Ideas leave a trail.

To Our Fearless Super Falcons, You have carried the hopes, dreams, and pride of an entire nation with extraordinary courage and excellence throughout the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. You are more than just a football team - you are the pride of Africa and the heartbeat of Nigeria. You represent the spirit of resilience, unity, and what it truly means to never back down. As you step onto the pitch tonight in Morocco, know that you are not alone. You carry with you the dreams of millions, the strength of a people, and the indomitable Naija spirit. We stand with you - united, unwavering, and proud. Go forth and conquer, Super Falcons. Bring the trophy home! -PO

Following the SOS appeal I got last week and my subsequent visit to the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, I received a similar SOS appeal from the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Calabar on Saturday, highlighting a similar issue. Today, I was in Calabar to meet with the students, and after my interaction with them, I offered my commitment towards ensuring their education is not derailed. I made a modest donation of ₦20 million to support the Faculty’s immediate requirements of providing dental chairs to equip the studies of the students. I urge the Government to prioritise critical areas of development of education, healthcare and pulling people out of poverty. The government is to give this situation urgent attention by providing both financial and institutional support to the university leadership and assisting these students who have worked so hard to ensure this issue is resolved and their education remains uninterrupted. I thank the Vice Chancellor and her team for all the hard work they have put in to ensure that these students are not made to suffer for circumstances that are in no way their fault. At this critical time in our nation, we must stop neglecting healthcare, education and pulling people out of poverty. We must, as leaders, build a country where our students can focus on learning without a lack of basic facilities and tools. We must do better as a nation. Our children must not continue to lose their future in Nigeria. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

With a weighty heart, on behalf of the entire Obidient family, I regret to announce the untimely passing of our dear sister and comrade, Hon. Clarita Ogar, who was the Labour Party House of Representatives candidate for Yala/Ogoja in the 2023 General elections. I reached out to her family a few days ago and they informed me about the sad news. I want to again sincerely offer my condolences on behalf of my family and the Obidient family. @clarita_ogar was not just a patriot but also a fearless woman who stood for justice and a better Nigeria. May her soul rest in perfect peace, and may God give her family and all of us the fortitude to bear her sad, irreplaceable loss. God Almighty continue to bless her family and all the Obidient family always. -PO

Supporting the School That Shaped Me Today, I returned to my alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, to present a ₦50 million donation in collaboration with some fellow Old Boys. The support is aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing the learning environment. CKC helped shape the values guiding me: discipline, academic excellence, and moral grounding. Supporting this institution is a heartfelt act of gratitude. Education remains the most critical investment we can make for the future. It is the bedrock of national development, and our schools must be strengthened to produce responsible, competent citizens. I urge all alumni of CKC and other schools to look back and give back. Let us not wait for the government alone. In our own ways, we can rebuild the institutions that once built us. My appreciation goes to the management of CKC, the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, and all those working tirelessly for educational progress. May we continue to work together for the good of our children and our nation. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Thank You All From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely thank everyone for the outpouring of goodwill and birthday wishes I received worldwide. I remain deeply grateful to all who marked the day in one way or another, not to mention Nigerian youths, the Obidient family and the members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, renowned for their apostolate to the poor. As for me, while I deeply appreciate the gestures of celebration, I must once again reiterate that I do not personally celebrate birthdays. I recall vividly when I turned 50, during my time as Governor. Many institutions and individuals approached me with elaborate plans for the occasion. One institution generously offered to build a house for me in the village. When I asked for the estimated cost, they said it would be ₦120 million. I humbly requested that the funds be redirected to build classrooms in three educational institutions at Agulu, Ekwulobia and Abatete. They obliged—and the impact was far-reaching. Another group had budgeted ₦20 million for a lavish party. I graciously asked them to consider using the funds to purchase desktop computers for schools. Their eventual donation of 200 desktops was distributed to schools across the state, enhancing learning for many students. In a similar spirit of redirection, another organisation—whose intention had originally been to celebrate me—ended up donating buses, which we distributed to institutions in need, including one that went to the legendary Old Rangers Association. This has been my consistent approach over the years. On each birthday, I use the opportunity to redirect goodwill towards causes that uplift others. As I turned 64 years old yesterday, I must confess that the current state of our nation makes the idea of personal merriment even more difficult to contemplate. The scale of suffering and deprivation among our people weighs heavily on the conscience. This is why I have once again requested that all those who wish to celebrate me should instead channel their resources towards helping the poor or supporting our struggling health and educational institutions. On my part, I have chosen this day to renew my personal commitment to continue supporting the institutions of state in the best way I can, especially those that directly serve the people. Providentially, I was in Rome, at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, and my birthday coincided with this visit. I used this sacred opportunity, as I always do when I am in Nigeria, to remember you all in prayer. I especially prayed for our beloved country, Nigeria—that God may touch the hearts of our leaders, and awaken in them the realisation that public funds are meant for the public good. May we all find strength and grace to keep striving for a more just, compassionate, and equitable society. Thank you, once again. -PO

No Student Should Suffer for Leadership Failures Following my visit yesterday to the Faculty of Dental Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), I was inundated with reports concerning developments at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), where issues around the Dental students’ graduation and induction quota have sparked serious concern. While the specifics of the matter are still unfolding, I understand that the Vice Chancellor has recently assured the public that steps will be taken to resolve the crisis. I appreciate her for this promise, and I look forward to a favourable resolution. Whatever the root cause, one thing is clear: no student should suffer due to what I consider a failure of leadership. We must give our youth the necessary education, particularly in critical fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Education in these areas is far too important to be jeopardised by bureaucratic or institutional lapses. Whatever the issue, the students must remain in school and graduate appropriately without compromising standards. I feel their concern, as I faced a similar situation as the former Governor of Anambra State, when the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria shut down our medical school at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, citing the absence of a teaching hospital—a basic requirement for accreditation. Students who had already spent 3 to 4 years studying medicine were told they could only graduate as biologists or in other science courses. I had just assumed office, barely one year in, when I met the crisis, but I refused to let those innocent students become victims. I pleaded with the Council and told them that the children did not cause the issue and should not be made to suffer for it. I promised to take full responsibility and committed to building a functional teaching hospital within two years. They told me it was impossible to build such a facility in two years. But I insisted, because leaders must be solution-driven, especially when the lives and futures of our young people are at stake. In less than 18 months, I fulfilled that promise. I built and commissioned what is now known as Odumegwu-Ojukwu Teaching Hospital in Awka, saving not just the accreditation of the medical faculty but the futures of young aspiring doctors to this day. I call on the Federal Government to give this situation the urgent and decisive attention it deserves by providing both financial and institutional support to the university leadership. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar and her team must be empowered to resolve this issue immediately, to ensure that no student is made to suffer for circumstances that are in no way their fault. At this critical time in our nation, we cannot afford to continue the downward trend of neglecting education and healthcare, or of failing to lift people out of poverty, while wasting resources on areas that bring no tangible value. Our children must not continue to lose their future in Nigeria. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Earlier this week, I received a letter from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Dental Students Association, appealing for urgent intervention and support of about ₦40,000,000 to upgrade their laboratory and scale up the department’s graduation and induction quota as part of their re-accreditation process. Out of respect for the national mourning following the passing of our former President, I refrained from making any public statements during that period. Now that the mourning has officially ended, I felt it was important to act without delay. Today, I visited, because we cannot, in good conscience, continue to allow our young people to suffer due to leadership failure. As part of my unwavering commitment to advancing education and healthcare in our dear nation, I made a modest donation of ₦15,000,000 to the University of Nigeria Dental Students Association to assist in their continuous education as students of the medical and dental department of the school. I continue to question the kind of country we are building, where our leaders and public servants spend millions on luxury cars and ignore critical areas of development, health, education, and pulling people out of poverty. It is a tragedy of misplaced priorities. When we fail to prioritise education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, but invest billions in conference centres and bus parks, we betray our youth and undermine the future of our dear nation. We must invest in the future of the Nigerian youth. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday morning, after a condolence visit to the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, I tried to be in Daura, Katsina State to attend the burial of our late President Muhammadu Buhari, but all my efforts proved abortive, due to the logistical challenge beyond my control. I immediately sent a message to a member of late President Buhari’s family explaining my situation. He graciously replied that it was quite understandable, and I made a promise to come today. Today, accompanied by Senators Ireti Kingibe, Okey Ezea, and Obidient National Coordinator Dr. Tanko Yunusa, I was in Daura with Vice President Shettima, Former Vice President Atiku, Senate President Akpabio, Governor Radda of Katsina, Governor Zulum of Borno State, and many other dignitaries, to pay our last respects to the late President Muhammadu Buhari and to console his family. I recall vividly meeting with President Buhari in 2022 during my campaign. He said to me: “Peter, you seem to be everywhere and loved by the people. And I wish you the best, please, if you win, do not forget the poor.” That moment has been the thought I have had since the news of his demise. His concern for the poor should remain a reminder to us all. May the Almighty God, who has called both our late President and the Awujale of Ijebuland to eternal rest, grant them peace, and comfort their families and indeed our dear nation, as their passing is a deep loss to Nigeria. May their legacies of service and dignity never be forgotten. -PO

With a heavy heart but in reflection of a long fulfilled 91 years of purpose, I mourn the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujale of Ijebuland. Oba Adetona served our dear nation for over six decades with commitment and his legacy will forever live on. While I was away, I was also informed about the sad news of the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1 at the age of 90. Oba Owolabi Olakulehin showed unity and strength to Ibadanland and will be remembered as a man of peace. I pray that their souls rest in perfect peace and may their legacies continue to shine as a guiding light for generations. -PO

I have just received the very sad news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London. His death provides a solemn moment, not just for his family and close associates, but for our nation as a whole. President Buhari has always comported himself in a dignified manner as a leader. To his wife, children, extended family, and to all Nigerians I extend my deepest condolences. May Almighty Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful, forgive President Buhari’s shortcomings, reward his efforts in service to the nation, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. Ameen. -PO

My weekend activity of serving food at a special event has been generating interest, as expectedly, because leaders in our society have removed the service component in leadership. It's sounding strange that I was seen serving food to people. Let me be clear, that event was not about me. It was called the Jubilee of Hope, and its purpose is straightforward, to remind us all that true leadership is service, and that those who have must never forget those who do not. When I attended the Jubilee of Hope in Imo State, it was a private service event. I did not post about it, nor did I invite media coverage. Unfortunately, some third parties, completely outside of my team, shared photos and videos. As expected, the usual naysayers and paid agents went to work trying to twist something sincere into something political. But let me restate the heart of the matter, the Jubilee of Hope is designed for the rich to come down from their high places, even if just for a moment, and serve the poor, not as a show, but as a symbol of the society we must build. A society anchored on empathy, equity, and responsibility. I was not the only one who served that day. Many well-meaning and distinguished Nigerians also participated, people like Cardinal Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, former Chairman of Seplat Plc, Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, and many others, quietly and sincerely. It wasn’t about the cameras; it was about conscience. I am genuinely surprised that this simple act has become a topic of discussion. As Governor, I always served others whenever we had events. Even now, in private life, I do not have a house help. When guests visit my home, I serve them myself. I live simply, I sweep, I clean, because for me, humility is not a campaign strategy; it is a way of life. At the Jubilee of Hope, I stayed longer because many of the poor attendees requested that I serve them personally. I could not ignore them. That was the only reason. Otherwise, there was nothing special about what I did. Service is not special, it is expected. We cannot speak of building a New Nigeria while ignoring the hungry, the forgotten, and the poor. Events like this must not remain symbolic, they must become cultural. Public office holders, business leaders, and everyday citizens must unite in lifting others. Let us work together to build a country where hope is not seasonal, and dignity is not a privilege, but a right. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, along with Labour Party Senators Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye and House of Representatives members, Hon George Ozodinobi, Prof Lilian Orogbu, Uche Okonkwo and other national and state house members, as well as National Coordinator of Obidient movement Dr Yunusa Tanko and Chairman of Labour Party 2023 Gubernatorial candidates, and Candidate for Delta State Mr Ken Pela. We joined Labour Party Gubernatorial candidate for Anambra State 2025 election, Chief George Muoghalu and his deputy, Prof Ifeoma Okaro, at All Saints Cathedral field, Onitsha, to flag off his campaign for the November 2025 off-cycle gubernatorial election in Anambra State. As always, politics for me is compassion and focusing on the measurable indices of development, education, health and pulling people out of poverty. Caring for the poor. I urged all our members to ensure that our campaign is devoid of name-calling, but strictly based on issues, security of lives, and properties, ensuring better education of our children, supporting the health sector and small businesses. I remain in building the new Nigeria that is POssible. -PO

Today, the global community marks World Population Day. Properly understanding the population size and dynamics, and having an accurate population census is one of the most critical tools for national planning and development. The United Nations recommends that nations conduct population censuses at most every ten years. In Nigeria, however, the last population census was conducted in 2006, making it about 20 years now, without any clear population review. For us in Nigeria, World Population Day holds a significant message for everyone. Beyond the blessings of having a huge population, our dear nation stands at an advantage with its highly youthful and energetic population. Research shows that about 70% of Nigeria's population is youths. Nigeria also stands as the country with the largest youth population in Africa and among the top 10 countries with the largest youth population in the world. This demographic advantage offers Nigeria great potential to establish itself as an economic powerhouse, not just in Africa, but on a global scale. The question, however, remains, "Have we made the right investments in these young Nigerians to ensure that we have a productive population contributing to national development?" We have over 18 million out-of-school children roaming the streets in Nigeria. A UNICEF report states that one in every five of the world’s out-of-school children is in Nigeria. What efforts are we making to take these young minds off the streets and give them the necessary education for development? What investments have we made in education which, as we know, remains the biggest investment any nation can make for its population? As it stands now, Nigeria has an unemployment and under-employment rate of over 35% and a youth unemployment and under-employment rate of over 45% which is one of the highest globally, fueling all sorts of criminality and social vices. This stems from the overall lack of productivity that pervades every sector of the nation. The micro, small and medium enterprise sector (MSMEs), which is the engine of economic growth in any nation, has continued to die gradually in Nigeria. On a day like this, may we remind ourselves that each and every one of us has a role to play in righting the wrongs of yesteryears which have kept us down. We must now collectively commit to building a nation where our children will see hope in their future, our youths will find opportunities that match their talents and efforts and our elderly will find peace and reward for their years of labour. We must collectively enthrone the leadership that will invest in and care for our population with no one left behind. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday in Kano after visiting and condoling the Dantata, and Maitama Sule (Dan Masanin Kano) families, I joined the congregants at the Triumph Juma’at Mosque for prayers and redeem my token pledge to support the mosque renovation. Our places of worship are vital pillars in our communities to build unity, and we should endeavour to support them. I then proceeded to the Kano Farm Centre GSM Market, where a recent fire incident destroyed several shops and means of livelihood. I deeply appreciate the Governor of Kano State for personally visiting the scene and for his commitment to rebuilding the market. His show of compassion and support for the affected SMEs is very commendable. I spoke with some of the affected traders and I share in their pain. What they need now is urgent support and lasting solutions. The growth of our economy rests heavily on the strength of small and medium businesses. May we all continue to stand with one another and build a country where leadership is present, especially when the people need it most. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

I was in Kano state yesterday on a condolence visit to two great Nigeria families. From Kaduna i travelled to Kano to commiserate with the family of the late business Mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, to condole with them over his passing. His life was one of service and contribution to our country and immense gratitude to Almighty Allah . May his gentle soul rest in peace. I also visited the home of the late Alhaji Maitama Sule (Dan Masanin Kano) to sympathize with his family on the loss of their grandson, Musa Ayuba Musa (Abba). No loss is easy, especially that of a young life full of promise. I pray for strength and comfort for the entire family. May Allah (SWT) grant them Aljannatul Firdaus. -PO

Today, I continued my show of support and encouragement to critical areas of human development in our society with a visit to four educational Institutions in Kaduna state. The visit was in line with my unwavering commitment to investing in our people through education, healthcare, and human capital development. First, I visited the Muhammad Sambo Memorial Islamic Institute founded by Sheikh Yusuf Sambo Rigachukwu. I gave my support to the school and assured them that I will always be available and committed to supporting their efforts, now and in the future. I then visited the Madarasatul Hidayyatul Auladi Muslimima Almajiri School in Kawo, where I have previously visited about 5 times to assist the school’s developmental projects and studies. I gave an additional donation of ₦5 million, as I have always insisted that no child deserves to be left behind, when it comes to education, and no matter their location, we can take education to them as this is the key index of pulling our people out of poverty. After that, I proceeded to Womenhood College of Health Sciences and Technology, Kaduna, where I also donated ₦5 million, recognising the critical role the institution plays in training and empowering women in health-related fields, especially in our rural communities. Finally, I visited St. Gerald’s College of Nursing Sciences and gave ₦10 million in support to assist their efforts in building competent and compassionate nurses. While speaking to the students, I emphasised that when we invest in education and healthcare, we’re not just building schools or hospitals, we are building the future of a secure, productive, and united Nigeria. I pray we as leaders understand that leadership is not about the title you hold, but about the lives touched. That is the leadership Nigeria needs. Let us continue to build a nation where no child is left behind, regardless of region, religion, or background. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Our Engagement with General Abacha: Setting the Record Straight In consonance with my established principles of defending everything I am involved in, and in the interest of all men and women of goodwill, especially those committed to the pursuit of truth, I hereby attach the letter which documents my co-opting, along with others, into the Taskforce on the decongestion of the Ports. As I stated during my interview at the weekend and consistently maintained in the past, I had never met General Sani Abacha before that encounter. Our meeting with him was borne out of collective concern as traders and importers over the prolonged delays in clearing goods at the ports. We approached him not as political actors, but as concerned citizens seeking pragmatic solutions to a matter affecting economic activity and livelihoods. Our intention was clear: to advocate for efficiency, and to propose practical steps towards restoring normalcy in port operations for the benefit of the wider business community and, ultimately, the Nigerian economy. This clarification is offered in the interest of truth, to reaffirm that our actions were driven solely by a sense of civic duty and not political ambition. I don't expect this copious evidence to bury this Abacha case because the mischief makers have ulterior motives, but it's being placed in the public space for posterity and in line with my transparency pledge to Nigerians on any issue I am involved in. -PO

Supporting and encouraging Human Capital Development: A Visit to Philomena College of Nursing. https://t.co/OLsorL6pvX

Supporting and encouraging Human Capital Development: A Visit to Philomena College of Nursing. For Nigeria to truly develop, we must prioritise healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation - core pillars that define every progressive nation. It's in line with this commitment that I visited Philomena College of Nursing Sciences in Benin City, Edo State - an institution I have consistently supported for its vital role in strengthening our healthcare system. To aid their ongoing work in training dedicated nurses and improving healthcare delivery, I made a modest contribution of ₦15 million. Such investments are among the most effective ways to build a better future. I thank the management, staff, and students for their warm welcome and commend their dedication. A New Nigeria will emerge when we invest in our people and lift them out of poverty. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

The society we abuse today will eventually take its toll on our children, because they will only learn by our example. Everything we are experiencing in our country today is a reflection of the decay of civility and orderliness. When we choose to conduct both our public and personal lives with bad behaviour and rascality, we normalise bad behaviour, lawlessness, and criminality. I watched a heartbreaking video that showed students in Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State running for their lives as they were being shot at during their student election yesterday which left 2 students dead and several injured. The question is: Where did they learn it from? Are they cursed, or are we the political leaders who are cursed? When we have chosen to "fight, snatch it, grab it, and run with it" how can we expect our children to do it rightly and democratically when they have learned from us? This is not just disgraceful, it’s a national indictment. When we, the leaders, have chosen to fight, snatch, grab and run with it, our children have learned similar and rascality is now a normal situation. It is now up to us, the leaders, to learn how to restore civility, order, and core values in our society by ensuring that our character and behaviour reflect the change we seek in our society. We must do better, for our students, for our children, and for our country. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO