Ideas leave a trail.

We Are Finished! I join millions of Nigerians in wishing Her Excellency, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, a happy birthday. May God Almighty, who has been with her all these years, grant her many more healthy, fruitful, and happy years. However, I was struck by irony reading her request: that instead of cakes or newspaper adverts, well-wishers should donate toward completing the National Library in Abuja. On the surface, it is noble and selfless. But beneath it lies an indictment of our nation. I recall that, as Governor of Anambra State, I too urged that money meant for adverts be channelled into meaningful causes—computers for schools and classroom blocks. Such gestures were never meant to replace the government’s duty but to complement it. The state still bore the responsibility of providing those essentials. That is why it is shocking that, in our present circumstances, while billions are easily found for jets, yachts, unused mansions, endless trips abroad, and other frivolities, the nation must rely on birthday donations to complete its own National Library. What kind of country must beg for charity to build the very temple of knowledge? What kind of leaders waste trillions on luxury and vanity, while the National Library - our intellectual furnace - remains abandoned in the capital? Serious nations treat libraries as sacred; but here we reduce them to afterthoughts, begging bowls, or birthday tokens. Mrs Tinubu was right: education is the most enduring legacy a nation can give its people. Yet to know this truth and still prioritise vanity is both shocking and tragic. If Nigeria will rise, it will not be on the wings of jets or the splendour of mansions, but on the strength of minds formed in classrooms and nourished in libraries. Until then, the lament remains true—we are finished. -PO

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (From Allah, we came to Him, we shall return) Yesterday 20/09/25, I paid a condolence visit to the Baba-Ahmed family to commiserate with them on the death of the late elder statesman, Mal. Mouftah Baba-Ahmed. His life was one of knowledge, service and immense contribution to our dear country. We return all thanks and gratitude to the Almighty for the gift of his impactful years. May Allah (SWT) forgive Mouftah Baba- Ahmed his shortcomings, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give his family strength and comfort during this difficult time. -PO

Today, in solidarity with "Let There Be Teachers Conference 2025”, where over 60,000 teachers are expected to gather at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, the largest assembly of teachers in the world. This moment is not just about setting a Guinness World Record, but about affirming the central role of teachers in the development of human capital and building a new Nigeria. Teachers are the true nation-builders. Without them, no profession exists. The progress of our country will only be as strong as the quality of education we provide our children, and the dignity we accord those who impart knowledge. I celebrate the vision of 1Million Teachers and all partners who made this possible, especially the teachers themselves, who remain committed to shaping the minds and values of future generations despite the many challenges they face. Nigeria must invest more in education, prioritise teacher welfare, and create an environment where educators are empowered, respected, and inspired. Only then can we truly address poverty, inequality, and unemployment, while unlocking the limitless potential of our young people. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

The Seraphic Psychiatric and Old People’s Home - A Call to Humanity Today, I met my very dear brother, Evangelist Ebuka Obi, at Lagos Airport, where he informed me about the commissioning of the Seraphic Psychiatric and Elderly Home. I later had the privilege of visiting the facility at Aguleri. I thank him for this noble initiative, which reflects deep compassion and a commitment to serving humanity. The timing and establishment of this facility are most auspicious, especially in light of the recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report, which indicates that Nigeria is facing a mental health crisis, with over 20 million Nigerians living with mental health challenges caused by severe economic hardship and stress. I recall that as Governor of Anambra State, I paid attention to mental health by investing in the Nawfia Psychiatric Hospital, providing modern buildings and equipment. Some may wrongly argue that establishing psychiatric hospitals implies a state “breeds mad people.” This is a misconception. Across the world, mental health is taken with the utmost seriousness, and any society that genuinely cares for its people must invest in it. This has become even more urgent in our time, given the alarming rise in substance abuse among our youths. I have often suggested that one effective way of maximising such facilities is by organising excursions for secondary school students. Seeing firsthand the consequences of drug and substance abuse can serve as a powerful deterrent. Equally commendable is the old people’s home component of the project. In a society where the elderly are often neglected, this initiative restores dignity, care, and respect to those who once laboured for us. Looking after our elderly is not just an act of charity but a moral duty, and a true measure of our humanity. I sincerely thank Evangelist Ebuka Obi for his unwavering commitment to a better Nigeria and to serving humanity. I urge us, as a people, to pay closer attention to mental health and to the welfare of our elderly, ensuring that no one in our communities is left uncared for. A New Nigeria is Possible. -PO

I like to sincerely extend my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all the families and companies affected by the tragic fire outbreak at Afriland Tower on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State, as well as the traders at Mandilas Market and adjoining plazas along Taiwo Street, Lagos Island, whose stores were engulfed in the fire. It is deeply heartbreaking that valued lives and livelihoods were lost in this devastating incident. We stand with you in sympathy at such challenging times, praying for the repose of the souls departed and for strength and comfort for their families, colleagues, and loved ones left behind. My deepest condolences go to the Chairman and Staff of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Heirs Holdings, Afriland Properties Plc, United Capital Plc, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) who were greatly affected. My heartfelt sympathy also goes to the traders at Mandilas, Lagos Island, and its surrounding plazas, whose shops and properties were consumed by fire. I pray that the souls of all who lost their lives in this heartbreaking tragedy find eternal rest and perfect peace. May God restore the livelihoods that were destroyed, strengthen and comfort the bereaved families, and grant swift healing to the injured. -PO

The misstep that should not have happened. The restoration of democracy in Rivers State after six months of needless disruption remains a sour side of our democracy today. It was a constitutional breach that will hurt our democracy for a long time. I just hope that some lessons were learned by all the gladiators in the Rivers State impasse. Great minds remind us that "The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing" A true leader is the one who admits his/her mistakes, is smart enough to learn from them, and is strong enough to correct them. I would like to congratulate the good people of Rivers State for their endurance in the face of provocations. And to appeal to Governor Similaya Fubara, the members of the state House of Assembly and all the political leaders in the state to embrace peace and forge ahead. The real mistake is the one where we end up learning nothing. Be assured that a new Nigeria is POssible and inevitable. -PO

What Makes Democracy Die: Lessons from Nigeria Today, 17th September, I participated in an international Conference in Accra, Ghana, organised by the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Annual Democracy Dialogue with the theme “What Makes Democracy Die?” Democracy is fundamentally about accountability, prioritising service to the people, ensuring security, providing education and healthcare, and lifting people out of poverty. Democracy dies when it ceases to be accountable to the people and when it no longer prioritises their needs. Nigeria is a typical example of where democracy is dying because it no longer serves the needs of the people and is no longer accountable to them. In Nigeria, democracy has become a process of elite state capture, granting access to public resources for personal and family interests. To reverse this situation, Nigerians must take democracy and elections seriously by ensuring that only people with competence, capacity, character, compassion, and commitment to service are elected. A new Nigeria is possible. -PO

I read with deep concern that our pensioners, men and women who gave the most productive years of their lives in service to our country, have been pushed to contemplate a nationwide protest over unpaid arrears. Just last month, Mr. President announced that Nigeria had reached its revenue target. If that is true, then the moral question is simple: why are our senior citizens, who worked, served, and sacrificed, still owed their rightful pensions and gratuities? Revenue growth should first reflect in the lives of the people, especially those in difficult times. The excess revenue we celebrate today must not remain on paper. It must be directed to settle our obligations to pensioners, to restore their dignity, and to assure the working population that Nigeria values their labour and service. Anything less is unjust and unacceptable. Good Leadership and compassion are inseparable. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday the 16th of September 2025, I met with the leadership of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere under the leadership of Oba Oladipo Olaitan, who is also the leader of ethic Nigerian nationality comprising PANDEF and Middle Belt Forum. I sincerely thank them for their courage for always standing out for fearless justice and the unity of our country, and urge them not to relent. We had a useful meeting and discussed extensively about the current situation in our country, especially in the critical areas of education, health and pulling people out of poverty. I remain committed to an all-inclusive, united Nigeria where no part will be left behind. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

The Reality of Insecurity in Today's Nigeria. While news headlines are still celebrating a purported peace deal in Katsina, we were again confronted with another unfortunate reality that 55 of our fellow citizens were abducted in neighbouring Zamfara state. This contradiction speaks to a disturbing truth, that insecurity has become a normal everyday occurrence in Nigeria. We are now in a situation where abductions, killings, and violent attacks occur almost daily. This normalisation of tragedy is dangerous. Behind every number are families torn apart, dreams cut short, and futures stolen. A nation cannot grow or prosper when its citizens live in perpetual fear. It is now as though the lives of Nigerians do not matter. What is the value of the life of one Nigerian, when hundreds are kidnapped and killed daily without a national emergency on insecurity? If the lives of many are taken for granted, how then can the life of one Nigerian be valued? When a government remains silent in the face of constant bloodshed, it diminishes the dignity of every single citizen. The first duty of leadership is to protect life. Until we place the highest premium on the safety of every Nigerian, we cannot claim to be building a nation. We must urgently prioritise the protection of lives and property. Our people deserve a country where peace is not an option but the standard. Nigerians will not accept insecurity as their fate. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Let me again congratulate Hilda Baci on her extraordinary Guinness World Record for preparing the Largest Serving of Nigerian-style Jollof Rice, reaching 8,780 kilograms. This is a powerful symbol of what our people can achieve when passion, hard work and opportunity are united. It reflects the limitless potential that resides in our youth. The Nigerian youths remain very talented with skills that can break world records. If we invest in them, support them and open doors of opportunities, there is no limit to what our nation can become. May this be one among many more records to come. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Chimamanda: Celebrating a Literary Amazon Today, I gladly join the global community of letters and all people of goodwill in wishing my beloved sister, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a very happy birthday. Her life and work remind us that when nurtured with discipline and vision, talent becomes a light for the individual and all of society. Chimamanda has blossomed into a true literary giant, whose writings enrich global literature while uplifting humanity. She has used her extraordinary gift to tell our stories with dignity and raise new generations of storytellers. Through her writings and literary workshops, she continues to shape young minds, encouraging them to dream boldly, think critically, and wield words as instruments of truth and transformation. Her greatness is measured not merely by international acclaim, but also by the way she honours her roots. I was especially moved when she returned to her alma mater and reconnected with her teachers, even from her primary school days. In that simple yet profound act, she reminded us all that the journey forward is strongest when anchored in gratitude to the past—when we acknowledge those who shaped us and draw strength from the foundations that nurtured us. On this special day, I celebrate her not only as my sister but also as a beacon of inspiration to millions. May God continue to strengthen her, bless her in the years ahead with wisdom and joy, and make her light shine even brighter for Nigeria and the world. -PO

Today, I with Dr @YunusaTanko , Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour Vivour @GRVlagos and Segun Adebanjo visited President Obasanjo on a courtesy visit. Thereafter, we visited the new Olubadan of Ibadan kabiyesi Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja. In both visits, we were fortunate to discuss the state of our nation and how all of us can live in unity, love, fairness and justice progressively together. The meetings make me believe that coming together of a competent team with capacity, compassion, and commitment to build a new Nigeria that is POssible. -PO

Seventy Years of Grace On this blessed day of your 70th birthday, our beloved Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, I join the Universal Church and all people of goodwill in congratulating you, Holy Father. Your journey through the years has been a living witness to God’s grace, shaping you into a shepherd whose life speaks of faith, humility, and courage. As you continue to preside over the Church in communion with the bishops, my heartfelt prayer is that the Lord will keep guiding and guarding you, granting you strength, peace, and joy in the sacred task you carry. It is profoundly significant that your birthday falls on the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross. This sacred feast reminds us that the Cross, once a symbol of suffering, has become the sign of victory, redemption, and unshakeable hope. In the same way, your own life reflects how faith, perseverance, and fidelity to Christ can transform trials into triumphs. May the Lord strengthen you to carry the Cross with joy, enlighten your path with wisdom, and bless your years ahead with health, peace, and lasting fulfilment. Ad multos annos! -PO

Today, I was a Keynote Speaker at the 1st Lagos Business School all MBA Students conference, which also hosted visiting MBA students from Cambridge University’s Judge Business School. It was a very fulfilling day, speaking on the theme "Execution as a Competitive Edge" . Planning and strategising are critical, but they remain meaningless without effective execution. Execution is what delivers results or desired outcomes. When we speak about Execution that delivers results, it is driven by Competent and Responsible Leadership with capacity, compassion and character, to drive a disciplined and committed Execution of sound policy and strategy. Visible examples where Competent and Responsible Leadership with capacity, compassion, character and commitment demonstrated a disciplined Execution that delivered tangible results are seen in China, India, and Vietnam during the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 2000-2015, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2015-2030. Through disciplined Execution, China, India, and Vietnam substantially improved and continue to improve their Human Development Index, lifting over 430 million, 270 million, and 45 million people out of poverty, respectively. By contrast, in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria, despite being signatories to the same policies and strategies, weak leadership and inconsistent execution have prevented the achievement of similar results. Most regrettably, while the listed countries and others are lifting people out of poverty, more people are falling into poverty in Nigeria with over 130 million Nigerians presently classified as multidimensionally poor. Moreover, as it is in the public sector, so it is in the private sector, with the sustainable growth and performance of many successful firms attributed to the responsible and competent leadership of their boards and management. To deliver disciplined Execution with lasting positive impact, what is required is Competent and Responsible Leadership with capacity, compassion, and character. That is what Nigeria needs today. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

After I met with Former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja on Thursday, I attended the 3rd Annual National Summit of one of Obidient support groups (CPO), as well as the public presentation of the book titled ‘The Flame of Hope: Igniting the Soul of a Nation’ written by Emeka Patrick Ude. The gathering was not only a celebration of ideas but also a reaffirmation of our collective journey toward building a Nigeria that works for all. In my remarks, I highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive electoral reforms, which remain the bedrock of any functional democracy to drive inclusive growth, create jobs, unlock the immense potential of our young population and improve the critical areas of development, health, education and pull our people out of poverty. I also encouraged Nigerians, especially the youth, to deepen their participation in the electoral process and to hold on firmly to their belief in a new Nigeria. The journey to a better nation is never easy, but with faith, resilience, focus, and unity of purpose, we can birth a country that reflects the values of justice, equity, greatness and shared prosperity. I commend the CPO group for their consistency, resilience, and commitment to this cause, and I sincerely appreciate Emeka Patrick Ude for his literary contribution through this book, which serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for all who desire to see our nation rise again. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Today in Abuja, I met with my very dear elder brother, statesman, and leader, former President Goodluck Jonathan @GEJonathan. We had a fruitful closed-door meeting and discussed the state of our dear nation. -PO https://t.co/vDuD78kjqn

Lest we forget, If I Don't Give You Constant Electricity in The Next 4 Years, Don't Vote For Me For Second Term The impact is too glaring for Nigerians to forget the promise of Mr. President while campaigning on 22nd December 2022 that: "If I Don't Give You Constant Electricity in The Next 4 Years, Don't Vote For Me For Second Term". For a nation already stated to have more people living without electricity than anywhere in the world, there could not be any more firm comforting political promise than this. Yet APC and its current Government have presided over more national grid failures and power outages than any government in our history. There are now repeated blackouts despite billions in power investments. Over the years, billions of dollars have been spent on the power sector in Nigeria. In fact, Nigeria has spent more on power generation with little or no increase in supply, than countries like Vietnam, Egypt, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. Yet, while some of these nations have proudly doubled their electricity generation, and distribution by adding tens of thousands of megawatts to transform their economies and increase their GDP, Nigeria has barely crawled from 4,500MW to 5,000MW. With a GDP of about $200 billion, Nigeria has the capacity to significantly boost its economy if it invests properly in electricity. Generating even a bare minimum of 10,000MW could raise our GDP by about 50%, which will unlock industrial growth, and create millions of jobs. But rather than focusing on this, which will improve our economy, we are focused on coastal roads that will contribute far less to our economic growth, while factories shut down, jobs disappear, businesses collapse, and ordinary Nigerians live in darkness. Mr. President, it is time to prioritise generating and distributing more electricity to power businesses, especially NSME, which will create jobs and grow the economy. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Today, I was the Guest speaker at the investiture of Mrs Blessing Ngozi Osakwe as the 12th President of The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) in Lagos. I used the opportunity to charge the group as a body of Accountants (ICAN) to intervene and halt the waste, misappropriation, and mismanagement of scarce resources, which is continuing to increase poverty and mass unemployment in Nigeria. And I equally charged the women in particular with my experience in banking, where, as a chairman, I had one who was a risk manager that I worked with; she remained firm in her duty and always did the right thing. To ensure that the bank doesn't run into trouble. And while I was a governor, I had two female accountant generals and a female commissioner for finance who were equally firm and pointed to me procedures and documentation in the right directions. I urge you as a body to ensure that your members all over the country stand up to political office holders that this financial recklessness must be stopped especially now that we are borrowing and spending away the future of our children. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Curbing the Excesses of State Actors. At a time when our nation is grappling with serious security challenges, with everyone looking for ways to mitigate them even supporting for state policing, it is very worrisome that already state backed outfits, that were created to help with the situation and improve security, are instead worsening the plight of the already terrorised citizens and sometimes acting even worse than the criminals they were meant to confront. Rather than offering protection, they have become a new source of fear and oppression. The tragic shooting and killing of traders, especially the killing of a pregnant woman in Onitsha, is deeply troubling and highlights the urgent need for thorough scrutiny, proper reorganisation, and strict accountability of these outfits. Last time, it was a different group Udo Ga-Achi Security Outfit in Anambra, that brutally assaulted a youth corper. This time, another outfit is shooting and killing innocent citizens. The security situation in Anambra appears to be deteriorating further. The activities of this group must be thoroughly investigated, and all those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice. We must have outfits that are well-scrutinised and do not operate outside the law. Security agencies and community outfits should be carefully vetted, trained, and monitored to ensure professionalism and accountability in their activities. Without proper oversight, what is meant to safeguard lives can easily become a threat to the very people it is supposed to protect. My deepest sympathy goes to the families of the victims. May they find strength and comfort and may the departed rest in peace. -PO