Ideas leave a trail.

Debunking the Phantom Debts and Ecological Loan Fallacy My attention has been drawn to trending claims by the Anambra State Government that my administration left behind inherited debts, including a ₦2 billion ecological loan, contractor liabilities, and unpaid salaries, gratuities, and pensions. This is completely false. We systematically liquidated historical gratuities and arrears dating back several years, amounting to over ₦35 billion. At the point of handover, the state owed nothing in salaries, gratuities, or pensions, nor did we owe anything to any contractor for projects duly executed and certified. The ₦2 billion ecological fund in question was released barely three months before the end of my tenure for the Oko/Umuchiana erosion crisis. Despite pressure to spend the money, I refused, insisting that it should be left for my successor because government is a continuum and the funds were tied to a specific project. The money was therefore left 100 per cent intact in First Bank, in Account No. 2018779464, with a balance of over ₦2.13 billion. It is important to stress that funds tied to specific projects or set aside for particular purposes were not even included in the over ₦75 billion in savings we left behind. If anybody can establish anything to the contrary, I will stop campaigning. -PO

No Objection to Legitimate Scrutiny of My Certificates My attention has been drawn to reports circulating on social media concerning a legal action by an individual or group seeking Certified True Copies (CTCs) of my Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, awarded to me in 1984 by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as other academic records and credentials relating to my admission into the University. I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records. I respectfully request that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, within the limits permitted by law, make available, upon legitimate request, my academic certificates, records, and other official documents relating to my admission and studies at the University. I equally have no objection to other educational institutions, within and outside Nigeria, which I attended, making my academic records available in accordance with applicable laws and procedures. I believe strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for those who seek the privilege of public office. Public scrutiny must, however, be fair, lawful, and applied consistently to everyone who seeks to lead our nation. As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record. I am prepared to subject myself to the level of scrutiny that should reasonably be expected of anyone seeking the highest office in our country. Those who seek to lead must be willing to demonstrate, through both their words and actions, that they have nothing to conceal from the people they aspire to serve. In that same spirit, I encourage every presidential candidate to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny. Doing so should not be regarded as an inconvenience or an attack. Rather, it is an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability, and rebuild the trust of Nigerians in those who seek to govern them. Leadership must reflect the values we expect from the society we hope to build. If we desire a Nigeria founded on transparency, integrity, accountability, and respect for institutions, those values must begin with those who seek to lead it. I therefore welcome the scrutiny of my academic background and remain committed to the principle that those who ask Nigerians for their trust must also be willing to earn that trust through openness and accountability. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, while in Washington, D.C., I had the privilege of meeting with a group of young Nigerian professionals — medical doctors and other healthcare professionals, educators, lawyers, engineers, technology experts, entrepreneurs and business leaders. It was an engaging and encouraging conversation about Nigeria, the challenges before us, and the kind of country we must work together to build. Our discussions centered largely on good governance and the urgent reforms Nigeria needs today. I reminded them that, important as our economic, political, and institutional reforms are, the most important reform Nigeria needs is the reform of leadership itself. No nation can rise above the character, competence, capacity, and commitment of those entrusted with its leadership. Nigeria is blessed. We are not lacking in intelligent people. We are not lacking in natural resources. We are not lacking in hardworking and innovative young people. What we have lacked for far too long is leadership that genuinely puts the people first and treats public resources as a sacred trust. We need leadership that strengthens our institutions, invests seriously in education and healthcare, supports businesses and entrepreneurs, creates jobs and opportunities for our young people, and gives every Nigerian a reason to believe that hard work can still lead to a better life. Meeting these young Nigerians in Washington once again reminded me of the extraordinary talent our country has produced. Across the world, Nigerians are making remarkable contributions in medicine, technology, engineering, law, education, business, and many other fields. Our diaspora should never be seen as people who have simply left Nigeria. They remain an important part of Nigeria and must be partners in rebuilding our country. We must build a Nigeria where our young people do not have to leave their country in order to fulfil their dreams, and where those already abroad can confidently return, invest, contribute and participate in our national development. That Nigeria is possible. But it will not happen by accident. It will require responsible and compassionate leadership, stronger institutions, prudent management of our resources, and, above all, citizens who refuse to give up on Nigeria. I remain convinced that our greatest resource is not beneath our soil; it is our people. If we get leadership right, we can get Nigeria right. We must continue to believe. We must continue to work. And we must continue to demand a country that works for everyone. A New Nigeria is POssible. - PO

The recent report that 97% of assessed Primary Healthcare Centres across 16 states failed to meet the national staffing standard is not merely a statistic; it can be extrapolated nationwide, where about 80% of PHCs are not functioning. It reflects a serious risk. Health is the primary measure of development in any nation and forms the foundation of healthcare. A country cannot build a healthy, productive population if its Primary Healthcare Centres lack the necessary staff to care for the people. Behind every understaffed PHC is a pregnant woman who might not receive timely care, and a child who could die from a preventable illness. That is why Nigeria is currently classified among the most challenging and poorest places to be born and to live. Healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy. It is a basic responsibility of government. Progress is not best measured by flyovers, new bus stops, or airports that are rarely used. Instead, we should measure it by the number of lives saved, the number of operational health centres, the availability of qualified health workers, and the quality of care provided to ordinary Nigerians. We cannot create a New Nigeria while allowing our people to die from issues that a functioning Primary Healthcare system should prevent. Our priorities must be clear: invest in our people, strengthen Primary Healthcare, recruit and retain essential health workers, and ensure every Nigerian, regardless of location or income, has access to quality, affordable healthcare. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

I just read the sad news of the death of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, CON, a distinguished statesman, former Governor of Gongola State, and veteran business leader. His decades of service to our nation, both in the public sector and through his extensive contributions to African commerce, have left an enduring legacy. ​My heart goes out to the Tukur family, the government, and the people of Adamawa State during this time of grief. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, and give his loved ones the strength to bear this great loss. -PO

Saddening Killings in Benue State Continue Unabated. There are moments when words fail because no words can fully express the pain of losing innocent lives to violence. I have just received distressing reports of the latest attack in Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, where innocent citizens and security personnel have reportedly been killed. My heart goes out to the families who have once again been forced to bury their loved ones, and to the entire people of Logo. I share in your pain. Only days ago, I travelled to Benue to stand with families devastated by violence in Yelwata. Even in that moment of grief, when all that should have mattered was humanity, my attempt to reach the affected community was disrupted. Yet that experience has only strengthened my conviction that we must never become indifferent to the suffering of our people. Whether the victim is a farmer, a child, a police officer, a soldier, a Christian, a Muslim, or a person of any ethnic group, every Nigerian life has equal value. We must stop counting our dead and start protecting our living. I call on the Federal Government and all security agencies to urgently act, bring the perpetrators to justice, and, most importantly, prevent these recurring attacks. Nigeria cannot continue on this path. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May God comfort them, receive the souls of the departed, and give our nation the wisdom and courage to confront this evil decisively. A nation that cannot protect the lives of its citizens has a duty to ask itself some very difficult questions. We must do better. We must secure Nigeria. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Earlier today, while in New York, I joined in prayers and a service of remembrance to honour the innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001. Twenty-five years later, the pain of that tragic day remains deeply felt by the families who lost loved ones and by a nation that has continued to carry their memory. We also honour the extraordinary courage of the firefighters, police officers, first responders, and ordinary citizens who ran towards danger to save others. Their selflessness remains a powerful reminder of the courage and goodness that humanity is capable of, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Beyond nationality, race, religion, or political differences, there is a fundamental truth that binds us all: human life is sacred, and our shared humanity must unite us, especially in our darkest moments. To every family still carrying the pain and memory of a loved one lost that day, and to the American people, I extend my heartfelt sympathy, prayers, and solidarity. May the souls of all those who lost their lives continue to rest in peace. May their memory inspire us to work towards a world where peace, compassion, justice, and respect for human life prevail over hatred and terror. We remember. We honour. We will never forget. Thereafter I continued with my high level meetings which just ended now. We remain prayerful to God Almighty for a peaceful world. -PO

I am deeply saddened by the killing of social media commentator, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, in his home in Kano. No disagreement, criticism, or neighbourhood dispute can ever justify the taking of a human life. Those who speak up, express their opinions, or hold different views must not be made to live in fear. I urge the Kano State Government and the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into this tragic incident and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice. Our Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the fundamental right to freedom of expression. That right must be protected for all, regardless of our differences. My heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, colleagues, and followers. May Almighty God grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength and comfort to bear this painful loss. -PO

