Ideas leave a trail.

Condolences to the Governments and People of Bayelsa and Lagos States. My heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Bayelsa State as well as the immediate family on the sudden passing to great glory of the deputy Governor, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. His dedication to public service and commitment to the welfare of his people will be sorely missed. May God grant comfort to his family and strength to the government and people of Bayelsa during this difficult time. I also extend my deepest sympathies to the Government and people of Lagos State, and to the family of Dr Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire, the beloved son of former Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire. Losing a child is an unimaginable pain, and I pray that God will console the family, bless Lagos State with fortitude, and grant eternal rest to the departed. -PO

My attention has been drawn to reports that the Nigerian-owned supertanker was seized by the United States authorities over allegations of crude oil theft and related illicit activities. While the full facts are still emerging, this development is deeply troubling and speaks to a much bigger crisis that has continued to undermine our national economy, our global reputation, and the future of our young people. Severally over the years, I have consistently alerted that Nigeria is losing billions of dollars annually to crude oil theft, a criminal enterprise that has been allowed to thrive because of weak institutions, lack of accountability, and an entrenched culture of impunity. When a nation’s most valuable resources are stolen in broad daylight, whether at home or on the high seas, its people inevitably suffer. Our schools deteriorate, our hospitals remain underfunded, insecurity worsens, and millions slip further into poverty. The seriousness of this incident should be appreciated and thorough investigation insituted to get the root of the matter. This incident should serve as a wake-up call. I have consistently mentioned that ordinary Nigerians cannot steal crude oil, and no responsible nation can afford to look away while its wealth is siphoned off by a network of powerful individuals. We must strengthen our maritime security, reform our regulatory agencies, digitise and transparently track every barrel of oil produced in this country, and dismantle the criminal cartels that have operated with impunity for decades. More importantly, we must rebuild Nigeria’s global image by showing the world that we are serious about the rule of law, honest governance, and responsible management of our national assets. A nation cannot attract investment when it is constantly in the news for corruption, theft, and mismanagement. Relevant Nigerian authorities should work with international partners to establish the facts of this case and ensure that anyone found complicit faces justice, without fear or favour. Our nation cannot continue on this path. Nigeria has everything it needs to become a prosperous and respected nation. What we lack is competent and compassionate leadership that will prioritise the welfare of our citizens. It is time for that to change. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Investing in Our Future Healthcare Professionals Yesterday, I returned to the Mother of Mercy College of Nursing Sciences, Mbutu-Okohia, Ngor-Okpala, Imo State, fulfilling the promise I made when I capped their pioneer nursing students a few weeks ago. I also supported the institution with ₦10 million to aid its ongoing development. I reminded the students that the world is projected to face a serious shortage of healthcare workers by 2030, highlighting the global importance of the course they are studying. Their training places them among the most relevant professionals of the future. I encouraged them to see themselves as global citizens, guided by what I call the Indian spirit—to excel anywhere in the world while remaining connected to home. No matter where destiny takes them, they must not forget Nigeria. My support for the College stems from my desire to see young Nigerians succeed. Money has real value only when it uplifts those who need assistance. These students are important, their future is bright, and they will become great contributors to society. The institution has already recorded major milestones, including full accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the commencement of the Basic Nursing Programme with a dedicated academic team. Their vision of expanding access to quality nursing education remains commendable. I again commend the DMMM Congregation for its sustained investment in education and healthcare. Faith-based institutions continue to strengthen our social and moral foundations. I urged the students to embrace discipline, compassion, and integrity, as nurses remain the backbone of every functional healthcare system. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Today, Nigerians woke up again to the troubling news that the Federal Government is planning to borrow about ₦20 trillion in new loans to finance the 2026 budget. This is at a time when debt servicing alone is projected to gulp nearly half of our national revenue, and when our borrowing requirement has surged by over 72%. At a time when Nigerians are struggling under unprecedented hardship, insecurity, and unemployment, we must ask the most important and logical questions: Where is the revenue from 2025? How can we be discussing trillions in new borrowing for 2026 when we are still implementing the 2024 budget? One is genuinely worried. This suggests, very clearly, that the 2025 budget is still untouched and unimplemented. So, where are all the revenues that accrued in 2025, even when we were told that we had surpassed the revenue targets since August? It is time for us to stop this fiscal rascality, especially with uncontrolled and unexplained borrowing that is not being invested in the productive sectors of our nation, but instead ends up in consumption. We cannot keep mortgaging the future of our children through thoughtless borrowing. We cannot continue this way. For years, I have consistently maintained that Nigeria cannot borrow its way into prosperity. Nations do not develop by consuming more than they produce. They develop by producing, exporting, and creating value, while building strong institutions that ensure accountability and efficient use of public funds. We cannot tell Nigerians that revenue is increasing while simultaneously increasing borrowing to ridiculous historic levels. Governance must be built on transparency, not propaganda. We cannot build a new Nigeria on the foundation of misleading figures, rising debts, shrinking production, and continuous hardship. Our nation must move forward. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Advancing the Critical Development Index through Health Initiatives Today, I had the privilege of visiting Amafor, Ihuokpala in Nkanu East LGA, Enugu State for the second time to further my support for the Primary Health Centre established by the Anglican Diocese of Enugu. I announced an additional donation of ₦15 million to help complete this vital project. Earlier this year, I contributed ₦20 million when the project was in its foundational stages. I am truly impressed with the swift and high-quality work being accomplished under the leadership of the Anglican Bishop of Enugu, Rt. Rev. Prof. Samuel Obiajulu Ike. His dedication to rural development, particularly in healthcare, is inspiring. I firmly believe that faith-based organizations are deep-rooted in communities and effective to deliver significant outcomes in health, education, and social welfare. Supporting these initiatives is not just an act of generosity; it is an essential responsibility. During my visit, I was encouraged to hear public health expert Prof. Benjamin Uzochukwu stress the importance of private initiatives in enhancing our healthcare system. Our nation's challenges cannot be addressed by the government alone. It necessitates the collective efforts of all through collaboration to foster progress. I remain dedicated to supporting this project and similar initiatives across Nigeria. Investing in our people—particularly in health, education, and poverty alleviation—is paramount if we aspire to build a more productive and inclusive Nigeria. A new Nigeria is indeed possible. -PO

Let Our SME's Breath In recent days, we have seen concerning images and reports of local contractors protesting across Abuja and other parts of the country, demanding payment for work they have already completed. Most of these contractors are small and medium-sized businesses that are essential to the economy in various regions, comprising ordinary Nigerians who have delivered vital public services with the expectation that the government would honour its commitments. What is even more troubling is that this situation arises after President Tinubu publicly announced in August that Nigeria had “met and surpassed its revenue target for the year.” With such an impressive record, one would expect increased investment in the economy—specifically in education, healthcare, and programs that alleviate poverty. Yet, the government has still failed to pay contractors. A responsible government cannot claim record revenue while simultaneously leaving thousands of contractors unpaid. This contradiction highlights deeper issues related to transparency in our public finance management and governance. When a government fails to pay contractors, the consequences ripple through the entire economy. Medium and small businesses shut down, workers lose their jobs, families experience hardship, and the nation loses its productive capacity. We cannot build a strong economy when public funds are mismanaged, obligations are ignored, and local businesses are treated as expendable. If our revenue has indeed increased, it should be reflected in timely payments of obligations, the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and reduced borrowing. Meeting our obligations to contractors is not optional; it is a test of honesty, competence, and true leadership. A government that cannot fulfil its commitments cannot be trusted to build a nation. As leaders, we must honour our obligations, manage resources with discipline, and create an economy that works for the people. This is how a nation rises. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, alongside Dr Moses Paul (@Drmopaul), the ADC Chairmanship Candidate for the upcoming FCT elections on February 21, 2026, I had the honour of commissioning a newly established laboratory at LEKCED International School in Jikwoyi, Abuja, under the leadership of Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas. During my address to the community, I emphasised that education is the most reliable pathway to development. A nation becomes productive, competitive, and secure only when its young people are equipped with the tools that sharpen their minds and expand their opportunities. I reiterated my belief that education must be accessible, functional, and globally competitive. I assured the community that learning should never be limited by location. Whether in Jikwoyi or any other part of Nigeria, our children deserve access to the same standard of education enjoyed by students in advanced societies. To support this vision, I committed N2,000,000 to help the school procure chemicals, reagents, and other essential laboratory materials. Additionally, I pledged to assist in purchasing an internet-enabled projector to further enhance teaching and learning. These investments will ensure that the laboratory becomes not just a physical structure but a true centre of scientific discovery and practical learning. As we study educational models from around the world, we must bring home the tools and solutions that will uplift our communities and prepare our young people for the future. Investing in education is investing in human capital, which remains the most valuable asset any society can possess. A new Nigeria is possible. -PO

A Nation of an unending tragedy In the last few days, our nation has once again been thrown into mourning by a series of heartbreaking tragedies across Adamawa, Anambra, and Sokoto States. From the killing of innocent worshippers, to the deaths of 7 peaceful women protesters in Adamawa, to the continued attacks by bandits in Sokoto that have claimed the lives of seven more Nigerians, we are confronted with the painful daily reality that insecurity continues to threaten the very soul of our nation. No country aspiring to growth, stability, and prosperity can accept this level of violence as normal. I have consistently maintained that security is the foundation upon which every other aspect of national development rests. Without security, our schools cannot function, our farms cannot thrive, our businesses cannot grow, and our people cannot live with dignity. The tragic killings in Anambra show a failure to protect places of worship and innocent citizens going about their lives. The deaths of the women protesters in Adamawa reveal the deep breakdown in trust between citizens and security agencies meant to safeguard them. And the killings in Sokoto demonstrate how banditry and terrorism continue to ravage parts of the North-West despite repeated promises of action. Nigeria cannot continue like this. We need leadership that prioritises the protection of every Nigerian life, regardless of region, religion, gender, or social status, and we deserve leaders who would provide justice for innocent citizens who are facing these calamities every day. But beyond security, we must also address the deeper roots of instability, poverty, unemployment, weak institutions, and lack of opportunities. A nation where millions are left behind will always struggle with unrest. That is why I continue to emphasise the importance of investing in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. A secure nation is one where citizens are educated, healthy, economically included, and confident that justice will be served when wrongs are committed. As we mourn the lives lost, we must also renew our commitment to building a Nigeria where such tragedies become a thing of the past. A Nigeria where leaders lead with empathy, competence, and accountability. May the souls of all those we have lost rest in peace. May their families find comfort. And may we, as a nation, find the courage to demand and build a safer, secure, and more united Nigeria. A New Nigeria is Possible. -PO

Nigeria Has No Reason to Be the Poverty Capital of the World I was a guest today in Abuja at the launch of a book authored by the renowned international economist and former Chief Economic Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Magnus L. Kpakol. The book, The Living Secret: Endowment for Development in Nigeria – An Ogoni Experiment, is a courageous and remarkable work by Prof. Kpakol, highlighting his long-standing advocacy for inclusive development. In this 272-page incisive book, he proposes a reformative remedy he calls the FLO — Full Local Ownership — model, using the Ogoni Experiment as an example. At the event, I told the audience that Nigeria has no reason to be poor or to be the poverty capital of the world, considering the abundant resources God has given us—both beneath and above the earth. I reiterated that Nigeria’s sorry state can be corrected by enthroning competent leadership, which can only emerge when the criminality within the system is dismantled. I reminded the audience that dismantling this criminality and building a new Nigeria is POssible, but it must involve all of us. -PO

Helping Inmates in knowledge and skills acquisition Today, I was approached by representatives sent by inmates from correctional centres across Anambra State. They delivered a letter outlining their needs. They explained that the National Examinations Council (NECO) is working to assist the inmates by allowing them to participate in the ongoing exams, provided that the fees are paid within the agreed timeframe. Without payment, the inmates will be barred from continuing beyond Monday. Unfortunately, funding remains a major challenge. They have reached out to several institutions for support, but all have declined. I was deeply moved by their appeal. According to the figures they provided, a total of 148 inmates are registered for the exams: 50 in Awka, 36 in Onitsha, 25 in Nnewi, and 37 in Aguata. The cost per student is ₦30,050, with an additional ₦2,000 for logistics, bringing the total required to ₦4,741,400. I will write to the representatives on Monday, guaranteeing that the fees will be paid so the inmates can sit for the exams. I also assured them that I would work with friends and well-wishers to help cover the costs. Earlier in April, I had the honour of visiting California State University, Sacramento. I was inspired by the university's transformative programs, including the "Guidance Scholars Program," which supports children from foster homes, and "Project Rebound," which rehabilitates formerly incarcerated individuals and helps them reintegrate into society. Witnessing these initiatives reinforced my belief that inclusive, compassionate leadership—which values every human life and provides second chances—is essential for building a society where everyone can thrive. My concern, however, extends beyond Anambra State. Do inmates in other states have access to similar opportunities? Many who end up in correctional centres turn to crime due to a lack of education. These centres are meant to be places of reformation, and a key component of that mission is to provide opportunities for learning and skills acquisition—something that should ordinarily be the government’s responsibility. When individuals complete their terms, they must be equipped to contribute positively to themselves and to society. These young men deserve a real chance to turn their lives around and become productive members of the community. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Walking Through Our Schools with the Archbishop I was delighted to join the celebration of 140 years of Catholicism in Eastern Nigeria, a moment to reflect on our shared history and the Church’s enduring role in education. Archbishop Valerian Okeke led our visit, accompanied by the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, and the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Peter Ryan. Together, we toured Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, Queen of the Rosary College (QRC), Onitsha, and St. Charles College, Onitsha, and also inspected the ongoing development at Shanahan University. At each school, Archbishop Crottwarmly addressed and blessed the students, and their enthusiasm reminded us of the great potential in our youth. Archbishop Okeke spoke movingly about the journey of mission schools. How they thrived under the Church, declined after government takeover, and began to revive once they were returned to their original owners in Anambra State. Within one year of that decision, Anambra rose from the bottom to first place in national education rankings. Students soon excelled globally, winning competitions in Chicago, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, and Zimbabwe—proving what is possible when education is prioritised. Ambassador Ryan encouraged the students to dream boldly, highlighting Ireland’s long-standing ties with Eastern Nigeria and pledging more books for their libraries. As the visit concluded, Archbishop Crotty offered a final blessing. Days like this renew my hope. A nation that invests adequately in education will secure its future. Our young people remain our greatest resource. A new Nigeria is possible. -PO

140 Years of Catholicism in Eastern Nigeria After returning from overseas today, I travelled to Onitsha to join the Catholic faithful in celebrating 140 years of Catholicism in Eastern Nigeria. It was a profound moment of gratitude and hope as we marked this historic milestone at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity's Field. The Mass was presided over by the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Michael Crotty, and concelebrated by Francis Cardinal Arinze, along with bishops and clergy from the province. They reminded us of the legacy left by early missionaries whose sacrifices laid the foundation of the Church in this region. We honoured pioneers such as Rev. Fr. Joseph Lutz, Bishop Joseph Ignatius Shanahan, and Archbishop Charles Heerey, whose devotion planted seeds of faith that continue to flourish today. I also celebrated the contributions of the successive leaders of the Onitsha Archdiocese: Francis Cardinal Arinze, Archbishops Stephen Ezeanya and Albert Obiefuna, and the current Archbishop Valerian Okeke. Their leadership has strengthened education, healthcare, and social development in the community. As the largest provider of social services in Nigeria after the government, the Church continues to impact lives through its schools and hospitals. Being a proud product of Catholic education, I carry the values of discipline, integrity, and service with me as lifelong guiding principles. I extend my congratulations to the Archbishop, clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese. May God continue to bless their work. -PO

Distribution of Campaign Vehicles: Profound Insensitivity and Abuse of Trust. At a time when Nigerians are struggling with hunger, unemployment, and insecurity, the decision of any government to allocate limited public resources for distributing luxury vehicles like Hilux trucks and Hummer buses as part of the 2027 campaign mobilisation is not only insensitive but also represents a serious moral failure. While ordinary Nigerians are grappling with poverty and hopelessness, those in leadership positions continue to flaunt their wealth by driving brand-new Land Cruisers, Hiluxes, and Hummers, treating the suffering of the people as mere background for political theatrics. This tragic misplacement of priorities is unacceptable. Leadership, especially in these challenging times, should focus on providing food for the hungry, ensuring access to healthcare for the sick, restoring hope for millions of unemployed youth, and securing our communities. It should not be about parading luxury vehicles or campaigning for votes. It is disheartening that, at a time when children are dropping out of school because their families cannot afford tuition fees, when mothers are dying during childbirth due to a lack of basic medical supplies, and when insecurity is tearing families apart, the response from those in power is to purchase and distribute luxury vehicles rather than urgently addressing the needs of the people. This is not governance. It reflects a profound insensitivity and an abuse of public trust disguised as a political strategy. It betrays the essence of public service, which should always be about serving the people rather than staging political publicity. At times like this, we must recognise that Nigeria cannot continue on a path of wastefulness, insensitivity, and misplaced priorities. Our citizens deserve leadership grounded in empathy, prudence, and accountability. Regardless of how bleak the situation may appear today, I firmly believe that a New Nigeria is not only necessary; it is POssible. -PO

On Monday, 1st December, I joined a host of others at Lagos for the Night of Tributes held in honour of Barrister Segun Awolowo, a man whose life embodied humility, service, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to Nigeria’s progress. Listening to the stories of his kindness, integrity, and patriotism, I was reminded once again of the power of a life lived for others. Barrister Segun Awolowo was not just a public servant, he was a bridge builder whose quiet strength touched lives across our nation. In this moment of profound loss, my heart goes out to his wife, children, and the entire Awolowo family. I pray that God grants them the courage to bear this painful void and the comfort that comes from knowing he lived honourably, served faithfully, and left behind a legacy that will stand the test of time. Nigeria has lost one of its finest sons, but his memory will continue to inspire us to build a more just, compassionate, and united nation. May his soul rest in perfect peace. And may his life remind us that true leadership is found in service, humility, and unwavering dedication to our society. -PO

Celebrating Eyisi and Emenike: Models of Production Over Consumption I have always maintained that our politics must focus on moving Nigeria from consumption to production. Over the weekend, I had the privilege of celebrating two remarkable Nigerians who embody this transition in both their personal journeys and their contributions to our national economy. First is Chief Simeon Eyisi (Sims), who recently turned 75. Then Prof. Poly Emenike (Nero) marked his 70th birthday. These two gentlemen began life with very modest resources, but through discipline, vision, and an unshakeable work ethic, they moved from simply trading and consuming imported goods to establishing productive enterprises that now create value for our country. From small trading ventures, they built companies that manufacture, distribute, and support industries, employing thousands of Nigerians from every part of the nation. They demonstrate what is possible when hard work, integrity, and purposeful leadership meet opportunity. This is the Nigeria we should celebrate, men and women who build, who produce, who lift others, and who contribute to national development. Not the glorification of shortcuts, easy money, or criminality, but the celebration of enterprise, productivity, and honest success. A new Nigeria is POssible. - PO

A Pain One Carries Silently This afternoon, as I travelled from Abuja to Lagos, a group of young Nigerians approached me at the airport and said: “We have not heard or read anything from you today or yesterday, despite all the heartbreaking news dominating our front pages—from the appointment of some of the least qualified individuals as ambassadors, to our institutions being ridiculed, the First Lady hosting extravagant dinners for Senators while children are being abducted, and the countless killings across the country.” I looked at them and understood their frustration. My response came from the depth of my heart: My dear younger brothers and sisters, there is a pain one carries silently when watching a nation you love bleed daily. There is a pain that words cannot fully describe—when you see the suffering of ordinary Nigerians and compare it to the reckless insensitivity displayed by those entrusted with leadership. It is the kind of pain that makes you remember the humiliating remark from the American president who referred to Nigeria as a “now disgraced country.” Today, when you look around, you begin to understand why the world speaks of us that way. Yes, some of the names being paraded to represent us as ambassadors globally are shocking. But with a leadership that has allowed mediocrity, corruption, and impunity to rise to the top, who else did you expect them to choose? When our people are being killed, our leaders are busy hosting dinners. When children are being snatched from their schools, the political class is celebrating and dancing. When families cannot afford their next meal, those in power are welcoming defectors and exchanging gifts as though Nigeria is not burning. This is not governance. This is not leadership. And this is certainly not the Nigeria we deserve. We cannot continue normalising this level of moral decay and national indifference. A nation rises when its leaders feel the pain of its citizens—not when they insulate themselves from it. A nation progresses when compassion, competence, and accountability guide public office, not when frivolity becomes the order of the day. But I want you, the young people, to know this: do not lose hope. Do not become numb. Do not let this darkness demoralise your hearts. The New Nigeria we dream of—a just, secure, productive, and respected nation—is still possible. But it will not happen by accident. It will happen because people like you refuse to accept failure as our destiny. We will continue to speak and insist that Nigeria can and must be better. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Reflecting on the 'Coup Glitches' in Guinea-Bissau On Thursday, November 27th, I arrived in Abuja early in the morning after attending a productive meeting at the European Parliament. To my distress, I learned that our former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, was caught up in the reported coup situation in Guinea-Bissau. I immediately reached out to him, and he assured me that he was safe. I was further relieved to hear that he had returned safely to Nigeria. I listened carefully to his press briefing about the incident. Dr. @GEJonathan, who was in Guinea-Bissau as an election monitor, noted that the so-called coup appeared suspicious—especially because it was the president himself who announced the coup and shared details with the international community. What makes the situation even more striking is that the election was reportedly peaceful, with the only remaining step being the formal announcement of the results. It is safe to say that while Nigeria's own election was marred by a "technical glitch," the election in Guinea-Bissau seems to have suffered from a "coup glitch." Yet, to this day, no one has clearly explained the nature of Nigeria's glitch. ECOWAS was quick to sanction Guinea-Bissau, but what does ECOWAS do when democracy is subverted not by soldiers, but by technology? What is the punishment for countries that announce 'glitches' at critical moments during an election? Do we only condemn coups that are visible with guns and ignore those carried out through a designed technical failures? By addressing these issues constructively, we can work towards a New Nigeria and a more stable and democratic West Africa. Together, we can ensure that the will of the people prevails and that our elections reflect the true desires of our citizens. The Guinea-Bissau scenarios represent two faces of the same crisis: one where ballots are discarded by force and another where ballots are obstructed by convenient technical issues. In both cases, the people suffer, democracy is undermined, and the region sinks deeper into instability. The outcome remains the same: the citizens are denied their mandate. True democracy can only thrive when transparency and accountability prevail, and when the voice of the people is respected, not interrupted by glitches or coups. A New Nigeria is Possible. -PO

My Continued Support for Dominican College Yesterday, I visited Dominican College, Abatete, where I donated an additional ₦10 million and inspected the ongoing boys’ hostel project, which I am helping to fund. This contribution builds on my earlier ₦25 million donation when I laid the foundation in July 2025. I am always encouraged when I see such investments translating into the development of responsible future leaders for our country—young people who, without education and proper guidance, could easily be drawn into crime or insecurity. Over the years, I have also supported the institution with a female hostel, buses, computers, generators, internet connectivity, and a borehole—consistent efforts aimed at improving the learning environment for our children. During the visit, I encouraged the students to remain focused on their studies and personal growth. Our investments in education are not for show; they are deliberate efforts to secure a better future for our young people and for our nation. A new Nigeria is POssible - PO

Solidarity with Sen. Chris Ngige Yesterday, while I was overseas, I received the deeply distressing news of the attack on the convoy of my elder brother, Sen. Chris Ngige. Upon my return today, I visited him in Alor to personally sympathize with him and to thank God for preserving his life. The attack, which tragically claimed the life of an innocent woman and left a police orderly injured, is both painful and unacceptable. It is yet another reminder of the needless and avoidable bloodshed our nation continues to witness. This unfortunate incident reinforces the urgent need for more coordinated and effective security measures by government at all levels and with the active cooperation of citizens to reverse the rising tide of insecurity in our country. No Nigerian should live in fear, and no one should lose their life in such senseless circumstances. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the woman who lost her life. We must remain committed to building a Nigeria where the sanctity of human life is upheld and where every citizen can move freely and safely. -PO

Celebrating 25 Years of ActionAid in Nigeria Yesterday in Abuja, I was honoured to join ActionAid Nigeria as it marked twenty-five years of consistent service, principled advocacy, and commitment to building a fairer and more just nation. Your journey over the past two and a half decades remains a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when institutions act with integrity, place people at the centre of their mission, and remain committed to measurable impact. Yesterday’s event was a celebration of purpose, resilience, and measurable results. Since the year 2000, ActionAid Nigeria has demonstrated that when we invest in human capital, stand with the poor, protect the vulnerable, and hold leadership accountable, our society becomes stronger and our democracy more meaningful. Your interventions in social justice, human rights, poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and community development continue to exemplify the values that should guide our national development. Yet, as we reflect on the current state of our nation - marked by deep systemic challenges, rising inequality, declining productivity, insecurity, and a widening trust deficit - it becomes clear that although ActionAid Nigeria has achieved so much over the past twenty-five years, in truth, your real work has only just begun. The situation in our country today demands even greater advocacy, deeper engagement with communities, and stronger partnerships to push for the Nigeria we desire and deserve. A Nigeria where governance is people-centred, where accountability is non-negotiable, and where progress is measured not by rhetoric but by the tangible improvement in the lives of citizens. As we mark this important milestone, it is evident that the future of Nigeria depends on strengthening institutions like ActionAid, deepening transparency, and building a country where every child, regardless of birthplace, has access to education, healthcare, and opportunity. This must remain our collective mission. I congratulate ActionAid Nigeria for your steadfastness, your courage, and your commitment to nation-building. I encourage you to continue speaking truth to power, continue empowering communities, and continue reminding all of us that governance must be about service, sacrifice, and measurable outcomes. Together, we can build a Nigeria that works for all - a Nigeria where justice is not a slogan but a lived reality; where no one is left behind, and where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. Congratulations once again, and thank you. -PO