Ideas leave a trail.

Education: Rising Above a Broken System. On Tuesday, January 13th, I visited Francis Cardinal Arinze Secondary School in Nkwelle Ezunaka and had the opportunity to interact with the students about the vital role of education in today's development. I emphasised that the world is changing, and future progress will no longer be driven by physical assets such as land, buildings, or material possessions, but rather by ideas, knowledge, creativity, and skills. Those who control knowledge are the ones who succeed. Nations that recognise this will be the ones that thrive. This is why I will always support education in every way I can. As a practical demonstration of that commitment, I presented ₦10 million to help develop their school. Education is not an expense; it is the best investment any society can make in its future and its people. With education, a new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

I have just been made aware of the alarming arrest and remand of 52 students in Ekpoma, Edo State, who bravely called for an end to the terror of kidnappers and bandits plaguing their community. This situation is utterly unacceptable. We cannot and must not punish citizens for voicing legitimate grievances, especially when they are standing up against the very real threats that have devastated our neighbourhoods. It is beyond belief that students were taken from their hostels at night simply for protesting, only to be treated as criminals. Meanwhile, the actual perpetrators—the bandits and kidnappers wreaking havoc—remain at large, unaccountable for their actions. The reality is clear: as long as insecurity continues unabated, more protests will follow. The government has a responsibility to engage in dialogue with these students and take decisive steps to reclaim their communities from the grip of violence. This is not a confrontation between citizens and the government; it is a united front against the criminals who terrorise us. Arresting young people for demanding safety is absolutely intolerable. I call on the government to release these students immediately and unconditionally. Let us move forward with courage, not fear, in guiding our leadership. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Why the Controversial tax law should be paused? It is now undeniable that the tax laws have been fundamentally altered, and even a firm as esteemed as KPMG has pinpointed 31 critical problem areas, from drafting errors to glaring policy contradictions and administrative gaps. This revelation should prompt every responsible government to take immediate action. Even more alarming is the fact that it took private meetings between the National Revenue Service and KPMG for these serious issues to be acknowledged. If experts require closed-door discussions to navigate the complexities of our tax laws, what hope does the average Nigerian have of comprehending the obligations being imposed on them? Taxation transcends mere fiscal policy; it represents a social contract between the government and its citizens. You cannot enforce a social contract that isn’t understood or trusted. Globally, tax policies are justified by delivering tangible benefits to citizens: improved healthcare, better educational systems, job opportunities, infrastructure development, and social safety nets. This is what the social contract signifies. In Nigeria, the narrative is all about how much more the government seeks to extract, rather than what it is prepared to offer in return. A tax system devoid of clear public benefits isn’t reform; it is, quite frankly, extortion. Typically, months, if not years, are dedicated to consulting with businesses, workers, and civil society before tax drafts are presented for public discussion, with the ramifications clearly explained. People must be informed not only about their financial contributions but also about the benefits that will ensue. This is how legitimacy is cultivated. Yet, in Nigeria, we have seen no such public consultations or discussions regarding the final tax laws, leaving ordinary citizens completely in the dark about both the regulations and the benefits of the taxes they’re expected to pay. We have hastily pursued collection without securing a consensus and imposed enforcement without providing adequate explanations. Even after the removal of subsidies, Nigerians remain in limbo, waiting for tangible benefits or relief. Instead, they are grappling with skyrocketing food prices, exorbitant transport costs, dwindling purchasing power, and escalating poverty levels. Before we have even begun to address these issues, we are being thrust into an expansive new tax regime, riddled with inconsistencies and producing 31 alarming red flags from a leading global accounting firm. This is not the hallmark of responsible governance. Without trust, taxation feels like punishment. Without clarity, it breeds confusion. Without evident public value, it amounts to robbery. Nigeria cannot afford to place further burdens on its already struggling citizens. What we need is a government that listens, communicates effectively, and prioritises building national consensus. This is the only viable path to genuine reform, unity, growth, and shared prosperity. A New Nigeria is not just a possibility; it is an imperative. -PO

Laying a Foundation for Education and the Future Yesterday, I joined the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, to lay the foundation stone for the Sacred Heart Primary and Secondary School in Ozubulu. It was a deeply fulfilling moment that reaffirmed my belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming our society. For this reason, I have committed to supporting this project until its completion by providing a monthly subvention. This is my humble contribution to ensuring that this noble vision becomes a living institution that will serve generations of children, especially those who may not otherwise have access to quality education. In moments like this, we are reminded that authentic development is rooted in shared responsibility and sustained commitment. The Sacred Heart School project symbolizes hope, action, and our determination to invest in the future through education. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Where is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? This is not just a question; it’s a critical demand for accountability in a national emergency. As we approach the end of this year, Nigeria will be home to approximately 140 million people living in extreme poverty—the highest number in the world. We are grappling with one of the hungriest populations globally, staggering insecurity, an unemployment rate exceeding 80 million among our youth, and one of the worst places to be born, with infant mortality rates worse than those of a nation seven times our size. In the midst of this chaos, where has our President been? Spending 196 days abroad in 2025 alone—more than he has spent within his own country, at a time when we face profound crises. Since December 2025, Nigerians have not heard a word from their President. Reports indicate he opted for a holiday in Europe while the nation was plunged into a New Year marked by hunger, anxiety, and uncertainty. There was no New Year address, no national broadcast, no leadership voice to provide reassurance or guidance. This lack of presence starkly contrasts with what we see in comparable developing nations where leaders step up in times of crisis. In Nigeria, following U.S. military strikes on our soil, our President remained silent. Instead of directly addressing the nation, Nigerians learned about these critical events from foreign media, American officials, and the vague communications from the Presidency’s aides known for their propaganda, rather than from their own leader. This is not governance; it’s neglect. The President was seen abroad yet again for another summit while remaining absent from his own country when he is needed the most. Earlier this year, he even sent an AI-generated image to the nation instead of addressing his people face-to-face. Are we to believe Nigeria is being governed, or is it merely being managed from elsewhere? Leadership is not simply issuing press releases; it’s about standing before the people, engaging with them, and offering clarity. We are not asking for perfection; we demand presence. Nigerians are eager to hear from their President through direct media briefings. They deserve to understand the state of their country. You cannot run Nigeria like a personal business or a private club; it is imperative to rebuild and grow our economy through unity and clarity. Progress is impossible without unity and consensus, and it begins with strong leadership that sets the tone. No policy, reform, economic plan, or security measure can thrive in a divided nation. When leadership withdraws, unity falters, and the fabric of our society unravels under the weight of mistrust and division. In a time of crisis, the absence of leadership is not just troubling; it is perilous. Silence in the face of crisis is the loudest form of failure. A New Nigeria is not just POssible; it is essential. -PO

Security Checkpoints and the Traffic Gridlock Dilemma Some may dismiss certain areas of my commentary as trivial, but I firmly assert that every detail has profound implications for our society; they significantly influence people's daily lives. This festive season, I traversed several major roads across the country and encountered appalling levels of traffic congestion. At times, the gridlock was so extreme that travellers bound for distant destinations were forced to abandon their journeys, wasting hours trying to escape the chaos. A closer inspection reveals that the primary contributor to this congestion is the ill-placed security checkpoints. Positioning these checkpoints at narrow points or near construction zones is nothing short of irresponsible, as it brings traffic to a complete standstill. Reports indicate that similar frustrations plague numerous roads nationwide. While I respect and recognise the sacrifices made by our security agencies, they must adopt greater discretion and flexibility during peak travel times. People are returning to work, facing long distances, and contending with poor road conditions. These unnecessary delays leave drivers exhausted, raising the risk of accidents as they struggle to stay alert behind the wheel. There is absolutely no justification for subjecting travellers to such avoidable setbacks. The purpose of security is to protect lives, not endanger them. Extended delays force those who set out early to find themselves on the road well after dark, putting them at even greater risk in a time marked by rising insecurity. This contradicts the very objective of establishing security checkpoints. A more strategic approach is not just advisable—it’s essential. Checkpoints must be strategically located away from narrow roads and construction zones, inspections need to be expedited during heavy traffic, and agencies must coordinate effectively to eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks. This will not only improve traffic flow without compromising security but also ensure our roads are safer and more humane for all. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Today, I had the privilege of attending the 60th Birthday Symposium of my esteemed brother, H.E. Senator Aminu Tambuwal. The event brought together a remarkable assembly of distinguished Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, H.E. Atiku Abubakar, ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark, and former Speakers Masari, Patricia Ette, and Yakubu Dogara, along with notable Governors and numerous respected leaders and stakeholders dedicated to our country's unity and progress. This celebration was not just a milestone but a clarion call for unity and service to our beloved nation. During the symposium, I delivered a brief but impactful goodwill message, emphasising the urgent need for national unity. The future of Nigeria depends on our collective strength. Now is the time to unite and forge a consensus to address the troubling challenges facing our nation. At 60, Senator Tambuwal exemplifies true leadership—not measured by years in office but by unwavering dedication to what is right. He has been a bulwark for a united Nigeria. I also extended my gratitude to him for his steadfast commitment to advancing vital sectors: education, healthcare, and agriculture. His unwavering focus on these areas underscores the reality that effective leadership lies in investing in a united and productive populace. As I travel through Nigeria, I see immense potential being undermined by disunity and ineffective leadership. With unity and competent governance, we can transition our nation from consumption to production, bolster agriculture and manufacturing, and eradicate poverty, corruption, and insecurity—ultimately fostering an inclusive and prosperous nation. It is absolutely fitting that we celebrate Senator Tambuwal today—a champion of unity, dialogue, and national cohesion. His relentless service serves as a powerful reminder that Nigeria’s future will not be crafted by those who sow division, but by those who foster connection and collaboration. On behalf of all who strive for a renewed Nigeria, I wish Senator Aminu Tambuwal a very happy 60th birthday. May this new chapter of his life be rich with good health, renewed strength, and even greater service to our nation. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Huge congratulations to our dear Super Eagles for flying high over the Desert Warriors! A 2–0 victory that sends a clear message to the rest of the continent. ​Clinical finishing, a rock-solid defence, and a rewarding gift to over 200 million people cheering you on. The AFCON trophy is within reach! Keep the fire burning. Let's take this momentum straight into the semi-finals! Up Nigeria! -PO

Earlier today in Abuja, I paid a condolence visit to my dear sister, Maureen Chigbo, the Publisher of Realnews Online Magazine and the immediate past President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP). She tragically lost her elder sister, Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo, on Monday, January 6, 2026. It deeply pains me to write this due to the circumstances surrounding Princess Nwamaka's death. As a practicing lawyer and a patriotic Nigerian dedicated to creating a better society, she had traveled home for the Christmas holidays but had to return to Abuja for a court case. After attending evening Mass, she was abducted on her way home and brutally murdered. Princess Nwamaka's abduction and murder highlight the alarming level of insecurity in our country. As we mourn her tragic passing, I urge the police authorities to ensure that those responsible for Princess Nwamaka's death are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice. For the government, this serves as yet another wake-up call to prioritize the safety of Nigerians above politics and propaganda. Ensuring the security of citizens is the primary duty of any government, and it is within our reach. Surely, a new Nigeria is POssible. – PO

My heartfelt sympathy goes to everyone impacted by the recent surge of fire incidents across our country. The devastating fire at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building in Balogun, Lagos, which claimed precious lives and left families in mourning, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective fire safety measures. In addition, we witnessed damages at Haiba Plaza in Malumfashi, Kure Market in Minna, and the Gusau warehouse in Zamfara just yesterday, alongside earlier incidents at Buzaye Garage in Sokoto, Terminus Market in Plateau, and Sabuwar Lale Furniture Market in Kano. The latest outbreak at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital's College of Nursing Sciences hostel this morning, as well as repeated fires in areas like Arena Market, Ikotun, and Bolade in Oshodi, highlight a critical situation that calls for collective action and reform. As a nation that collects various taxes and emergency funds, we have an obligation to ensure that our fire services are equipped, professional, and responsive. It is imperative that we develop an effective national emergency response system, particularly in our markets and high-rise buildings, to safeguard lives and properties. I stand in solidarity with those in Katsina, Niger, and Zamfara who suffered losses in yesterday’s fires, as well as those in Sokoto, Plateau, Kano, and Lagos. You are not alone; the nation is with you. I urge our government to take swift action to support affected families, providing the necessary resources for recovery. May we honor the memories of those we’ve lost by committing to a future where lives are protected. Let this be a catalyst for the transformation of our emergency services, ensuring they are not only competent but also compassionate. Together, we can work towards creating a New Nigeria that is POssible where safety and support are priorities for all. -PO

With Deepest Sympathy on the Loss of Nkanu I have been following Nkanu's illness since my beloved sister, Chimamanda, first informed me on January 2nd. During this difficult time, I felt a deep sense of empathy for her and her family. I shared in their anxiety, prayed earnestly, and hoped for his recovery. Therefore, the news I received yesterday morning was profoundly heartbreaking. I am personally devastated, thinking of the immense pain my dear sister must be experiencing as a mother, along with her husband, Dr Ivara. My heartfelt condolences go to them and the entire family during this moment of indescribable loss. May God grant them the strength, comfort, and grace to bear this sorrow, and may Nkanu's saintly soul rest in perfect peace. -PO

While Politicians Jostle, Poverty Deepens As we politicians scramble for positions and vie for control of party structures—often sharing posts even before elections are concluded—a harsh truth confronts our nation: a staggering 62% of Nigerians—roughly 141 million people—are ensnared in poverty. This alarming statistic indicates that more than half of our population is living in dire conditions. While other nations are lifting millions out of hardship, Nigeria is regressing. According to World Bank data, the number of Nigerians living in poverty surged from 81 million in 2019 to approximately 139 million in 2025. In just one year, from 2023 to 2024, the number of impoverished Nigerians jumped from 115 million to 129 million—an increase of 14 million individuals. Projections for 2026 suggest that this figure will reach around 141 million, meaning an additional 26 million Nigerians will be thrust into poverty between 2023 and 2026. The Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026 report, titled “Turning Macroeconomic Stability into Sustainable Growth,” reinforces these grim projections. It is estimated that by 2026, an overwhelming 141 million people—62% of the population—will be living in poverty. Despite recent attempts at stabilization, the report underscores that weak real income growth and persistently high living costs will continue to exacerbate poverty. Most Nigerians will not experience income growth sufficient to counter escalating costs. Although headline inflation may moderate, sustained high prices stemming from energy, logistics, and exchange-rate fluctuations will remain a burden. Low-income households are especially at risk, as food constitutes up to 70% of their total spending, leaving them acutely vulnerable to food inflation and price shocks. This rising tide of poverty weakens purchasing power, diminishes demand, and places immense pressure on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises reliant on local consumers. A sustained increase in poverty could unravel public finances, erode human capital, and impede economic recovery unless we see robust job creation, productivity growth, and effective social protection programs. Our trajectory starkly contrasts with nations like India and Indonesia. India successfully reduced extreme poverty from 35-40% in 2000 to an astonishing 5.3% today. Indonesia, too, has made significant strides, cutting poverty from around 30% in 2000 to roughly 8%, all through unwavering investments in education, health, and social protection. Meanwhile, Nigeria has witnessed a rise in poverty from about 40% in 2000 to a distressing 62% today. In the year 2000, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nigeria shared similar Human Development Index scores of 0.49, 0.47, 0.60, and 0.45, respectively. By 2025, while India and Bangladesh surged to 0.685, and Indonesia rose to 0.74, Nigeria languished at 0.53, remaining entrenched in the low human development category after 25 years. Can we continue to tolerate the reality that a child born in Nigeria today faces one of the highest risks of being born into poverty anywhere in the world? The fact that 141 million Nigerians are living in poverty is not merely a national failure; it is a blatant threat to our future. The time for complacency has passed. Structural reforms—macroeconomic stability, investment in agriculture, food supply, logistics, education, health, productivity, and large-scale job creation—are no longer optional; they are imperative. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

When will this embarrassment end? Can we get through a day without troubling news in this country? At a time when Nigerians need joy and unity—something the national football team, the Super Eagles, has been providing by winning matches and lifting our spirits worldwide—these same players are being denied their basic match allowances. A country that writes off trillions in debts for government agencies and political allies, and squanders money on grandiose, self-serving projects, now struggles to pay the basic match bonuses owed to our players. Nigeria deserves a better international image than this ongoing failure to honor previously agreed-upon allowances before the tournament. The Super Eagles do not deserve this embarrassment or the avoidable distractions ahead of a crucial quarter-final match. Nigeria must learn to fulfill its obligations. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

ERA OF FINANCIAL RECKLESSNESS Financial recklessness is increasingly becoming normalized in our country. Just last week, it was alarmingly reported that the President approved the write-off of ₦5.57 trillion and $1.42 billion—approximately ₦8 trillion—in debts owed by NNPC, a company that recently announced profits and claimed it had turned a new leaf. This is the same agency currently facing serious audit inquiries for failing to account for ₦210 trillion, an amount that far exceeds the combined Federal budgets of Nigeria from 2023 to 2026. For context, the Federal Government’s budgets for these years were approximately: ₦21.83 trillion for 2023, ₦43.56 trillion for 2024, ₦54.99 trillion for 2025, and an estimated ₦58.18 trillion for 2026. The total budget for these four years amounts to roughly ₦178.56 trillion. Nigerians are still waiting for the outcome of the National Assembly investigation into the missing trillions. This company is also under scrutiny for trillions spent on non-functional refineries. Yet, the President, who also serves as the Minister in charge, has approved the write-off of about ₦8 trillion in NNPC debts. Nigerians, already enduring severe hardships due to the removal of petroleum and electricity subsidies—with no tangible improvements in their lives—are now confronted with this unexplained debt forgiveness. The nearly ₦8 trillion write-off will effectively replace revenue that the government is currently seeking through unfair taxation. It is imperative that the government provides a clear and transparent justification for the write-off, given the immense impact such a large amount of resources could have on national development. This almost ₦8 trillion write-off could have generated the revenue the government now seeks through these unfair taxes. The amount exceeds the 2025 combined Federal budget allocations for education, health, and agriculture, which total ₦7.1 trillion. In practical terms, this money alone could fully fund critical areas of development, lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty and significantly reducing the over 130 million people currently living in poverty in the country. The write-off sum of ₦8 trillion is nearly twice the 2025 Federal Security budget of ₦4.9 trillion, even as insecurity continues to devastate communities across the nation. Such resources could empower 8 million youths—10% of the 80 million unemployed—creating approximately 1,000 jobs for each of the 8,809 wards, thus substantially reducing the 130 million impoverished individuals in the country. The President, who is also the Minister, owes the Nigerian people clear answers. The citizens deserve honesty, fiscal discipline, and governance that protects their interests—not the interests of mismanaged corporations or political elites. This betrayal of the people must be stopped. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

A Young Nurse Encounters Nigeria Sunday, January 4th, was an unusually demanding day for me. I had an event in Ughelli, Delta State, and had to drive from Onitsha to the city. From there, I proceeded to another event in Mgbidi, Imo State, and thereafter traveled from Owerri to Lagos. On the Air Peace flight, I sat in 5A, beside me in 5B was a young woman of about 24 years, Chidera Ugwokeba, whose parents are from the South East, but who was born and raised in the USA. She had just graduated from nursing school and was visiting Nigeria with her parents for the first time. She had exchanged her seat with her sibling to enable her talk to me having been told who I am. During the flight, she began to share her sadness and confusion about Nigeria. Her first question was simple but piercing: Why do basic things not work in Nigeria? She then recounted a painful experience. Her sister, also visiting Nigeria for the first time, had a domestic accident and was rushed to what they were told was the best government-owned hospital in the area. On arrival, even though her sister’s hand was bleeding, the hospital staff insisted that payment must be made before any treatment could begin. Shocked, they asked the hospital attendant whether he truly did not see the urgency of the situation. In response, they were shown other patients with even worse conditions who were also being left unattended because they had not paid. They eventually paid, and it was time for the blood test. Traumatised, they realised the hospital had only one blood-testing machine for all patients, and it was not being sterilised between uses. When she raised concerns that the equipment had not been properly sterilised, they were bluntly told to stop asking questions if they wanted her sister to be treated. Despite their payment, they had to buy all the items needed for her treatment. She found it hard to believe because, according to her training and every hospital she had visited, treatment comes first - payment comes later. She told me they had considered organizing a GoFundMe to support healthcare back home, but relatives warned them that any money raised would likely be embezzled. Then she said something that struck me deeply: “I now understand what happened to Boxer Joshua. This is why there was no ambulance to rush him to a nearby hospital.” She wondered aloud whether it was simply because the country is poor. Yet she added that she would willingly offer her skills and service for free and help raise money to make things better. Listening to the lament of a young, patriotic Nigerian who is prepared to offer free service and raise money to help her country and its citizens, I painfully replied by encouraging her not to lose hope. The country is not poor, but it is poorly governed. Nigeria can afford basic necessities, especially critical and necessary ones, but they are often not considered priorities due to incompetent leadership. A standard ambulance costs about ₦150 million ($100,000). Nigeria spent ₦39 billion refurbishing the National Conference Centre in Abuja and ₦21 billion rebuilding the Vice President’s residence. Those two projects alone- ₦60 billion -could have provided about 400 brand-new ambulances, roughly 11 per state, including the FCT. Had 11 functional ambulances existed in Ogun State, one might have been available for Joshua. Building a primary healthcare centre in a community costs about ₦75 million. Yet we spent about ₦300 billion ($200 million) on an additional presidential jet - money that could have built over 4,000 primary healthcare centres, about 110 per state. The only visible value the jet adds is the ability of the President to occasionally disappear without the public knowing where he is, as is the case now.