Our National Tragedies are Resources for National Transformation I have received many calls and text messages from patriotic Nigerians who were annoyed that an Arise News anchor wanted me to answer questions about the 1966 coups, which were national tragedies. I reassured those patriots that, as a presidential candidate, I am ready and able to answer any questions about anything relating to Nigeria. I have a commitment to serve the people, not to hide from them. As I travel across Nigeria and listen to Nigerians of all ethnic and religious identities, I have had opportunities to reflect on the many tragedies we have experienced in Nigeria, including the 1966 coups, the civil war, and the various mass violence that have plagued different parts of the country. My view is that we could have avoided these tragedies if we had entrenched and implemented laws justly. These tragedies are the result of leadership failure. It is our responsibility to understand these failures and fix them. The failure of leadership to guarantee all its citizens equal rights and freedoms, and to enforce the fundamental rights in the constitution without fear or favour. We must focus on learning from our past. Mistakes in history are not fatal. They can become opportunities for transformation. This happened in Japan. The Japanese miracle that took place between 1920 and 1970 was a product of patriotic leaders who used the Japanese trauma of colonial rule to drive miraculous economic development. South Korea followed Japan by weaponising cruel experiences under Japan to develop a policy framework of a developmental state, and became an economic giant under the inspiration of General Park from 1960. The same applies to China under Deng Xiaoping, who reinvented China from the tragedies of Chairman Mao’s Cultural Revolution and the many deaths of that ill-fated policy. Today, China is the second-largest economy in the world. What a transformation. That is our vision. That should also be our history. For me, my responsibility as Nigerian President is to turn the pains and tragedies of the past into opportunities to make Nigeria united, stable, and prosperous. We need a leadership that is not trapped in the past, a leadership that focuses on what binds us together rather than what divides us. At this point, we need a leader who believes in the destiny and future of Nigeria, a leader who publicly proclaims that all parts of Nigeria abound in human and natural resources, and that all parts of Nigeria can become productive and prosperous. The difference in human history is having leaders who do not maximise those pasts for selfish ambition but leverage them to build a prosperous future for all. Even in Africa, we can learn from Rwanda on how a recent terrible experience is being used to advance national unity and prosperity. We can do the same for Nigeria. I am ready to speak about what the voters consider important. I am ready to comfort and console. I am ready to lead from the front as we work to turn away from the ugly past and into a future where no Nigerian will suffer on account of his or her ethnicity, religion, or social pedigree. Our past is important, but our past is not our destiny. Our future is what we do with our past. Our past is our resource for national transformation. We are ready to transform Nigeria. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

After My Visits to Benue and Plateau. After returning to Abuja on 8th September 2026, following our visits to Benue and Plateau States, I travelled to Europe, first to Germany and then to the United Kingdom. There, I participated in a series of high-level meetings addressing issues of fundamental importance to Nigeria’s future. Our conversations addressed democracy and electoral integrity, the escalating challenge of poverty, education, corruption, healthcare, and, above all, practical ways to improve the lives and preserve the dignity of our people. I was especially encouraged by the sincere readiness of our international partners to support Nigeria, particularly in the critically important area of education. I have consistently emphasised that education is the most valuable investment we can make in our people, because no nation can create a prosperous and sustainable future without developing the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of its citizens. We must intentionally transition Nigeria from consumption to production, from dependence to productivity, from wasteful practices to responsible resource management, and from division to a common national purpose. Together, we can create a Nigeria in which every child receives a quality education, democracy genuinely embodies the people’s will, healthcare is within reach, public resources are administered responsibly, and every Nigerian enjoys a fair chance to lead a dignified and productive life. A New Nigeria Is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, 8th September, following the unfortunate incident in Benue State, where our delegation was prevented from proceeding to Yelwata to visit displaced Nigerians and families affected by the recent attacks, I proceeded to Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where I visited an IDP camp housing over 500 displaced persons. The situation in Mangu is deeply disturbing. Over 45,000 people have reportedly been displaced, while more than 20 communities have been sacked by terrorists. These are Nigerians who want nothing more than to return to their ancestral homes, rebuild their communities, cultivate their farms, and live their lives in peace and dignity. As I have always maintained, as long as there is one displaced Nigerian, all Nigerians are displaced. I therefore urge the government to do more to secure these beleaguered communities and restore the confidence of our people. The right to life, safety, dignity and livelihood must be protected for every Nigerian, irrespective of where they live, their ethnicity, religion or political affiliation. Our displaced citizens must not become forgotten Nigerians. They are citizens of our country whose homes, livelihoods and futures have been disrupted. Government must create the conditions for their safe and dignified return, secure their communities and support them to rebuild their lives. I concluded my visit by offering my modest support to the displaced families as a gesture of solidarity, compassion and shared humanity. The New Nigeria we seek must be a country where every citizen can live, work, farm, raise a family and pursue their dreams in peace and security. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

How Hired Thugs Obstructed My Visit to Benue State Yesterday, I attended the opening of the national campaign office of an opposition presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde in Abuja. My presence was intended to demonstrate that politics can and should be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and civility. As Governor of Anambra State, I made it a point during electioneering to welcome visiting opposition members personally, provided they acted within the ambits of the law. Guided by that same commitment to decency over partisanship, I travelled to Benue this morning, arriving at approximately 9:00 a.m. on a purely humanitarian mission: to visit the grieving families affected by the horrific killings in Yelwata, where over 270 people were massacred. Regrettably, our convoy was prevented from proceeding to the community by thugs chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.” It was deeply distressing to witness such hostility. I came to Benue not for partisan politics, but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer comfort at a moment of unimaginable sorrow. That a mission intended purely to show solidarity, compassion, and support could be obstructed in this manner is deeply alarming. At a time when our nation should be united in grief and resolute in preventing further bloodshed, we must reject any action capable of deepening our divisions. The people of Benue - and all Nigerians - deserve to sleep without fear. They deserve to travel without fear. They deserve to cultivate their land without fear. Above all, they deserve a country where the state places the protection of human life far above political expediency. Although we were unable to reach the community today, our thoughts and prayers remain steadfastly with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community. We shall continue to work until the primary responsibility of government - the safeguarding of every Nigerian life - is restored. Until then, we cannot truly say we have built the nation our people deserve. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

UNITY AND LOVE IN POLITICS Yesterday, I joined my brothers, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the Leader of the APM, at the commissioning of the party’s Presidential Campaign Office in Abuja. I used the opportunity to emphasise the need for us to build a New Nigeria anchored on Unity, Love, Justice, mutual respect, and inclusion, particularly at a time when political contests can become unnecessarily contentious and divisive. We must insist that our shared love for our country should always be greater than our political differences. This is my call to all contestants in the forthcoming elections. Let our contest be about ideas and solutions that will address the enormous challenges facing our country today: insecurity, poverty, hunger, inequality, and the growing number of out-of-school children. Let us compete on ideas that will unite our people, improve their lives, and restore hope to our nation, while maintaining respect, decency, and love for one another. I congratulate my dear brothers, Governor Seyi Makinde and Governor Bala Mohammed, as well as all the leaders and members of the APM, on this important milestone. A New Nigeria is POssible with OK. -PO

CONGRATULATIONS TO SENATOR HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON I warmly congratulate my dear brother and leader of our great party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, on his recognition by Leadership Newspaper as Politician of the Year. Senator Dickson is a seasoned politician and public servant whose experience cuts across party administration, the legislature, and the executive arm of government. I believe this recognition is not only a testament to his years of service but will also further spur him to greater commitment as we work together towards building a political platform capable of offering Nigerians the leadership that is needed to move the country forward. Once again, congratulations to my dear brother and leader, Distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson , on this well-deserved recognition. A new Nigeria is POssible and Nigeria will be OK. -PO

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE I have just learnt the sad news of the death of Professor Albert Alos, former Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), Lekki, Lagos, and former Director-General of the prestigious Lagos Business School (LBS). He died after a brief illness. I first met Prof. Alos when I was attending a Chief Executive Programme at Lagos Business School (LBS) over 20 years ago. I am deeply saddened by the death of Prof. Alos. He was a humble and unassuming gentleman, with a keen ear for listening to the problems of others and a remarkable ability to offer thoughtful and practical solutions. Among my many recollections of him, one stands out: Prof. Alos was the first person I met who taught the importance of character and integrity and, more importantly, truly lived by those virtues. He firmly believed that Nigeria could be rescued from the woods through character, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. His death is a great loss to the academic community, the business world, and, indeed, Nigeria. May God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest in His kingdom. -PO

MY ENGAGEMENTS ACROSS THREE STATES-KOGI, BENUE, AND ENUGU After my engagements in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday, 4th September, and yesterday, 5th September, I travelled to Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State. There, alongside our Kogi East Senatorial Candidate, High Chief Peter Ameh, I met with stakeholders and our party faithful. I reaffirmed our commitment to addressing the major challenges facing our people, especially insecurity, healthcare, education, employment, and poverty alleviation. I also assured our large base of supporters that these issues would remain central to our efforts. We urged our supporters to remain dedicated to the democratic process, turn out in large numbers to vote, and, above all, safeguard and defend their votes from the polling unit through the final declaration of results. I also made brief visits to Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State and Obollo Afor in Enugu State. During these stops, we continued engaging with our people, including traders operating along these routes. I heard their concerns and assured them that, under my leadership, they would have a government that recognises their difficulties, prioritises their welfare, and provides an environment in which their businesses can grow. Across all these engagements, the concerns expressed by our people remain essentially the same. They seek security in their communities, meaningful employment opportunities for our youths, access to properly functioning hospitals and schools for their children, and the means and resources to lead decent, dignified lives. These are not excessive demands. They represent the basic expectations citizens hold of a government dedicated to their welfare. Following these engagements, I travelled to Okpo, Olamaboro LGA, Kogi State, where I participated in the 65th birthday celebration of a highly respected servant of God, Evangelist Sunday Oguche. I also had the privilege of engaging with guests at the event and members of the church. Evangelist Oguche is not merely a preacher of the Gospel; he is also a dedicated community builder who has committed himself to serving God and making a positive difference in the lives of his people. I extend my heartfelt prayers and very best wishes to him as he marks this significant milestone. May God continue to strengthen him, grant him sound health, and bless him with many more productive years in His service. I ended the day with a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Igwe Willy Ezugwu, Eze Ka Eze I of Ideke Land, and Eze Ogbozalla III of Opi Kingdom, Nsukka, Enugu State. His Royal Majesty is a true Nigerian with a profound belief in the future of our country. He graciously offered prayers and bestowed his royal blessings upon me. I am profoundly thankful for his fatherly counsel, encouragement, and prayers. As we move forward on this journey, our message remains unequivocal: Nigeria can succeed, and government can be made to serve its people. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

My condolences to the people of Zurmi and Gumel over the passing of two distinguished traditional rulers. I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the people of Zurmi Emirate in Zamfara State and the people of Gumel Emirate in Jigawa State regarding the demise of two esteemed traditional leaders: His Royal Highness, Alhaji Bello Sulaiman, Sarkin Zamfara, Zurmi, and His Royal Highness, Emir Ahmed Sani II, Emir of Gumel, who passed away in Egypt. Their deaths mark considerable losses to their respective emirates and to Nigeria. As custodians of our culture, history, and traditions, the Royal Fathers played vital roles in safeguarding the identity of their people and fostering peace, unity, and social harmony. I sincerely sympathize with their families, the traditional institutions, and the people of Zurmi and Gumel Emirates during this challenging time. May Almighty Allah forgive their shortcomings, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus, and provide their families and subjects with the strength and resilience to endure these irreplaceable losses. -PO

Condolence Visit & Vigil Mass for Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi. Yesterday, Friday, 4th September, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and I paid a further condolence visit to our dear brother, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, at his Port Harcourt residence following the passing of his beloved mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi. I subsequently joined the family and friends at the Vigil Mass for his dear departed mother, who passed on at the ripe age of 89. The death of a parent is always deeply painful, and the loss of our dear mother is no exception. At such moments, words often fall short of expressing the depth of the pain and sense of loss. We are, however, consoled by the knowledge that Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi lived a good and fulfilling life, touching the lives of many and making lasting contributions to her community and the Church. Her life was one of faith, service, love, and impact. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on in the lives of her children, family, community, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi will forever remain in our hearts and prayers. May her gentle soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in perfect peace. Amen. -PO

MY VISIT TO PORT HARCOURT Yesterday, after attending Daily Times at 100th in Abuja, I travelled to Port Harcourt for a rousing reception from our party members, led by our Governorship Candidate in Rivers State, Chief Barr. Dumo Lulu-Briggs. The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is to attend the NDC Obi-Talks, a Port Harcourt Town Hall. The town hall provided an opportunity for an open and engaging conversation with the people. Our questions and answers centered on issues that directly affect the lives of Nigerians, including jobs, healthcare, education, security, and economic opportunity. I reiterated my commitment to investing in the three critical areas that accelerate the development of every nation: education, healthcare, and pulling our people out of poverty. We examined the experiences of countries that once faced challenges similar to those confronting Nigeria today, and how competent, purposeful, and compassionate leadership transformed their fortunes. From Bangladesh and its remarkable progress in rice production, to Indonesia and the growth of its SMEs, and India’s efforts at pulling millions of its citizens out of poverty, the lesson is clear: countries succeed when leadership is competent, accountable, focused, and committed to the welfare of the people. My greatest elation today came from the renewed commitment I saw among the good people of Rivers State to participate massively in the 2027 elections and, more importantly, to ensure that their votes are counted and the people’s mandate is respected. Let it be recorded that this time around, the people of Rivers State will vote, and their votes MUST count. Only leaders who emerge from a free, fair, and credible electoral process can truly be called Excellencies. Rivers State can and should set the pace for excellent, free, fair, and credible elections in 2027. I sincerely thank our Vice Presidential Candidate, His Excellency Senator Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; our host and Governorship Candidate in Rivers State, Chief Barr. Dumo Lulu-Briggs; his team; the Rivers State Working Committee of the NDC; the National Working Committee led by our National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe; and all our friends, supporters, and well-wishers who joined us for this important engagement. Our task is to rescue Nigeria, rebuild our institutions, and restore hope to our people. A New Nigeria is Possible, and Nigeria will be OK. -PO

FROM WHAT WE BUILT TO WHAT WE LOST: LESSONS FROM NIGERIA’S HISTORY Today, I attended the Daily Times Newspaper’s 100th anniversary celebration in Abuja. The occasion brought back fond memories of my younger days, when I would visit the newspaper stand at 57 Old Market Road, Onitsha, opposite the General Post Office, simply to read the front pages of the newspapers. I was particularly interested in stories about governance, our economy, and Nigeria’s development. Those early encounters with newspapers helped shape my interest in understanding our country and the choices that have shaped our journey as a nation. At the exhibition, I took time to go through some of the old publications. What I saw was both fascinating and deeply sobering. One of the most striking things I came across was an advertisement for the Nigerian Shipping Line. In 1959, it had 6 ships; by 1960, it had 8; and by 1961, it had grown to 10 ships. Today, more than six decades later, the Nigerian Shipping Line has no ships. I also read about Nigerian Airways, which began operations in 1958 and, by 1980, had grown into one of Africa’s leading airlines, with a fleet of over 30 aircraft and direct flights to London, New York, Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, and other international destinations. At one point, it even operated a Boeing 747, one of the largest aircraft of its time. Sadly, Nigerian Airways eventually ceased operations in 2003. The comparison with Emirates is particularly instructive. Nigerian Airways had already developed a substantial fleet before Emirates commenced operations in 1985 with just two leased aircraft. Today, Emirates operates a fleet of more than 250 aircraft, while the Nigerian national airline of that era no longer exists. These are not merely stories from old newspapers. They are reminders of what Nigeria once built, what our people were capable of achieving, and, most importantly, what we failed to sustain. The tragedy is not that these institutions belonged to a different era. The tragedy is that a country blessed with enormous human and material resources allowed many of its once-promising institutions to decline and disappear through years of poor leadership, mismanagement, corruption, and weak accountability. Even more painful is the fact that while many of our institutions have weakened or disappeared, corruption seems to have remained one of the few things that has continued to grow. We must ask ourselves: Why did institutions that once worked begin to fail? Why have countries that started behind us overtaken us? Why have we repeatedly failed to preserve the institutions and investments created by previous generations? The answers must guide the choices we make today. I commend Mr. Fidelis Anosike and his team for keeping the Daily Times legacy alive and, importantly, preserving an important part of Nigeria’s history for present and future generations. A nation that forgets its history risks repeating its mistakes. We must remember where we came from, honestly examine what went wrong, learn from both our successes and failures, and build institutions that can outlive individual leaders and political administrations. Nigeria is not condemned to decline. We can rebuild our institutions. We can restore confidence in government. We can create an economy that produces rather than merely consumes. We can build enterprises that compete globally. And we can create a country where the next generation inherits stronger institutions, greater opportunities, and a better quality of life than the generation before it. The Nigeria we desire is possible. But it requires leadership anchored on competence, accountability, prudence, integrity, and service. We must stop celebrating what Nigeria used to be and start rebuilding what Nigeria can become. The journey to rebuild Nigeria must begin now. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO