Ideas leave a trail.

65 FREE SURGERIES FOR 65 CHILDREN Yesterday, I attended the final follow-up clinic and appreciation programme at Mother Mary Hospital, Isolo, Lagos, following the successful completion of 65 free surgeries for children to mark my 65th birthday. I am deeply grateful to God Almighty for guiding the medical team throughout the process and for granting all 65 children safe and successful surgeries. The surgeries, led by Dr Folaseye Adebayo and her dedicated team, included adenotonsillectomy. This procedure removes enlarged or chronically infected tonsils and adenoids, which can cause breathing difficulties, recurrent infections, and sleep-related problems in children. What made the occasion particularly touching was listening to parents share their testimonies and hearing how these procedures have improved their children’s health and quality of life. My profound appreciation goes to @DrFolaseye Adebayo and her entire team, the hospital management, the parents, and everyone who contributed to making this initiative possible. For me, birthdays are not merely occasions for celebration. They are opportunities to give back, touch lives, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I thank God for the privilege of being part of this initiative and, most importantly, for the gift of 65 healthy and hopeful children. May God continue to bless all those who dedicate their lives to saving and improving the lives of others. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

MY VISIT TO THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS Today, I visited the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja to condole with the leadership, led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, over the painful loss of the NLC General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, Esq. The news of Comrade Emmanuel’s passing came to me as a rude shock. He was a good friend, a gentleman, and a principled advocate for the rights, dignity, and welfare of Nigerian workers. His commitment to the labour movement and his unwavering belief in the cause of workers made him a remarkable man. He lived a life of service, and his contributions to the labour movement will remain part of his enduring legacy. I am consoled by the knowledge that Comrade Emmanuel lived an exemplary life and dedicated himself to a cause greater than himself. His legacy of service, courage, and commitment will continue to inspire the younger generation. At this difficult moment, my thoughts and prayers are with his family, colleagues, friends, the entire NLC family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May God Almighty grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear this painful loss, and may He grant Comrade Emmanuel eternal rest. -PO

MY VISIT TO EDA PLAZA, JABI Yesterday, I visited Eda Plaza in Jabi, Abuja, where more than 45 traders lost their shops to the recent inferno that gutted part of the complex. I met with some of the affected traders, many of whom were still clearing the debris and trying to salvage whatever could be recovered from the ruins. I expressed my deepest sympathy to them and pledged my support, however modest, as they begin the difficult journey of rebuilding their livelihoods. For many of these traders, their shops represent years of hard work, savings, sacrifice and hope. What was lost is therefore far more than physical structures and merchandise; livelihoods have been disrupted, dreams have been set back, and families have been placed under additional hardship. My consistent position has been that government must always care for its people, particularly in moments of difficulty and vulnerability. In times like this, leadership must be measured not only by what government builds, but also by how it stands with citizens when they lose what they have painstakingly built. I pray that God Almighty grants the affected traders the strength, resources and opportunity to recover from this painful loss, and that their businesses and livelihoods will be restored. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

SENATOR KWANKWASO VISITS THE OBIDIENT HEADQUARTERS Yesterday, I had the pleasure of hosting my dear elder brother and our vice presidential candidate, His Excellency, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside the gubernatorial, senatorial, and other candidates of our great party, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), from various states across the country, at the Obidient Headquarters in Abuja. Our discussions focused primarily on strategies to expand and deepen the reach of our party and take our message of national redemption to rural communities and the hinterlands. I reassured our candidates of my continued support in their respective states and constituencies. I also reaffirmed my commitment to working with them and undertaking the necessary groundwork to secure victory for our party. My partnership with His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa @KwankwasoRM is a partnership to rescue Nigeria from the calamitous and ineffective leadership that has brought our country to its present condition. Our commitment is to commence lifting vulnerable Nigerians out of poverty, reduce the number of out-of-school children, support small and medium-sized businesses, secure our nation, unite our people, and move Nigeria from consumption to production. A New Nigeria is POssible, and Nigeria will be OK. -PO

MY VISIT TO THE CANADIAN HIGH COMMISSION Yesterday, at the invitation of the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria, I had the privilege of meeting with the Head of the commission and his team. Our discussions focused on Nigeria’s forthcoming elections and Canada’s continued support for strengthening our democratic processes. We also exchanged views on trade and investment, economic development, education, and the need for affirmative measures to increase women’s participation and representation in politics. I reiterated my conviction that a well-governed, peaceful, stable, and prosperous Nigeria is firmly in Canada’s strategic interest. A Nigeria that works for its people will not only unlock the enormous potential of our nation but also create greater opportunities for deeper partnership between Nigeria, Canada, and the wider African continent. We also discussed the urgent need to strengthen our democratic institutions, deepen citizen participation, and build a political system where every Nigerian, regardless of gender, background, or circumstance, has a meaningful opportunity to contribute to governance. I look forward to continued engagement with Canada’s diplomatic and business community as we collectively pursue partnerships that can contribute to a more prosperous, secure, and inclusive Nigeria. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

PRESIDENT TINUBU GOES ON HOLIDAY AGAIN President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again left Nigeria for another holiday, this time beginning a three-week vacation in Europe. Nigeria is in deep crisis. Nigerians can barely afford food and transportation. Insecurity is ravaging communities, and thousands of children are unable to access education because of insecurity. Just days ago, about 600 Nigerians, predominantly women, children, and the elderly, were reportedly abducted during Juma’at prayers in Niger State. Yet, at this critical moment, the President has left the country for another holiday. According to reports, government expenditure on presidential trips and related travel expenses between June 2023 and April 2026 amounted to about ₦37.64 billion, with the President spending approximately 261 days outside Nigeria. Meanwhile, only ₦36 million was reportedly released to the Federal Ministry of Health in 2025, despite a capital allocation of ₦218 billion, in a country of over 230 million people. This is the calamity befalling our country today. A government that can spend tens of billions on presidential travel while critical sectors remain starved of funds, and Nigerians are asked to endure worsening hardship, must not be allowed to continue. Leadership is about priorities. When citizens cannot feed their families, move safely, access healthcare, send their children to school, or sleep peacefully in their homes, the President should be more concerned about fixing the country than repeatedly leaving it. I look forward to a Nigeria where our President can vacation in Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Cross River State, Bauchi, Ebonyi, and many other destinations across our country. The President of Nigeria should be the chief marketer of Nigeria as a tourism destination, as other comparable countries do. Imagine the economic possibilities if our leaders, celebrities, business communities, and citizens travelled within Nigeria more frequently. Tourism creates jobs. It supports hospitality, transportation, agriculture, entertainment, crafts, and small businesses. It brings investment and foreign exchange and allows communities to benefit directly from their natural and cultural assets. We cannot continue to export our wealth and import our pleasures while our own enormous potential remains neglected. We deserve leadership that puts Nigeria first; leadership that cares and plans for a better Nigeria. That is the kind of leadership that the partnership between H.E. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and me will bring. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

A President and the Endless Question of His Past As a citizen of no other country, who has never sought foreign citizenship even when doing so became fashionable, my loyalty to Nigeria and my faith in her destiny remain unshaken. Yesterday, 30th of August, being Sunday, I fervently prayed for our nation and for those entrusted with the solemn responsibility of leadership. I found myself deeply saddened by the direction in which our country is heading. It is profoundly embarrassing that we have reached a point where a sitting President is asking a foreign court to withhold records concerning his past, particularly records relating to matters of legitimate public interest. Leadership, in my humble view, demands the courage and humility to confront one’s history — to acknowledge mistakes, provide candid explanations where questions arise, and, where necessary, apologise and seek forgiveness. True authority is strengthened, not diminished, when a leader accepts responsibility rather than seeks to shield uncomfortable aspects of the past from legitimate scrutiny. This becomes particularly important when questions concern educational credentials. Issues surrounding foundational schooling — primary and secondary — should not remain unresolved or be addressed primarily through legal proceedings. Nigerians deserve clear, credible, and verifiable explanations, especially when such had been submitted in the past. My deepest concern is the example this sets for more than 200 million Nigerians, particularly the over 30 million young people in schools. The nation’s highest office should exemplify integrity, accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership. An imperfect past is part of the human condition. What matters is the willingness to confront it with humility, honesty and deep apology, to make amends where necessary and, when circumstances so demand, to place the interests of the nation above personal ambition. When will our political class fully appreciate that individual ambitions are temporary, while the nation endures? The Presidency is an office held for a season; the moral standards established by those who occupy it can influence generations. Nigeria is greater than any one person, and the integrity of the Republic must always come before the interests of the individual. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

I am deeply saddened by the fire outbreak at Ede Plaza in Jabi Market, Abuja, beside Sandralia Hotel, in the early hours of today. My heart goes out to the traders, artisans, workers, families and business owners whose goods, investments and livelihoods may have been affected by this unfortunate incident. For many of them, what has been lost is not simply merchandise; it represents years of savings, borrowing, sacrifice, hope and the determination to build a better life. As a country, we cannot continue to lose businesses and livelihoods repeatedly to preventable disasters. Each time this happens, we gradually lose our productive capacity. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and when a trader loses a shop, we should understand that a family may lose its income, children may lose educational opportunities, workers may lose their jobs, and an entire community may suffer economic instability. The true measure of development is the extent to which government projects and investments improve and protect the lives and livelihoods of its people. As we grieve what has happened at Jabi Market, let us not wait for another market to burn before we act. Let this tragedy become a reason to strengthen our emergency-response systems, especially by ensuring that our fire service is properly equipped, adequately staffed and capable of responding swiftly to emergencies. We must protect our small businesses and ensure that Abuja, and indeed Nigeria, becomes a safer place to live, work and invest. May God comfort every person affected by this disaster, restore the livelihoods that have been lost, and grant our emergency responders the strength and wisdom required at this difficult moment. A safer and more prosperous Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Celebrating My Eldest Brother at 75 Today, 30th August 2026, I celebrate my eldest brother, Dominic Ositadimma Obi, who turns 75. I celebrate him not merely because he is my elder brother or because of his age, but because he is an exemplary human being. When I was Governor of Anambra State for eight years, he never came to my office or the Governor’s Lodge for a day seeking favours, as many might have expected. He is a planner and contractor who builds homes for people, yet not once did he ask me for a government contract. Whenever we met, he would warmly embrace me and tell me that he was fine. He would then solemnly remind me to keep doing what I promised the people and never bring a bad name to the family and my community. He would tell me that whatever difficulties he was going through, many others were worse off, and that I should do my best for society. I later came to understand that this was not peculiar to him alone. My family members had actually held a meeting and resolved that none of them would take advantage of my position as Governor. They decided that whatever good name I was building for the Obi family and Agulu must be protected. The same principle extended to my children. Today, at 75, my beloved brother remains deeply concerned about Nigeria. Whenever we speak, he is full of prayers and good wishes. He constantly reminds me that if I have the opportunity to serve Nigeria, I should do so with honesty, integrity, and the interest of the people at heart. Brother Dom, I thank God for the gift of your life and for the example you have set for our family. Your integrity, humility, contentment, and sense of responsibility are qualities worthy of celebration. May God Almighty, who has graciously been with you all these years, grant you good health, His abundant grace, and blessings. Happy 75th birthday, my dearest brother. -PO

Mourning the Loss of Emmanuel Ugboaja I have lost a friend, a committed patriot, and a passionate advocate for the interests of workers and the building of a better Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Ugboaja. I first came across Emmanuel during my time in the Labour Party, and our paths crossed on several occasions thereafter. I was struck by his deep commitment to the welfare of workers, his belief in justice and fairness, and his desire to see a Nigeria where every citizen can live and work with dignity. Emmanuel was not one to remain indifferent to the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians. He spoke with conviction and consistently demonstrated a genuine concern for the people, particularly workers whose contributions to the nation are often overlooked. His passing is a painful loss to his family, friends, colleagues, and the wider community of people who shared his ideals. Nigeria has lost a man who believed in the possibility of a better country and was willing to contribute to making that possibility a reality. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who mourn this great loss. May God grant his loved ones the strength to bear this difficult moment and grant Emmanuel Ugboaja eternal rest. May his soul rest in peace. -PO

Worrisome Abduction Story From Borgu, Niger State I am deeply disturbed by the reports of the mass abduction of Nigerians in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, following attacks on communities including Dekara and the abduction of worshippers during Juma’at prayers. Reports indicate that as many as 600 people, predominantly women, children and elderly Nigerians, may have been taken. The exact number is still being verified. Tragically, reports also indicate that about 30 people may have been killed. This is one case too many. The fact that Nigerians can be attacked in broad daylight, in their place of worship, abducted in such numbers and taken into the forests should shake the conscience of every Nigerian and compel urgent action from government. Our people are being left vulnerable while the political class appears increasingly consumed by the next election. Elections will come and go, but the lives of Nigerians cannot be recovered once lost. Government must treat this as an emergency: deploy overwhelming intelligence-led security operations, rescue every person in captivity, secure the affected communities and dismantle the networks and enclaves enabling these terrorists to operate. The Police complain that difficult terrain and a collapsed bridge hampered the initial rescue response in Borgu, which supports my consistent plea to concentrate on repairs of existing infrastructure. I stand with the Niger State Government, the good people of Niger State and the families of those abducted and killed. We must bring our people home and restore the confidence that government exists to protect them. A New Nigeria is POssible, and Nigeria will be OK. -PO

Farewell to a Courageous Journalist: Dotun Oladipo I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Mr Dotun Oladipo, a distinguished journalist, publisher of The Eagle Online, and former President of the Online Publishers Association of Nigeria, at the age of 56. Dotun was a courageous and committed professional who dedicated his life to journalism, public enlightenment, and the defence of truth and democratic values. Through his journalism and leadership, he made a lasting contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s online media and the strengthening of our democracy. His death is a painful loss to his family, the journalism profession, the media community, and Nigeria as a whole. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, friends, and the entire Nigerian media community. May God grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss and grant Dotun Oladipo eternal rest. -PO

Celebrating the Hausa Community and Its Contributions to Nigeria. As International Hausa Day, I warmly congratulate the Hausa community across Nigeria as they observe their Day in Daura, Katsina State. The Hausa people have made significant and lasting contributions to the growth and development of our nation, enriching Nigeria through their culture, traditions, enterprise, agriculture, scholarship, public service, and dedication to community. This celebration is not only a moment to honor a proud heritage but also an opportunity to reaffirm the bonds that unite us as Nigerians. Our diversity remains one of our greatest strengths, and our shared future depends on recognizing and respecting the contributions of every community. As you celebrate in Katsina, I wish you peace, prosperity, and a renewed sense of hope. May this occasion bolster our unity and inspire us to build a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of ethnicity or background, has equal opportunities to flourish. Congratulations and best wishes to the Hausa community. -PO

Dolly Parton: The Compassion That Came From Humble Beginnings. There is something deeply moving about Dolly Parton that goes beyond her extraordinary music. For those of us who admire her, perhaps the most enduring part of her story is not the fame, the records, the awards or the wealth, but the person she remained after all of them. Dolly Parton’s greatness, to me, goes far beyond her extraordinary music. It is in the person she remained despite the fame, wealth and success. She came from poverty in rural Tennessee, from a large, humble family with little materially but rich in love, faith, resilience and family values. She never seemed to forget those beginnings. Instead, she carried them into her music and her life. That is why her songs resonate so deeply. She sang about love, heartbreak, hardship, loneliness, hope and the struggles of ordinary people—not merely as a performer, but as someone who understood them. Her music gave dignity to people who were often overlooked. Her compassion seemed to flow naturally from her upbringing. Even at the height of her success, she retained a remarkable warmth, humility and generosity, particularly toward children, the poor and those in need. I admire Dolly Parton not simply because she became a great musician, but because success never made her forget where she came from. She turned her humble beginnings into music (Coat of Many Colors) that comforted millions and a life that continues to inspire. For me, that is her greatest song: the sound of a good heart that never forgot its roots. May God Almighty, who made her such a compassionate soul, grant her soul eternal rest. -PO

Nigeria Has Everything It Needs to Prosper Yesterday, I had the privilege of joining some presidential candidates and their representatives as a guest and panellist at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Our discussion focused on how to rebuild Nigeria and make it work for its resilient, hardworking, and long-suffering people. I reiterated my long-held view that the poverty and hunger Nigerians face today are largely the result of years of mismanagement and corruption by leaders entrusted with our commonwealth. With our vast human and natural resources, Nigeria has no business being associated with extreme poverty and hunger. We have no business importing food when we possess enormous agricultural potential. With the right investment, policies, and political will, agriculture can become one of Nigeria’s greatest sources of wealth. Northern Nigeria’s vast farmland, in particular, can drive major economic transformation. If countries with fewer resources have transformed their agricultural sectors, Nigeria can feed itself, create millions of jobs, and export food to the world. On fuel subsidy removal, I remain committed to the position I took in 2023: the subsidy system was riddled with corruption. My approach was to eliminate the corruption, establish the actual subsidy cost, and then carry out a carefully planned, phased removal. Savings from subsidy removal should have been transparently invested in clearly defined, measurable development priorities, especially agriculture, healthcare, education, poverty reduction, and security. I remain convinced that subsidy removal must deliver real benefits to Nigerians; citizens should not bear higher energy costs while the savings remain unaccounted for or fail to improve their lives. Nigeria must focus its investments on what matters most: food security, healthcare, education, infrastructure, human capital, national security, and unity. Nigeria has all it needs to prosper. What remains is competent, honest, and purposeful leadership that puts the common good above personal interests. A New Nigeria is POssible, and Nigeria will be OK. -PO

Celebrating With Muslim Families Dear brothers and sisters of the Muslim Ummah across Nigeria, On this blessed occasion of Maulud Nabi, I join millions of Muslims in Nigeria and around the world in celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The life of the Holy Prophet remains an invaluable example of compassion, justice, humility, honesty, and service to humanity. His teachings continue to guide us toward peace, tolerance, and the pursuit of the common good. As we commemorate this sacred day, I pray that Allah (SWT) grants us the wisdom to follow the noble path of the Prophet; a path of unity, fairness, and love for one another, regardless of tribe, religion, or region. May this Maulud bring renewed hope, peace, and progress to our nation. May Allah bless Nigeria, protect our people, and guide our leaders to serve with sincerity and justice. I wish the entire Muslim Ummah a joyful, peaceful, and spiritually uplifting Maulud Nabi. -PO

70 Hearty Cheers to His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto Happy 70th Birthday to His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto. Knowing Your Eminence for over forty years has given me a firsthand view of your remarkable wisdom, humility, and devotion to peace and national unity. I thank Almighty Allah for your life of dedicated service and pray that He continues to bless you with good health, long life, and greater wisdom to guide the faithful and contribute to the peace and progress of our nation. May the years ahead be filled with divine grace, peace, and fulfilled hopes as you continue your impactful and selfless service to humanity. Congratulations, Your Eminence. -PO

I have consistently continued to respectfully appeal to those in office today to prioritise reconstruction and maintenance of existing roads and other infrastructure over commencing new ones. I left someone in Onitsha on Saturday night to take the first bus to Lagos on Sunday morning. Until I left Lagos at 8 pm yesterday, he had not arrived in Lagos. He only arrived in Lagos at about 2 pm today. A journey that usually takes a maximum of 8 hours now takes nearly two days. This is not just about bad roads. It is about lost man-hours, stranded passengers sleeping on highways, wasted fuel, damaged vehicles, delayed goods, and businesses losing millions of naira. Nigerians do not need new projects just for the headlines. We need functional roads that make life and economic activity possible. A government must understand that infrastructure is not necessarily about the size of the project; it is about the number of lives and livelihoods it improves. A new Nigeria is POSSIBLE, and Nigeria will be OK. -PO

Nigeria Cannot Become a Killing Field What is happening to our country? In recent days, deadly attacks have struck Benue, Plateau and Niger States, three contiguous states in Nigeria’s North-Central region. In Mangu, Plateau State, at least 23 people were officially reported killed in the Jwak Maitumbi attack, while residents put the toll above 30. More than 45 houses were reportedly destroyed. In Borgu, Niger State, recent attacks reportedly killed over 40 people and abducted more than 100, though the figures remain contested. This comes amid continuing violence in Benue, where communities face repeated killings, abductions and the destruction of homes and livelihoods. Nigeria is not officially at war, yet citizens are being attacked in their villages, abducted after prayers, driven from their homes and stripped of their farms. What is happening in Benue, Plateau and Niger is similar to what is happening elsewhere in the country, with some attacks even going unreported. The violence across these states must no longer be treated as isolated incidents. It is a national security emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action. I urge governments at all levels to wake up to their responsibility and take urgent and decisive action to end this madness once and for all. Government must protect vulnerable communities, improve intelligence and rapid-response capabilities, rescue abducted Nigerians, and arrest and prosecute those responsible. We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen. Protecting lives and property is the most basic duty of government. Nigerians deserve nothing less. Nigeria must not become a killing field. -PO

Beyond Football: The Match for a Better Nigeria This weekend, Europe comes alive again with football. Millions of Nigerian youths will be glued to television screens, streaming matches, debating tactics, celebrating victories, and admiring the organisation, discipline, and excellence that make European football the envy of the world. But here is a question worth asking: Why can’t Nigerian football be just as good? The answer is not a lack of talent. Nigeria has produced world-class footballers who have excelled in Europe because they found systems that reward merit, invest in infrastructure, ensure security, and are governed with competence and accountability. Great football does not exist in isolation. It grows where there is good governance. The stadiums, academies, transport systems, healthcare, security, electricity, and institutions that support football are products of leaders who make the right choices and citizens who insist on accountability. Nigeria has the talent. What we have lacked is leadership that creates an enabling environment for that talent to flourish. As I have decided, in the next 150 days, to engage Nigerian youths wherever they gather—in town halls, campuses, online spaces, and even football communities—my message is simple: The future you admire in Europe can be built in Nigeria. But it starts with your vote. Imagine a Nigeria where our local league is competitive, our stadiums are full every weekend, our clubs attract sponsorship, our coaches receive proper training, and young footballers no longer see emigration as their only path to success. Nigeria will not emerge through wishful thinking. It will emerge when young Nigerians decide that elections matter as much as football matches. Every goal scored in Europe is a reminder that excellence is possible. Every well-managed league is proof that systems work when honest leadership is in place. The 2027 presidential election is therefore more than a political contest. It is an opportunity for Nigerian youths to choose the kind of country they want—a nation that exports talent because it is respected, not because its citizens are escaping failed governance. Cheer for Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter, AC Milan, or any club you support. Enjoy every match. But when the final whistle blows, remember that the greatest match awaiting Nigerian youths is not in Europe. It is in Nigeria. It is the match for good governance. It is the match for jobs, security, education, sports development, and national renewal. And unlike football, where only twenty-two players are on the pitch, every Nigerian youth has a place in this match. Stand up. Mobilise. Vote. Defend your vote. If Nigerian youths can passionately follow European football every weekend, they can also passionately build a Nigeria where our own football—and our nation—becomes a source of pride. The journey towards better Nigerian football begins with the path to good governance. And the path to good governance begins with the decision of Nigerian youths to stand up and be counted in 2027. Every weekend, starting today, I will come to you with a reminder of January 16, 2027, and our future. We can create world-class standards right here at home. It’s in your hands, and that new Nigeria is POssible. -PO