Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has resumed his public activities after taking a short break on medical advice.

Obi, who recently announced that he had stepped back briefly to prioritise his health, confirmed his return in a statement shared on his social media platforms on Monday.

He expressed gratitude to supporters who wished him well during his absence.

“Let me begin by thanking everyone who wished me well during my short time away from engagements on the doctor’s advice,” he wrote.

Obi disclosed that he restarted his engagements by visiting Maison de Helen (MDH), a Nigerian luxury fashion brand established in 1990 by designer Helen Unuane and now run alongside her daughter, Elsie. He described the visit as both inspiring and a reminder of the potential of Nigerian creativity on the global stage.

He highlighted the brand’s use of local fabrics such as those produced by the Akwete people. Obi praised MDH as proof that Nigerian culture and enterprise can resonate internationally. He noted that the factory currently provides direct and indirect employment for over 50 young Nigerians and could expand further with more investment and support.

Citing global industry figures, Obi stressed that textiles and apparel represent a $1.7 trillion market employing more than 300 million people worldwide. He lamented Nigeria’s underperformance in the sector compared to countries like Bangladesh, where textiles account for over 70 per cent of exports, generating about $50 billion annually, more than Nigeria earns from oil.

He argued that revitalising the textile industry and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) could serve as a powerful engine for job creation, poverty reduction, and economic diversification.

“Looking at the factory today and watching the dedication of the workers continues to show what is possible if we are committed to moving the country from consumption to production by supporting SMEs,” Obi said.

He urged Nigerians to replicate such success stories across thousands of SMEs, insisting that a renewed focus on enterprise could help reposition the country as a hub of creativity and trade.