I am deeply saddened by the tragic boat mishap in Yobe State that has claimed 29 precious lives with many still missing, and left families in grief. This tragic occurrence is happening just few days after the Lagos boat mishap that claimed 6 young lives. My heartfelt condolences go to the families of those who lost their loved ones, and I pray that God grants them comfort, strength, and the fortitude to bear this painful loss. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace, and may those rescued recover fully. I have consistently spoken about the safety of our waterways. These painful occurrence happen too often. We must move from condolences to prevention and take this very seriously. I thank the Government of Yobe for their efforts so far. My prayers are with the people of Yobe State, and I urge us as leaders to ensure functional, secured systems that keep Nigerians safe, on land, in the air and on our waterways. A nation that values its people builds systems that protect them. -PO

Concering issues as India Surpasses Japan: A Stark Reminder of Nigeria’s Decline Over the weekend, it was announced that India has become the fourth-largest economy in the world, in terms of nominal GDP, surpassing Japan. According to IMF estimates for 2025, India’s GDP is projected to be about $4.187 trillion, while Japan’s GDP is approximately $4.186 trillion. India now aims to overtake Germany, which has a GDP of around $4.74 trillion, to become the third-largest economy. While this is a remarkable achievement for India, it raises questions about Nigeria’s economic performance. I have undertaken a comparison of the two countries, as they once shared a similar economic trajectory. According to historical estimates from the World Bank, at the end of 2007 (during Obasanjo’s presidency), India’s nominal GDP per capita was about $1,022, while Nigeria’s was approximately $1,816. By 2015 (at the end of the Yar’Adua/Jonathan era), India’s nominal GDP per capita had risen to around $1,584, compared to Nigeria’s GDP per capita of about $2,586, as stated by World Bank data. However, based on IMF World Economic Outlook projections, by 2025, India’s nominal GDP per capita is estimated to be about $2,878, while Nigeria’s is expected to decline to about $807. Despite significant subsidy savings, substantial revenue growth, and excessive borrowing (more than all previous governments combined from 1999 to 2023), Nigeria's performance remains troubling. The combined revenue for 2023 to 2025 amounts to approximately ₦200 trillion ($135 billion), yet there has been no meaningful improvement in critical areas such as healthcare, education, or poverty alleviation. In spite of these resources, issues like poverty, insecurity, healthcare, and education have worsened. Businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, are closing daily due to lack of support, electricity remains erratic and expensive, and the costs of basic necessities—such as rent, transport, and food—continue to rise beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians. I continue to call for national unity to build a leadership consensus anchored on competence, compassion, and character. This leadership must prioritize the welfare of Nigerians and invest in essential areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology. It should also focus on cutting waste, reducing the cost of governance, and ensuring full transparency and accountability so citizens can track and assess national progress. Such a government must empower citizens economically, create jobs, support businesses, strengthen security, provide reliable energy and food security, promote innovation and human capital development, and restore trust in public institutions by holding officials accountable. This way, Nigeria’s vast resources can be directed toward building a prosperous, equitable, and secure nation for all. Only through united collective action, transparency, and visionary leadership can Nigeria close the gap with nations like India and ensure that its wealth translates into prosperity, security, and opportunity for all citizens. Other countries are already setting an example—the time for Nigeria to act, catch up, and reclaim its potential is now. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Time to End This Cycle of Violence and Insecurity It is deeply worrisome and unacceptable that, as we usher in a new year, the cycle of senseless killings and insecurity continues unchecked across our nation. Today, in Niger State, we once again witnessed the horrific loss of over 40 lives in a brutal terrorist attack at the Kasuwan-Daji Market in the Domo community of Borgu Local Government Area. Just yesterday, armed bandits struck Bong village in Doemak District of Plateau State, leaving multiple people dead. Two days ago, several communities in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State were attacked by bandits. On New Year’s Day in Katsina State, the Unguwar Naino community was also attacked, with several lives lost and many others injured. These incidents form part of a disturbing and tragic pattern of violence that has sadly become normalized. The repeated failure to provide basic security for citizens is a national shame, and the toll it takes on families and communities is immeasurable. As a nation, we cannot continue to normalize these killings. The protection of lives must remain the foremost responsibility of government. What Nigerians urgently need is an all-hands-on-deck approach: a coordinated, capable, and decisive effort to end the menace of insecurity that has become a daily occurrence. To the families who have lost loved ones in Niger, Plateau, Kano, Katsina, and other affected communities this New Year, no words can truly ease your pain. Know, however, that the nation mourns with you. May you find strength, comfort, and resilience in this time of unimaginable grief. This cycle of violence must be stopped. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Prosperity cannot come by taxing Poverty As I travel the world and meet leaders who have transformed their nations, one lesson is clear: lasting economic and social progress begins with national consensus. Transformative leaders—those who successfully unite their people around a shared vision—share a defining quality: honesty. Government must be transparent and truthful because citizens deserve nothing less from those who lead them. True leaders do not exploit their people to enrich themselves and a few cronies; they build trust, unity, and shared purpose - the foundation of sustainable progress. It is against this standard of honest leadership that Nigeria’s current approach to taxation must be measured. If taxation is to function as a genuine social contract, it must be rooted in sincerity, fairness, and concern for the welfare of the people. Every tax policy should be clearly explained, including its impact on incomes and its expected contribution to national development. Without this transparency, taxation becomes a tool of confusion and burden rather than a mechanism for growth and development. Nigeria must rethink taxation if it is serious about economic growth, national unity, and shared prosperity. The purpose of sound fiscal policy is not merely to raise revenue; it is to make the people wealthier so that the nation itself becomes stronger. Yet today, Nigerians are asked to pay taxes without clarity, explanation, or visible benefit. The solution begins with empowering small and medium-sized enterprises in every community. When small businesses thrive, jobs are created, incomes rise, and the tax base expands naturally. You cannot tax your way out of poverty - you must produce your way out of it. This makes the ongoing tax fraud saga particularly alarming. For the first time in Nigeria’s history, a tax law has reportedly been forged. The National Assembly itself has admitted that the version gazetted is not what was passed into law. Yet citizens are being asked to pay higher taxes under this manipulated framework—without transparency, without explanation, and without corresponding benefits. There is no virtue in celebrating increased government revenue while the people grow poorer. Taxing poverty does not create wealth; it deepens hardship. Any tax system that makes citizens poorer violates the fundamental principles of good governance and sound fiscal policy. Nigeria needs a fair, lawful, and people-centred tax system—one that supports production, rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and restores trust between government and citizens. Only then can taxation become a true tool for unity, growth, and shared prosperity. -PO

New Year: A Call for Unity, Truth, Sacrifice, and National Renewal As we enter the New Year, let it symbolize a genuine new beginning for our nation—a time for sober reflection and renewed determination. May this be the year we take our democracy seriously, not just as a ritual of elections, but as a daily commitment to unity, justice, accountability, compassion, and the rule of law. Let it signal the start of a true rebirth for Nigeria, a year when we gather the courage to confront our shortcomings honestly and begin to build a broad national consensus based on integrity, fairness, and shared sacrifice. We call on those in positions of authority to rediscover the sacred duty of truth-telling—about their backgrounds, intentions, policies, actions, and even their health. Leadership thrives on trust, and trust is only possible with honesty. Let this year be one where public office is seen as a solemn call to service rather than a platform for personal enrichment, and where public resources are managed with transparency, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility to both current and future generations. May this New Year also be a time for compassion and sacrifice, where we consciously put the needs of the poor, the weak, and the forgotten at the center of our national conscience. A nation is not defined by the grandeur of its celebrations but by the dignity of life it offers its citizens. Therefore, let us prioritize a better standard of living over elaborate funerals; let us invest more in hospitals than in hearses, more in schools than in slogans, and more in jobs and productivity than in extravagance and waste. Above all, may this year renew our collective resolve to create a Nigeria that truly works for all—just in its laws, productive in its economy, united in its diversity, and humane in its treatment of every citizen. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO