Ideas leave a trail.

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Supporting the Future: A Visit to St. John Vianney College. In continuation of my desire to keep investing in the future of our children, yesterday Friday 4th of July, I had the honour of visiting St. John Vianney Science College, Ukwulu, to personally congratulate the students and staff on their remarkable victory at the inaugural UK-Nigeria Debate Championship. Their achievement brought pride not only to Anambra but to all of Nigeria. In recognition of their brilliance and to support their continued growth, I presented the school with a ₦10 million donation towards infrastructural development. A sound learning environment remains essential if our children are to compete globally. I encouraged the students to see their victory as a collective triumph for all young Nigerians who believe that excellence can emerge from our classrooms. I urged them to keep studying hard, reminding them that their future - and the nation’s - lies in their hands. To the staff and management, I expressed my admiration for their noble work. Their success affirms that even schools in rural areas, when properly supported, can attain global standards. It is a call for us all to continue investing in our children. I also extend deep appreciation to the school’s proprietor, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma (Fr. Ebube Muonso), for his visionary leadership and commitment to academic excellence and moral formation. His dedication has created an environment where students can thrive, not just locally, but on the global stage. The team at St. John Vianney exemplifies what Nigerian youths can achieve when given the right foundation. I am deeply inspired by their discipline, eloquence, and intellect. May their success continue to inspire many more across the country. -PO

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Yesterday in Abuja, I had the honour of joining a host of notable personalities, including ambassadors and High Commissioners from different countries for the homecoming tour of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s latest book, “Dreams Count.” This marks a continuation of the global celebration of her work. I was privileged to be present at the first global launch of Dreams Count on Sunday, March 2nd, at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London, an event that drew a crowd of over 3,000 people. And today, I joined the Abuja tour of this remarkable journey, where I listened to Chimamanda share the inspiring story behind this deeply moving book. Chimamanda remains an exemplary model for every Nigerian old and young. I was especially delighted by the powerful spoken word performances from Dike Chukwumerije and others, who showed the vast talent of literature in Nigeria. I was very impressed to watch how Chimamanda uses her platform to lift other Nigerian writers, encouraging them to soar alongside her on stage, and not just behind the scenes. Let us continue to nurture and grow our creative talents in Nigeria. The world is watching and indeed, our dreams count. -PO

Rest in Power, Peter Rufai, our Dodo Mayana. I just received the heartbreaking news of the death of one of Nigeria's patriotic football legends, Peter Rufai. Peter Rufai, is unarguably one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers, who has now passed away at the age of 61. As a passionate football fan, I can confidently say that Peter Rufai’s career was extremely legendary, so much that he earned the iconic nickname ‘Dodo Mayana’. Rufai stood tall for Nigeria, especially during our 1994 AFCON victory and the 1994 FIFA World Cup that shook the world. He gave us moments we will never forget and saves that lifted the whole nation. I pray that his family finds comfort in knowing he was loved, respected, and will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come. -PO

Who is going to listen to the cries of families whose beloved members are being killed, maimed, wounded, and internally displaced in a country not at war? Regrettably, we have now normalised the fact that our nation bleeds with everyday bloodshed. Again, the headlines today screamed of more bloodshed, with 15 people killed in Sokoto, 6 killed in Kwara, and over 600 Nigerian citizens from Niger state still missing since the flooding are now been presumed dead. How much more can we take? Yesterday it was 10 in Anambra, and before then 37 people were killed in Yobe. Who will listen to our pain? Who will hear the silent cries of a nation waking up every morning to news of bloodshed, sorrow, and loss with families scattered in IDP camps? We are living through a nightmare. We no longer have the strength to cry. We just wake up and ask, “How many people have been killed today”. Another village. Another family. Another mass grave. We are tired. We are broken. Nigerians are living in fear of steady insecurity. When will it end? We cannot survive much longer like this. May we, as a country, now take the security of life seriously? Not with words or empty condolences, but with action. Because no nation moves forward while its people live in fear of dying every day. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, the coalition members formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 Nigeria General Elections with Distinguished Senator David Mark serving as the National Chairman and H.E. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola serving as the National Secretary. Our commitment is to sacrifice and work together towards the 2027 General Elections, ensuring that Nigeria gets a competent, capable, and compassionate leadership that will prioritise the nation’s future by putting the welfare of Nigerians first. This decision was not made lightly. It comes from deep reflection on where we are as a country and what must be done to move forward. No one group can change Nigeria alone. To dismantle the structures that keep our people in poverty and insecurity, we must build bridges, not walls even when those bridges are uneasy. A New Nigeria is Possible. -PO

I am deeply saddened by the gruesome killing of 10 innocent citizens in Ogboji, Orumba South LGA of Anambra State. The murder of defenceless Nigerians by criminal elements must never be normalised. I condole with the families of the deceased and pray for the swift recovery of the injured. This act of unprovoked violence is totally unacceptable. The freedom to live, move, and assemble peacefully anywhere in Nigeria is a fundamental right that must be protected. No individual or group should be allowed to operate above the law. I call for a prompt and thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime. The authorities must act decisively. Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done, to restore public confidence and deter future violence. To all citizens, especially those living in volatile areas, I urge heightened vigilance. May the souls of the departed find eternal rest, and may God comfort their families in this time of sorrow. -PO

I have consistently maintained that our underdevelopment is due to Leadership failure. It is heartbreaking that our President, who is the leader of a country with the highest number of out of school children in the world and with the students in the capital of his own nation Abuja presently not attending schools, would travel to St. Lucia and offer scholarships to children there, while his own country’s education system is in ruins, and even currently his nation’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory, the supposed seat of governance, have public schools shut down and closed for months. This is not leadership, it is negligence at its peak. It is an act of betrayal against the Nigerian child. Nigeria has approximately 20 million children out of school, according to UNICEF, the highest number globally, with a literacy rate of under 60% far below the global average of 87%. Similarly, the life expectancy stands at a mere 54 years, out of the global average measurement of above 70 years, one of the lowest in the world. On Human Development Index (HDI), which is the most critical measure of development, Nigeria is ranked in the "Low Category" at 161 out of 193 countries measured, while St. Lucia, a Caribbean nation, has a literacy rate of over 90% which is above the global average of 87%. In life expectancy of more than 72 years, which is within the global average. On HDI which Nigeria is in the Low category, they air in the "High Category" So tell me, what sense does it make that a president of a country with such terrible and dire statistics would travel to a country with better indexes of development especially in education and still offer them scholarships funded by Nigerian taxpayers when Nigeria children are largely out of school and the teachers not yet paid for months? Mr. President, by offering St Lucia students a scholarship, shows he knows how important education is, while depriving Nigerian students of the same access to education. We must, as a nation, reject these continued normalisations of misplaced priorities and build a better nation for us and our children. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

It is alarming that we now live in a country of titles and honours without any passion for the people's plight. While the Presidency basks in the euphoria of titles, St.Lucia, our people are being killed at home. A nation where children cannot go to school because some of the teachers have not been paid for almost three years, similar to what I complained about lecturers a few weeks ago. This is not a functioning nation. When I said that the President embarking on an 8-day state visit to St. Lucia at this critical time was inappropriate and unacceptable, it was not a lack of respect for the country of St.Lucia; rather, it is about the timing and duration for a President whose nation is in turmoil. Timing is everything, and right now, at this time, Nigeria is bleeding. But the handlers of the President defended the trip, citing cultural ties and economic gains and said he would also proceed from there to the BRICS summit, and this is the reason for the 8-day trip. But at this critical time when our people die daily and our schools and hospitals are not functioning, we should focus on fixing our country. Having been in St. Lucia for the past 4 days, we have not seen any agreement being entered or signed that would contribute to Nigerias development but rather we are watching Mr. President collect a personal honour and title in St. Lucia, because they know we are a country of titles and honour and crave accolades instead of actual development. Just today, as the President received titles in St. Lucia, at least 37 people were killed in Yobe State, in a Boko Haram attack, and currently, today, protesters in Kwara state have been protesting unemployment, banditry and high insecurity in the state. Since the President left for his trip to St. Lucia, a nation 1/6th of Lagos state in size and 1% of Lagos population of 18milliom several Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity and one form of banditry to another, nothing has been done for the schools and striking teachers. Today alone several teachers are protesting in Abuja, our schoolchildren are still out of classrooms, teachers are unpaid and are currently protesting even while the president was receiving a title, families are fleeing their homes, and people are living in fear. During the period the president has travelled, 200 Nigerians have died in various crisis-related incidents across the country. Russia, a country at war, has not lost as many innocent civilians as Nigeria, which is not officially at war. Other than Katsina where Mr. President went to attend a wedding, he has never spent a night or slept in any Nigerian state other than his home in Lagos for an official tour and even have never visited some of the most troubled states like Niger State, Taraba or Plateau to spend even a single day with the people, yet he is spending eight days in a Caribbean Island. A nation in pain cannot afford a leadership in denial. At a time when blood is being spilt on our soil, when children are orphaned and communities erased overnight, with families separated at IDPs, our children are not in school, and teachers are not paid and basic hospitals are not functional, our leadership must be present. For those mentioning the upcoming BRICS summit to justify the trip, note that the summit is for the 6th and 7th, and no president or prime minister from the initials BRICS state and new members have separated their countries for the summit. In fact, China and Russia, two of its most powerful members, will not be attending. China said they have to attend other pressing issues and so mentioned scheduling conflicts and Russia supposedly because of the war which has prevented the president from travelling in recent times India Premier Minister which is yet to leave its country, will, apart from attending BRICS, be doing a 5-nation tour all within the same 8 days.

My Dear Fellow Nigerians, I respectfully invite you to join me on a space today Sunday, 29th June 2025, by 8PM WAT on X Space, for a useful and constructive conversation about the state of our nation and the urgent need to redirect our path towards progress, justice, and responsible governance. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

I wish to most sincerely send my heartfelt condolences to the esteemed Dantata family on the passing of the revered patriarch and statesman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata at the graceful age of 94. Alhaji Dantata’s legacy stretches across generations, industries, and communities. His humility, compassion and simplicity, even in vast wealth, are virtues worth emulating. He uplifted not just Nigeria’s economy but the Nigerian people through his wisdom in commerce and his philanthropy. As we mourn him today, I pray Allah (SWT) grants him Aljannatul Firdaus, and grants his family, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. I also pray that his legacy of selflessness, enterprise and humility continues to inspire Nigeria for generations to come. May his soul rest in perfect peace. -PO

No, Mr President, this is not the Time for Holidaying. Dear Nigerians, I am struggling with my senses to understand what is happening to governance in this country. What I have seen and witnessed in the last two years has left me in shock about poor governance delivery and apparent channelling of energy into politics and satisfaction of the elites, while the masses in our midst are languishing in want. In the past two years, Nigeria has lost more people to all sorts of criminality than a country that is officially at war. Without any twilight, Nigeria ranks among the most insecure places in the world. Nigerians are hungrier, and most people do not know where their next meal will come from. With such a gory picture of one’s country, you can imagine my bewilderment when I saw a news release from the Presidency announcing that President Bola Tinubu is departing Nigeria today for a visit to Saint Lucia in the Caribbean. The Presidency release merely confirmed an earlier news report since last week where the Prime Minister of the Caribbean Philip J. Pierre announced at a pre-cabinet press briefing on Monday, last week that President Bola Tinubu is expected to depart Nigeria on Saturday, June 28, 2025, for Saint Lucia for official engagements and private leisure time. According to the Prime Minister’s announcement “two of these days, June 30 and July 1, will be dedicated to an official visit, with the remainder of the trip set aside as a personal vacation. I told the person who drew my attention to the Caribbean story that it cannot be true and that the President is just coming back from a holiday in Lagos. I didn’t want to believe that anybody in the position of authority, more so the President, on whose table the buck stops in this country, with all the myriad problems in virtually all areas of governance, would contemplate a leisure trip at this time. This is a President going for leisure when he couldn’t visit Minna, Niger state where over two hundred lives were lost and over 700 persons still missing in a flood natural disaster. I wonder which type of incident will happen before a President is attracted to show physical sympathy to the distressed citizens. The other state in crisis where over two hundred lives were murdered, the President yielded to public pressure and visited Makurdi the state capital for what turned out to be a political jamboree than condolence as public holiday was declared and children made to line up to receive the President who couldn’t even reach the village, the scene of the brutal attack. In terms of land size, Makurdi is 937.4 Km², which is over 59% bigger than St Lucia, which is 617 km², and Minna is 6789 square kilometres, which is ten times bigger than St Lucia. St Lucia, with a population of 180,000, is less than half of Makurdi’s 489 839 and Minna, with 532, 000 is almost three times the population of St Lucia. I don't think the situation in this country today calls for leisure for anybody in a position of authority, more so the President, on whose desk the buck stops. This regime has repeatedly shown its insensitivity and lack of passion for the populace, going by the way it prioritises the rich and shows indifference to the poor. This very obvious indifference of the federal government to the suffering of the Nigerian poor should urgently be reversed. One had expected the President to be asking God for extra hours in a day for the challenges, but what we see is a concentration of efforts in the 2027 election and on satisfying the wealthy while the mass poor continues to multiply in number. Finally, I like to let our leaders know one thing that the God given resources of this country belong to all, not to a few. The time has come to put a stop to this drift before it consumes all and focus on pulling people out of poverty. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Still on the Demolished Ikeja Property The legal counsel to Next Foods Limited, acting on the instruction of the company’s CEO, my younger brother, Ndibe Obi, has taken the matter to court over the Ikeja property that was unlawfully demolished after a trespasser misled the court into granting an unjust possession order. I have now been informed that the same trespasser, under the cover of night, is erecting a fence within the premises in an apparent attempt to divide the land into two. The secrecy and desperation surrounding this act speak volumes. It reeks of impunity and appears to be a calculated move to further complicate the ongoing legal proceedings. Whatever the motive, this is a blatant act of trespass and a direct assault on the rule of law. Fortunately, the matter is now before the court. We trust that justice will not only be done, but be seen to be done swiftly, decisively, and in full accordance with the law. -PO

Ganduje’s Timely Challenge to Leaders I have just read a news report that the National Chairman of the ruling party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has resigned from his position with immediate effect, citing health challenges as the reason. I must commend Dr. Ganduje for prioritising his health above all else. With his health reportedly in decline, it is both wise and honourable to step aside, knowing that he may no longer be able to render the level of service required by the party, the people, and the nation. By this exemplary action, Dr. Ganduje has thrown a challenge to other leaders who, due to health-related issues, are no longer able to deliver optimally. I sincerely hope they take a cue from him. The challenges confronting our nation today require leaders who are not only competent but also physically and mentally fit, leaders with the capacity and agility to respond decisively and promptly to pressing issues. At this critical point and difficult time, we can no longer afford leadership defined by medical tourism, long holidays, or absenteeism caused by age-related ailments. These things are taking a serious toll on our development. May God Almighty grant Dr. Ganduje a peaceful and fulfilling retirement. Indeed, a new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

The most critical and immeasurable component of human development today is Education. It is a known and verifiable study that the more educated a nation is, the more developed it is. Consequently, the most important investment and Policy a nation requires is educating its people, especially children, to secure their future. Nigeria was not only a signatory Millinum Development Goals (MDG) and Sustainable Development Goals which emphatically emphasised Education as a critical development yardstick, but also has as law Universal Basic Education, which means every child should have access to quality basic education. Yet, right here in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, public primary school pupils have been out of school for over three months due to a strike. When the strike began, we all thought, “This is Abuja; it will only last for a day or two.” But here we are, three months later, our children are still at home and we are busy renovating the infrastructure. The foundation of societal development is educated citizenry, not physical infrastructure. True development is about building people. It is about educating the next generation. A nation that ignores its children's education is digging deeper into poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment. We must prioritise investment in human capital, especially in basic education, healthcare, and pulling people out of poverty. That is how nations grow. That is how we build the New Nigeria that is possible. -PO

The deaths in our country continue unabated, as one reads the heartbreaking stories that have become our daily reality. With the brutal killings of over 100 people in Zamfara, including our revered military men, Mr. President, it is time to accept the inevitable truth and act decisively. Nigeria is at war. We can no longer afford the dangerous denial. The number of lives lost in Nigeria now mirrors countries at war, and the death in our own country even happens more often than in countries at war. We cannot continue like this. It is time to prioritise the security of lives over infrastructure projects. Governance must now become about saving lives, not cutting ribbons and headlining ceremonies on front pages. Every child buried, every soldier slain, every Nigerian abducted, is a loud cry that leadership must hear. The true measure of leadership is not in the number of roads built or bridges commissioned, but in how many lives are preserved, how many families sleep in peace, and how many communities thrive without fear of bandits. This is no longer about politics, it is about the survival of Nigerians. The soul of our nation is bleeding, and only true leadership can save our dear country. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Any society where lawlessness overrides the rule of law is not destined to be a haven for investors. Recent reports showing that Nigeria’s human rights indicators have worsened merely highlight severe shortfalls in government protection for civil liberties, personal security, and basic living standards. I know what I have been going through as a person in abuse of my human rights just because I contested a Presidential election which I have legitimate rights to do. So I imagine what small business owners, regular citizens, and vulnerable communities face every day. If this level of lawlessness can happen to someone with a registered company and legitimate means, what hope does the ordinary Nigerian have? This morning, my youngest brother called me frantically, informing me that a group of people had invaded his company property in Ikeja, Lagos, and were demolishing the building. He had just come in from Port Harcourt and was denied entry to the property by security men who told him the building was being pulled down. They even informed him that this demolition had started over the weekend. As a peace-loving Nigerian, he quickly started processing to go to court immediately, not knowing what must have resulted in this, as they moved fast to destroy his home without any restraint. I rushed to Lagos from Abuja after the call this morning and headed straight to the property. On arrival, I was met by security people who tried to bar me from entering the property. I humbly pleaded with them that the property belonged to my brother’s company, and from the records, the company had owned the property for over a decade. They told me they had a court judgment, and I immediately requested it. You would not believe that the court judgment they claim was issued against an unknown person, and squatters. I went further to ask about a demolition order or permit, and there was none. How do you sue an unknown person? How does a court issue a judgment in such a farce of a case? No one was served. No name was written. Yet they showed up with excavators and began destroying a structure that had stood for over 15 years. I immediately asked the excavators for the person who had sent them, and they said they didn’t know anyone, but they were only informed to come and demolish the house. I immediately told them to tell whoever it is that I would like to speak with them, if they can call my number, which I shared with the excavators, so that I can speak with whomever gave them the order to demolish the property. I stood there from 10am to 2pm, waiting to get a call at least and nobody called or came. The contractor even said he didn’t know who sent him. Two men later came and said they would like us to go to a police station. I asked if they even had a demolition order but they had nothing. The whole situation screamed of coordinated lawlessness and impunity. Our country has become lawless. I just started reminiscing about how just over the weekend, I had a meeting when someone told me how he has investments in Ghana, Senegal, and the Benin Republic, but won’t touch Nigeria despite his market being here. I asked him why. His answer was piercing: “Nigeria is a lawless country. Until we have laws that protect people, nobody will invest in Nigeria.” I am just shocked. How did Nigeria get to this level of lawlessness? What kind of country are we trying to build when the rights of citizens, their lives, their properties, and their voices are trampled upon daily? I remain committed to a better Nigeria where lawlessness will be a thing of the past, protection of life and property, respect for human rights, care for the less privileged, and basic education for all children. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

I have consistently maintained that the more we pull people out of poverty, the more we reduce criminality, and the reverse is also true. You can not separate security from human development; they are inextricably linked. The criminality we witness in Nigeria today is not a coincidence or an accident. It is the cumulative outcome of decades of misplaced priorities, the direct consequence of poor governance, mismanagement of public resources, monumental corruption, and systemic neglect. I have consistently maintained that development is not about awarding billion-naira contracts for white elephant projects or building structures without soul or purpose. Real development means investing in the critical areas of human development that directly impact human capital: education, healthcare, and poverty eradication. A country where nearly 100 million citizens live in extreme poverty and over 140 million experience multidimensional poverty will inevitably face a serious security crisis. Interestingly, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, recently affirmed this when he rightly stated: “You cannot fight insecurity with bullets alone. You must address the root causes, poverty, unemployment, lack of education, and injustice.” This is not coming from a politician but from the nation’s top military commander. Even the boots on the ground know the battle can not be won by force alone. We must win it through human dignity, opportunity, and justice. Decades earlier, the great Mallam Aminu Kano, a man of vision and conscience, warned us: “The problem with Nigeria is that we abandon the masses and then criminalise their hunger.” His words still ring true today. A child out of school today becomes vulnerable to manipulation and extremism tomorrow. A family that goes to bed hungry becomes a breeding ground for resentment. A community without access to clean water, primary healthcare, or opportunity becomes a powder keg waiting to explode. Mother Teresa of Calcutta reminds us that "When a poor person dies of hunger, it has not happened because God did not take care of him or her. It has happened because neither you nor I wanted to give that person what he or she needed.” We can not keep reacting to crises self-inflicted by bad leadership and policy failure. It is time to disrupt this cycle. We must prioritise productive investment in critical sectors, education, health, and agriculture. These are not just economic priorities; they are national security imperatives. We can not continue with business as usual. Every naira we invest in people today is one less bullet we need to fire tomorrow. That is the real meaning of security. That is how we build a new Nigeria that is possible. -PO