His message of good governance and compassion for vulnerable members of society resonates beyond borders.”

Nicole Fox, a CAPCR Board member, said, “It’s a true honor to be part of a university that values and supports bringing remarkable peace leaders to our campus. At a time when the world is facing so much conflict and violence, we need voices like Peter Obi’s – leaders who stand firmly for justice and peace.”

Sac State First Lady Idara-Wood reflected positively on Obi’s visit, saying “he is an icon because he has changed systems, but he has also changed hearts. He has shown that education is a powerful tool to foster independence, peace and community empowerment.”