Ideas leave a trail.

While I was away on a short leave over the weekend, I received numerous messages about the nation's growing debt. Some of the messages even noted that some people in authority are expressing concern that the level has become worrisome. This is something I have been shouting and consistently warning about. Let me reiterate what I have consistently maintained, Nigeria cannot continue on this reckless path of borrowing without productivity. There’s nothing wrong with borrowing, what matters is ensuring that every loan translates into real, measurable productivity. Borrowing if not directed towards the critical areas of development, health, education and pulling our people out of poverty will create economic decline and worsen the economy. Our tragedy today is that, the trillions we have borrowed cannot be traced to any meaningful impact in the critical sectors for which they were supposedly borrowed. The more we borrow, the more poverty deepens, unemployment worsens, healthcare remains in shambles, our education system is deteriorating, and more people are being thrown into poverty. Comparable nations like Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, and Bangladesh have borrowed as much as we did, and have made visible and verifiable improvements in critical areas of development. In ours, the situation is the reverse; we take loans for power, yet darkness persists; we borrow for infrastructure, yet roads remain impassable; we borrow for health, yet hospitals are without basic equipment. There is an absence of a visible, measurable impact from our borrowings. Where are these borrowings going? In recent years, we have spent over 70% of government revenue servicing debt, leaving almost nothing for investment in health, education, job creation and poverty alleviation for our people. This is why I have always insisted that borrowing should be strictly tied to productive ventures that will generate measurable economic returns, not for consumption or waste. Just days ago, Mr. President announced to the country that we have met our revenue for the year, yet he is on the news again today, attempting to borrow another $1.75 billion World Bank loan. This fiscal indiscipline must end. We must prioritise, and channel resources into productive sectors that create wealth and jobs. If we do not act with urgency, our children and youths will inherit nothing but debt and despair with no sustainable future. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Let me begin by thanking everyone who wished me well during my short time away from engagements on the doctor’s advice. I resumed my many engagements yesterday, and I started by honouring a promise to visit an SME business owned by someone I met during the course of my activities, and I was truly delighted to listen to the owner. Yesterday, I visited Maison de Helen (MDH) factory, a proudly Nigerian luxury fashion brand that has existed since 1990 under the visionary designer Helen Unuane, who learnt this talent from her mother and has now passed this visionary talent to her daughter, Elsie Unuane. MDH is more than a textile house, it is a living proof of how Nigerian creativity, heritage, and enterprise can resonate on the global stage. The use of remarkable fabrics and textiles, especially from the Akwete people of Nigeria, to produce elegant and world-class sought-after fashion pieces sustains the impact of our culture on the global stage. Studies have consistently shown that SMEs are the backbone of any economy especially for developing nations. Globally, the textile and apparel industry is valued at $1.7 trillion and employs over 300 million people. Nigeria is yet to fully tap into this. MDH provides direct and indirect employment of over 50 young Nigerians and can do more with more investment and support. In countries like Bangladesh, textiles account for over 70% of exports, which is about $50 billion; this alone is more than what Nigeria earns from oil. These are clear examples of how textiles can drive growth, create jobs, and power exports in an economy. By contrast, Nigeria’s textile industry has collapsed to a regrettable level, where it contributes little to nothing to our economy. This shows an untapped potential in our economy. Looking at the factory today and watching the dedication of the workers, especially in little details, continues to show what is possible, if we are committed to moving the country from consumption to production by supporting SMEs. We must replicate this success story across thousands of SMEs in Nigeria. Investing in SMEs will serve as an engine to lift millions out of poverty, and position Nigeria as a hub of creativity and trade in the global economy. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Nigeria Bleeds, Needs a Declaration of War on Insecurity Now “Bloody Weekend: over 100 Killed in Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Edo.” This grim headline captures the frightening reality reflected in our weekend papers. The killing of eight NSCDC officers, the abduction of a Chinese national in Edo, the kidnapping of passengers on the Benin–Iyere–Oluku road, and the slaughter of five soldiers and 58 civilians in Borno are not isolated tragedies. They are stark evidence that Nigeria is in the grip of a full-blown security emergency. My deepest condolences go to the families of our fallen heroes. Their courage reminds us that we still have men and women who are willing to risk everything for our safety. Their killers must be swiftly apprehended and brought to justice. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten. When over 100 Nigerians are killed in a single weekend, our casualty figures rival those of countries officially at war. This is no longer business as usual. It is time to declare a national war on insecurity — to mobilise every resource, every agency, every state, and to suspend all distractions while we begin the process of reclaiming our nation from lawlessness. Even foreign trips by government officials should be put on hold until the situation is brought under control. True leadership must be seen at home, personally coordinating the war against insecurity. Junketing around the world under the pretence of wooing investors, while the country bleeds, is to live in denial. Investors will not come into a war zone. No nation can prosper while its citizens live under siege. History shows that insecurity is the quickest path to national collapse — Somalia and Libya stand as painful warnings. We must act now, with urgency and courage, to prevent a total descent into anarchy and rebuild Nigeria into a safe, secure, and productive nation for all. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Prioritising Nigeria’s Security Remains Imperative I read with deep concern the lamentation of Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, who openly admitted that he knows the exact locations of bandit leaders but is incapacitated to act because he lacks control over security agencies. This starkly reflects the systemic weakness of our security architecture. What kind of country are we running where a federating unit lacks the coordination and support of the centre in the most critical role of governance – the protection of life and property? When the Chief Security Officer of a state is reduced to a mere spectator, citizens are left at the mercy of criminals. I have repeatedly called for a restructuring of our security framework to make it more responsive, decentralised, and effective. The Federal Government must, as a matter of urgency, give Governor Dauda and other governors across the federation all the support they need to secure their states and safeguard the lives of Nigerians. The safety and security of our citizens must become our highest priority. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Congratulations to our dear Super Eagles on their crucial victory against Rwanda today. Watching the game, I noted your team’s commitment that should be sustained going forward. As you prepare to face South Africa on Tuesday in another very vital World Cup qualifier, Nigerians look forward to your continuous momentum. Nigeria playing in the World Cup final as one of Africa's representatives should be sacred and Tuesday's encounter will define it. We are confident that with this strength, Nigeria can make it to the World Cup. Congratulations and good luck. -PO

Supporting Healthcare, Building Hope Yesterday, after speaking at a Tourism event in Enugu, I travelled to Good Hope Specialist Hospital, Isulo, Orumba South LGA of Anambra State, which is being acquired by the Aguata Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, and made my initial modest contribution of ₦10 million to aid the Diocese's acquisition and revitalisation of the hospital facility. Ven. Dr. Kamtochukwu Obi, who chairs the Aguata Diocesan Hospital Board, graciously took me round the massive facility, explaining the Diocese’s ambitious plans for its transformation. Healthcare remains one of the most meaningful investments we can make. Faith-based organisations have shown, time and again, that with the right support, they can deliver excellence. I commend the Diocese's vision to turn the hospital into a comprehensive health complex with a School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Technology — ensuring future generations have access to quality care and training. Together, we can build a healthier Nigeria. From Isulo, I proceeded to Owerri to honour an invitation from Barrister Nnaemeka Maduagwu for a dinner held in honour of his former boss, former Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Earlier in Enugu, I was not feeling well. I visited the hospital where the doctor gave me some medication and advised me to take a day or two days rest. In obedience to the doctor's advice, I will not be able to meet up with all my scheduled engagements within and outside the country this weekend. I sincerely apologise for any inconveniences this might cause and humbly plead for understanding. -PO

Today, I honoured the invitation as a guest speaker at the 2025 Domestic Tourism Conference in Enugu State. I had the opportunity to share my thoughts on tourism, which is very important to me. I strongly believe that tourism is one of Nigeria’s greatest untapped potentials to generate and earn sustainable foreign exchange revenue. All we need to do is secure our country and provide the right leadership commitment to tourism investment. In my speech, I gave an example of Turkey, how the country earned over $61 billion from tourism alone in 2024. To put that into perspective, that is more than Nigeria’s entire foreign exchange earnings from several of our sources combined. In the same year, over 62 million people visited Turkey, creating millions of jobs and supporting countless SMEs. By contrast, Nigeria cannot even boast of 10% of that number in tourist arrivals. Imagine if we were able to attract even a third of Turkey’s tourism numbers, that could mean over $20 billion in revenue for Nigeria from Tourism alone, alongside massive job creation for our people. Again, like I have consistently mentioned, it is time for our leaders, especially the President, to begin setting the example by taking their holidays in Nigeria. Nothing is stopping our own President from hosting holidays in places like Zamfara, Cross River, Kebbi, Yobe or Plateau. Nigeria has what it takes to be a global tourism destination. What we lack is vision, leadership, and commitment. Nigeria is beautiful and our leaders must start showcasing Nigeria’s beauty to the world. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

When Home is not Conducive to the President. From all indications, our President is not finding his home in Nigeria conducive for a long stay, and it should be concerning to us. Just yesterday, for the umpteenth time, Mr. President waved the nation goodbye again, barely 6 days after his return to Nigeria, after he spent 15 whole days for just a five-day engagement. He is now heading for about his 10th trip to France in two years, this time for his annual holiday. It does look like Mr. President is running away from Nigeria at every slight opportunity. And one would wonder why so much of his two years in office has been spent on holidays or away from the very country he was elected to preside over. Meanwhile, at least 79% of Nigerians have been reported to be facing food insecurity, that is over 180 million people facing hunger. Nigeria, just last month, was declared the worst country to give birth, and just weeks ago, the worst place to live, with the world’s worst life expectancy. We deserve a president with all hands on deck to solve these issues. Across Nigeria, last month alone while Mr. President was on one of his very many trips, over 50 people were killed in the horrifying mosque and village attack in Katsina State, with over 60 people kidnapped. This is exclusive of the many bandit attacks and kidnappings just last month. One would have expected that the president would at least visit one of these states when he arrived 6 days ago, or at least visit Niger State where just yesterday, 60 of our citizens, women and young children, died in a boat mishap with many more still missing. What would it have taken the president to take a less than 30-minute trip to Niger State from Abuja in his jet? Mr. President could have at least visited the grieving families in Niger before jetting off again. Where is the compassion for Nigerian lives, Mr. President? How many more need to die for you to preside over the country? No holiday is more important than the Nigerian lives you swore to protect. At a time when Nigerians need leadership, empathy, and presence, a President should not choose foreign holidays. True leadership is about sacrifice and the ability to improve healthcare, invest in quality education, pull millions out of poverty, and guarantee the security of every citizen. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

On this joyous occasion of Maulud Nabiyy. I warmly extend my heartfelt felicitations to our Muslim brothers and sisters and the Muslim community across Nigeria. Today, we commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), a revered figure whose teachings emphasize peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion. These values are essential in building a united and progressive nation. As we celebrate Maulud Nabiyy, let us reflect on the Prophet's virtues and strive to emulate them in our daily lives. May this occasion inspire us to promote peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and selfless service to humanity. I urge all Nigerians, regardless of their faith, to join hands in praying for the peace, security, and stability of our country. Let us work together towards a brighter future for Nigeria, where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. Wishing you a joyous and peaceful Eid al-Mawlid celebration. -PO

It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the tragic boat mishap in Borgu, Niger State, where over 30 persons were reported dead. The frequency of tragic road and waterways accidents in the country is concerning, coming after a similar incident in the same state in July. In July, the mishap claimed the lives of at least 25 people, including 10 members of the same family. This latest heart-wrenching incident in Niger state must therefore awaken in us a fierce sense of urgency. Authorities at every level must now enforce rules to save our people from such tragedies. There must be strict rules on capacity limits, vessel inspections, and now more than ever investment in solid emergency response for our waterways. More importantly, we must ensure accessible, reliable, and safe means of travel for all citizens, whether by land or water. Let the memory of those lost guide our resolve. We must forge transportation systems that value life above all. To those who lost their lives, especially the young children aboard, may their souls rest in peace. To the families and loved ones left behind, and to the Government of Niger State, I offer my deepest condolences and share in your grief. May the Almighty grant you solace in this moment of unimaginable sorrow. -PO

Here is why we can't stop talking about Insecurity. Insecurity is now at an existential level in Nigeria. It's now extremely difficult to move forward without dealing with it. It has affected our people, affected businesses and farms and displaced Nigerians from their homes. As of 2025, the UN reported that Nigeria has over 3.6 million internally displaced persons. This is huge for a country not even at war. These are men, women, and children who have been forced to flee their homes because their communities are no longer safe. The height of insecurity is costing our nation. Despite not being at war, the killing, abduction, kidnapping and banditry incidents in our country continue to be on the rise daily. Amnesty International already warned that the Nigerian government is emboldening bandits through its “stunning failure” to protect citizens, and this has worsened insecurity in just 2 years. We cannot continue to normalise these tragedies while pretending things are normal. The economic cost of insecurity is staggering. According to the Global Terrorism Index, Nigeria ranks among the 10 most terrorised nations in the world. Investors are fleeing, local businesses are collapsing, tourism has become non-existent, farmers cannot farm, traders cannot trade or transport goods, and children cannot go to school, increasing the number of the already 20 million out-of-school children in the country who cannot get an education. Now that our government boasts of excess revenues, we must prioritise investing in critical areas of development, ensuring security is at the core, so these sectors can thrive. We must act now. A secure Nigeria will not only give our people peace but also unlock the enormous productivity potential of our country. Without securing Nigeria, there can be no sustainable future. The safety of Nigerians must now come first. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Having met our revenue target for the year ahead of schedule, we should show sensitivity and compassion to the suffering masses by deploying resources to critical areas that will help to create jobs to alleviate the people's hardships. For instance, critical economic players and their associated institutions are undergoing a serious dearth of funds, and their effect is showing in areas they support, like SMEs. Some of them are even protesting as they cannot meet their banks' and staff needs. Why are retired public servants, including service men and women who have risked their lives for the nation, still protesting over unpaid gratuities and pensions? It is shameful that those who built this nation with their sweat, those who defended it with their lives, and those who have fulfilled their contractual obligations are reduced to begging for what is rightfully theirs, even after the government boasts of excess revenue. Achieving revenue targets means nothing if it does not impact the lives of the people, if those who serve and build the nation are left with unpaid entitlements in their difficult years, and those who have genuinely fulfilled their contractual obligations, most of whom are SMES with one form of debt or the other are still unpaid. Our nation must not continue to throw its citizens into debt and despair. It is time for our government to act responsibly and with integrity. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

When will Nigerians truly breathe? A timely and relevant question, as a new 5% tax on all refined fossil fuel sales, including petrol and diesel, has just been announced by the Federal Government. That is, Nigerians will pay a 5% tax when buying their everyday fuel or diesel at a time when millions can hardly even afford the cost of transportation. Mr. President just yesterday boasted that Nigeria has met its revenue target for the year. Yet instead of easing hardship, the government imposes more burden on Nigerians. Even the so-called alternative, CNG, has become unaffordable, rising from about ₦230 to ₦450, while the promised subsidies on the CNG have quietly vanished. If our revenues are truly ‘excessive’ as claimed, should they not first be used to fund education, healthcare and pulling Nigerians out of poverty? Why tax citizens who cannot even breathe anymore? This 5% fuel tax should wait until Nigerians begin to see tangible improvements in their lives from all the many promises from Mr. President. Leadership is not about giving a burden, it is about reducing suffering, it is about care and compassion. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

What does Achieving Revenue Target mean to Nigerians? The President has announced that our nation’s revenue target for the year has now been achieved by August, which could mean a stabilising economy. Congratulations Mr. President. But Mr. President, if indeed the economy stabilises as you declared, then Nigerians must feel it in their daily lives. Borrowings must stop now. Huge Contractors’ bills, which are still owed should be paid, and critical underfunded projects must now be funded. Our educational facilities and hospitals are still in terrible condition. True economic stability is not in figures announced at press conferences, but in classrooms where children learn, in well-equipped labs and access to learning tools, in hospitals, where citizens can receive quality care, equipped with adequate facilities. For the next four months, every value of our excess revenue should be deliberately channelled into the critical areas of development: health, education, and pulling people out of poverty. This must be done transparently, with verifiable and measurable outcomes. Anything less will mean that revenue growth has not translated into national growth. Nigerians deserve to see the impacts of this touted revenue growth. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Today was one of those difficult and emotional days. I began with the anniversary Mass in honour of our revered Cardinal Francis Arinze, marking his remarkable 60 years of episcopal service. Ordained a bishop at the young age of 30 in 1965, he made history as the world’s youngest Catholic bishop at the time and still the youngest Catholic bishop to be consecrated in the modern era. The Mass held at Holy Spirit Church, Onitsha, was a profound reminder of his lifetime of dedication to the Church. May God continue to bless him with strength and health, and grace as his life remains a living testimony of service to the Lord and may he continue Afterwards, I proceeded to St. Joseph Cathedral, Ekwulobia, where I attended the funeral of Very Rev. Msgr. Jerome Ndubisi Madueke, a faithful servant of God who devoted his entire life to priestly service and community building. May the Lord grant him eternal rest, and may his family have the strength, comfort, and peace to bear this irreparable loss. Thereafter, I travelled to Abuja, where I joined faithfuls at St. Joseph Mukasa Catholic Church, Gidan Mangoro, for the Requiem Mass of Lady Cecilia Anzaku, a strong and dedicated community leader and retired teacher who believed in a better Nigeria and worked vigorously for it. The entire community recognised her resilience and commitment throughout her life, especially during the previous general elections campaign, fondly calling her “Mama Door-to-Door” for her tireless efforts in mobilising and inspiring others. I pray we truly achieve the New Nigeria she sacrificed so dearly to see become a reality. May her beautiful soul rest in peace, and may the values she stood for continue to live in the hearts of all she touched. -PO

I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase. He served our nation with dedication, bringing to his office a sense of duty, discipline, and patriotism. His contributions to policing and security reforms remain commendable. Earlier this year, I had the honour of attending the public presentation of his two books, where his intellect, deep reflections on national security, and commitment to institutional strengthening were once again evident. Only a few weeks ago, I spoke with him, and in his characteristic manner, he expressed an enduring optimism that our country would rise again. That hope and faith in Nigeria defined his outlook on life and service. At this difficult time, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the Nigeria Police Force. May God grant him eternal rest, and give all who mourn him the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss. -PO

Nigeria Holds 2 Dangerous Health Records in Just One Year Sadly, our country, Nigeria, today holds two of the most dangerous health records in the world within just one year—a double tragedy, considering that health is one of the most critical measures of development. First, Nigeria now has the lowest life expectancy in the world, with an average of 54.6 years, according to the United Nations World Population Prospects 2025 Report. The report bluntly states: if you live in Nigeria, you are simply waiting to die. Second, another damning report shows that Nigeria is the worst country in the world to give birth, with one maternal death recorded every seven minutes. We continue to hear heartbreaking stories of children losing their mothers during childbirth, and families losing both mother and child. These reports are not just statistics—they reflect the daily experience of Nigerian life. Though Nigeria is not officially at war, our life expectancy is now worse than that of war-torn countries like Ukraine and South Sudan, all because of poor governance and a failing health system. These grim realities expose misplaced priorities, bad governance, and the failure to invest in one of the most vital sectors of development: the health and well-being of our citizens. We must urgently prioritise healthcare as a cornerstone of building our dear nation. A New Nigeria is Possible. -PO

Rivers LG Election: A Mockery of Democracy The conduct of the Rivers State local Government election is rascality taken too far. It represents a double tragedy for our democracy when a Sole Administrator - himself illegally appointed - dares to conduct an election that should empower the people. This is not democracy; it is the outright desecration of its very foundation. Such actions are unconstitutional, legally untenable, and morally indefensible. They send a dangerous message that the rule of law can be discarded at the whim of those in power. But the truth remains unshaken: illegality can never give birth to legitimacy. Any structure erected on a foundation of lawlessness is a danger to both the state and the people. Nigeria cannot afford to continue on this perilous path. We cannot pretend to practise democracy while silencing the will of the people - especially at the grassroots, where democracy matters most. If we truly seek progress, we must uphold the sanctity of the ballot, safeguard the people’s right to choose, and insist that leadership at every level flows from their mandate - not from contraptions that mock democracy. Only then will governance have meaning, and only then can the sacred bond of trust between leaders and the people be restored. A New Nigeria is POssible. – PO

Do Not Sell Your Vote, Do Not Sell Your Future Yesterday, I joined thousands of young people at the National Youth Rally marking the 40th Anniversary of the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON), hosted by the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka. I reminded our youths that the task of nation-building rests on their shoulders. To build a better Nigeria, we must choose leaders with competence, capacity, compassion, and character. Ours is a richly blessed nation, yet we remain trapped in hunger, insecurity, and poor governance. Becoming President is not the disaster—the true disaster is when leaders lack the courage and integrity to make Nigeria work. We cannot continue on a path where leaders trade in lies while citizens go hungry. I urge every young Nigerian, especially those just turning 18, to register and vote. Your voter’s card is your most powerful weapon against bad leadership. Do not sell your vote—for once you do, you have also sold your healthcare, your education, and your future. God has blessed Nigeria, but He will not descend to elect leaders for us. That responsibility is ours. I thank Rev. Fr. Paschal Udo, the other priests present, the leadership of CYON, and above all our resilient youths for their commitment. Nigerian youths are no longer content with complaints—they are ready for action. Together, in honesty and determination, we will build the New Nigeria. A New Nigeria is POssible. —PO

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence at ACHCOHSTEN Today, I joined the 20th Anniversary of Archbishop Charles Heerey College of Health Sciences & Technology, Nkpor, to celebrate two decades of impact in health education and nation-building. Nigeria is facing a severe shortage of health professionals – a challenge that is global but even more urgent for us. We must therefore train more competent hands to meet the rising demand at home and abroad. I urged the matriculating and graduating students to take their studies seriously, seeing themselves as potential global citizens who can make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare system and to the world. Education remains the most transformative investment, and I am always proud to meet graduates of ACHCOHSTEN excelling in the US, UK and elsewhere, who trace their journey back to my time as Governor. Over the years, I have consistently supported this great institution — from donating a coaster bus, to building a female hostel when the need arose, to making almost yearly contributions to their growth. On this anniversary, I extended further support with a ₦10 million donation because I believe in building people and institutions that will stand the test of time. I commend the management of ACHCOHSTEN for their commitment to quality training. In 20 years, they have expanded into several disciplines, producing over 700 health workers who are now practising across the globe. This is a legacy of service that deserves to be celebrated and sustained. As a nation, we must continue to invest in education, health, and people. The future of Nigeria depends not only on leaders with competence and integrity, but also on institutions that build capacity for the common good. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO