Ideas leave a trail.

The Joy and Sadness of Sports Today, after my engagements at the London Business School, I had the honour of watching the Unity Cup match between Nigeria and Jamaica at the Brentford Stadium in the UK. The match ended 2-2 and was eventually decided by a penalty shootout, with the Super Eagles emerging victorious. It was not just a game—it was a moving celebration of our unity, culture, and the indomitable spirit of Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora. Sitting among fellow Nigerians and friends of Nigeria, I witnessed once again how sports cement our unity, uplift us, and remind us of our shared hopes for a better, stronger nation. I commend the organizers for reviving this important event and for using it as a platform to showcase our heritage and the incredible talent of our young people. Congratulations, our Super Eagles, for making us proud. However, our celebration was cut short just at the train station going by the heartbreaking news of the ugly incident involving 22 members of the Kano sports delegation returning from the just concluded national sports festival in Ogun state who were feared dead in a tragic road accident. As we continue to support initiatives that promote unity and national pride, let us also spare a moment to reflect on the lives lost and the families who now mourn. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the National Sports Commission and the Kano state Government during this difficult time. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. -PO

Today, I had the privilege of speaking at the London Business School, hosted by the Africa Business Club, on the theme “From Promise to Prosperity: Charting Africa’s Development with Political Will and Vision.” During the engagement and Q&A session, I stated that Africa is not poor, but its natural wealth is just being poorly managed. Africa is a continent blessed with everything you can think of. We have about 30% of the world's known mineral reserves and over 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land. 60% of global solar energy potential is in Africa, yet we are still talking about energy poverty. We have the youngest population on earth, over 60% of our 1.4 billion people are young and productive. By 2050, 40% of the world’s youth will be African. That’s potential waiting to be unlocked. But the reality is different. Despite all this, we are still home to extreme poverty, insecurity, and rising unemployment. Our problem is simple, failure of leadership. While Asia now contributes over 35% of global GDP, Africa contributes less than 3%. This is largely because Asian leadership focuses on education, healthcare, production and poverty reduction, whereas in Africa, the opposite tends to be the case. We must invest in education, health, productivity and poverty reduction. We must feed our people. We must secure our lands and lives. We must cut wasteful spending and invest in our people. Africa doesn’t lack potential. What we lack is purposeful, accountable, and competent leadership. To move from promise to prosperity, Africa must prioritize competence, character, capacity, compassion, and integrity in leadership. A new Nigeria and Africa are POssible. -PO

Flooding in Niger State: A Tragic Reminder of Our Shared Humanity I received with deep sadness the tragic news of the devastating flooding in the Mokwa Community of Niger State, which has claimed over 100 lives and submerged more than 3,000 homes. This is a heartbreaking and deeply distressing development for our nation. The scale of destruction is unimaginable - entire families have been displaced, livelihoods destroyed, and whole communities thrown into mourning. My heart goes out, with deep compassion, to all the victims, their families, and the entire Mokwa community. At a time like this, we are reminded of the importance of empathy, solidarity, and swift action to support one another through grief and loss. I commend the Niger State Government for and the tireless efforts of emergency workers engaged in rescue and relief operations. At the same time, I urge the Federal Government, and other humanitarian organisations, to intensify their interventions by ensuring the timely provision of essential relief - shelter, food, clean water, and medical care - to all those affected. This tragic disaster is yet another urgent call for Nigeria to reassess and significantly strengthen our disaster preparedness systems. We must invest in sustainable and proactive solutions that protect lives and property, particularly in vulnerable riverine communities, as the rainy season continues. I extend my deepest condolences to the government and people of Niger State, and to every family that has lost a loved one. May God Almighty console them, forgive the sins of the departed, and grant them eternal rest. -PO

Your Excellency, and My Dear Brother, On behalf of my family, and the Obidient family, I wish to most sincerely congratulate you on your 60th birthday anniversary. May God Almighty who has been with you all these years grant you many more healthy, fruitful, and happy years, and continue to bless you, and your family always. -PO

The news of the continued senseless killings that have gripped parts of Taraba, Benue, and Kogi States in recent times is heartbreaking. What we are witnessing is not merely violence. It is a failure of leadership and a gaping wound in the soul of our nation. In recent months, a wave of violence has devastated communities across Taraba, Benue, and Kogi, claiming countless lives and wiping out families. Among the victims are children, women, and even men of faith, casualties of a prolonged crisis that shows no sign of abating. The bloodshed is staggering, yet the response remains weak and muted. As homes are destroyed and communities torn apart, we risk normalizing the unacceptable: mass killings, displacement, and the collapse of law and order. These are not mere statistics, they are our fellow Nigerians. Each life lost is a tragedy that must not be ignored. I have always maintained that the primary duty of the National government is the protection of life and property. When this duty is repeatedly ignored when innocent citizens are butchered and nothing changes, we must ask ourselves: What kind of nation are we building? What future are we promising our children? I mourn with the good people of Taraba, Benue, and Kogi. I share their grief, and I feel their pain. But I also raise my voice because silence in the face of such horror is complicity. We need urgent action, not rhetoric. We need justice, not excuses. We as leaders must value human life and will defend it with everything we have. Nigeria can not continue like this. This is not the Nigeria we deserve. We must end this bloodshed. We must reclaim our humanity. A new Nigeria is POssible! -PO

Celebrating with our future- The Nigeria Children On this occasion of the Children's Day Celebration, I celebrate every Nigerian child - the heartbeat of our nation and the bearer of our collective hopes and dreams. Days like this offer us the opportunity to appreciate the immense potential of our children, who represent the hope of a brighter tomorrow in our nation if only we care for them today. They deserve a nation that prioritises their well-being, education, safety, and future. A 2023 report from UNICEF estimates that over 110 million people under the age of 18 live in Nigeria. This represents a significant portion of the country's population and demonstrates how young our nation is. Such high numbers of young people in Nigeria should challenge us, as leaders, to commit wholeheartedly to investing in the future of the children. Their future is the future of the nation. Unfortunately, the Nigerian child is faced with many existential challenges right from birth. Nigeria today is among the nations with the highest infant mortality rates in the world. A Nigerian child who survives at birth is faced with hunger and malnutrition in early childhood. A 2024 report from UNICEF indicates that around 11 million Nigerian children were experiencing severe child food poverty. It is also indicated that one in four children under the age of five are stunted, especially in rural and remote areas due to malnutrition. Our nation today is home to over 18 million out-of-school children, among the highest in the world. This is not just a statistic - it is a deep national wound. Each out-of-school child represents a dream deferred, a future endangered, and a country that is failing to uphold its most sacred responsibility. The streets have become classrooms for too many, while our actual schools remain underfunded, unsafe, or inaccessible. Education, especially at the basic level, remains the right of every Nigerian child. Denying them such rights by not investing in their education is simply denying them the beautiful future ahead of them. The primary healthcare that should cater for the basic healthcare needs of our children is practically non-existent. We cannot also ignore the threats posed by violence, kidnapping, and abuse. Insecurity has forced thousands of children to flee their homes, live in fear, or grow up in regions where dreams are stifled by conflict. Most children are forced, by these harsh realities, to abandon their dreams and survive by any means. A 2022 report from the National Bureau of Statistics found that 46.5% of children aged 5-14 were engaged in child labour. It is heartbreaking to see the future of our children jeopardised when they should be nurtured. Thus, in their journey of life, an average Nigerian child has a long stretch of difficult road, filled with many existential challenges, ahead of them. Yet, in the face of all these difficulties, many Nigerian children continue to show exceptional resilience, creativity and talent. Our duty as leaders, and indeed compatriots, is to encourage the children, inspire greatness in them and support their journey. Their dreams are valid and we must invest in their future, our future! I, therefore, reaffirm my commitment to building a nation where every Nigerian child can feel secure, grow in peace, enjoy good access to education and health and have the enabling environment to pursue their dreams and contribute productively to societal development. We must build a nation where no child is left behind and where the child of a nobody can become somebody through hard work and productivity. Happy Children's Day to all Nigerian children. I want you to know that you are not forgotten. We see your struggles, your strength, and your light. We will continue to fight for a Nigeria where you can dream freely, learn safely, and rise boldly. That is the country we must build, and we owe you nothing less. A New Nigeria that supports your future is POssible. -PO

NAFDAC and the Onitsha Head Bridge Market I recall visiting the Head Bridge Market during the initial phase of its closure, standing in support of the authorities to ensure our society is free from fake drugs and counterfeit goods. I did so with the hope that investigations would be carried out swiftly and that the market would be reopened promptly, especially to ease the suffering of small business owners already burdened by our current national economic challenges. It is, therefore, deeply unfortunate to learn that shop owners are now being asked to pay ₦700,000 to reopen their stores for structural deficiencies that are not of their own making. I have also learnt that there are additional charges based on individual violations. In cases like this, individuals concerned should be held accountable through due process, while innocent traders should not be collectively punished. A just approach would distinguish between genuine offenders and compliant business owners, ensuring that enforcement does not become a blanket measure that inflicts undue hardship on the wider market community. Already, over 7 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have collapsed in the past two years in Nigeria. Our MSMEs are at a “we can’t breathe” stage, and the very system that should be offering them oxygen to support their survival is instead suffocating them. Even if the charges are statutory, given the dire state of the economy today, they should be tempered with understanding. The emphasis should be on ensuring compliance with regulations while granting these business owners reasonable time to meet such requirements. Imposing measures that might cripple them further serves no one’s interest. What is needed is rigorous engagement with all stakeholders, with clear agreements being signed to ensure compliance without stifling livelihoods. Times are tough - many families are losing their means of sustenance and, in desperation, some are resorting to crime. We cannot afford to create another set of economic victims or push more citizens toward criminality. Surely, I continue to stand in support of the authorities to ensure our society is free from fake drugs and counterfeit goods. But I did so with the belief that investigations would be swift and the market promptly reopened to alleviate the hardship of our small-scale entrepreneurs. These shop owners have already faced prolonged closures, mounting unpaid bills, and severe economic strain. To now impose additional financial burdens on them for structural issues beyond their control is not only unjust but also counterproductive. In an economy where millions of small businesses are collapsing, the focus should be on relief and recovery, not punishment. It is time to act with compassion and common sense—drop the charges, reopen the market, and allow these entrepreneurs the opportunity to rebuild their livelihoods and contribute to the nation’s economy. -PO

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending, on invitation, the National Political Consultative Northern Group Meeting, where I spoke passionately about the North, its resilience, untapped potential, and the urgent need for inclusive development and trust. I echoed how we have underutilised our resources, especially in the North. One of our greatest physical assets in Nigeria is our underutilized land mass in the Northern region, and I firmly believe that we can generate more revenue from agriculture than we currently make from oil. I tried to cite some examples to show that it's doable; Nigeria today produces about 10% of Bangladesh’s rice production, which is about 5-6 million tonnes of rice annually. Bangladesh, with a land area of about 148,600 square kilometres, is nearly the same size as just two northern Nigerian states: Niger State, which has about 76,300 sq km and Borno State, which has about 70,800 sq km, only these 2 states have a combined 147,100 sq km and so almost equal entire Bangladesh. Despite its relatively small land size, Bangladesh, with a population of about 170 million people, is a global 3rd global rice producer of 50-60 million tonnes. Meanwhile, these two states (Niger and Borno) have a combined population of just about 10 million people (Niger with around 4 million and Borno with about 6.2 million), which means Niger and Borno have more land space for cultivation than Bangladesh, yet both states cannot produce 5% of that. And sadly, this is the same situation across the vast land of Northern Nigeria. Taraba State, with a land area of 54,400 square kilometres, has the potential to produce significant quantities of tea and coffee for the world. For comparison, Sri Lanka, which makes between $1.5 to $2 billion annually from tea exports, has a land area of just 65,610 square kilometres, which is barely larger than Taraba State. Because there are 22 million people in Sri Lanka and Taraba has just about 4 million people, Taraba has more space for agriculture and cultivation than the whole of Sri Lanka, but the land in Taraba is underutilised. The North holds immense potential to transform Nigeria through agriculture. Ukraine has become a world grain powerhouse and, despite being at war, is donating grain to help Nigeria fight hunger, when northern Nigeria, with over 720,000 sqm, is 20% larger than Ukraine’s 600,000, and we are accepting grains from Ukraine without shame. On the issue of education, it’s almost the same story. The majority of the over 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria are in the North. Just this year alone, I have travelled by road from Abuja to Kafanchan, Abuja to Kaduna, Abuja to Kano, Abuja to Nasarawa and Jos, Abuja to Dutse, and many other parts of North. In some of these places, I spent time with the children in Almajiri schools, and I can tell you, these children are eager to learn. If children can memorize the Qur’an, then in those same spaces, they can also be taught English, Mathematics, and Science. If they can’t access formal schools, then let’s take the schools to them, just like it’s already being done successfully in parts of Kaduna. We must stop seeing these children as a problem. They are our greatest human assets. With the right investment in teachers and basic educational tools, there would be transformation not just for the children, but for the entire communities. This is how we change the North. This is how we lift people out of poverty. Imagine channeling the over ₦7 trillion uncovered in the padded budget into these critical areas, of insecurity, education, healthcare, and agriculture. The impact on the safety of our communities, farms, improvement in our education, healthcare, agricultural production will be immeasurable. Our leaders must have compassion and start investing in humanity and the people.

Today, it was, as usual, a crowded weekend schedule for me but spiritually very rewarding. I was in Imo State, alongside former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and other distinguished Nigerians, at Assemblies of God Ogbor Uvuru, Mbaise District, for the dedication of Noah’s Ark Church. I pray that God helps the community through the Church to understand their role in how to contribute more for a better, just and united society. After the dedication, I journeyed to Umuahia, Abia State, to join my dear brother, His Excellency Dr Alex Otti @alexottiofr, the Governor of Abia State, in one of his second-anniversary church services at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Aguiyi-Ironsi Layout, Umuahia. I pray that the Almighty God continues to endow him with profound wisdom and unwavering strength to continue to serve the people of Abia with excellence and compassion. From Umuahia, I travelled to Lagos to honour the wedding celebration of the young Mr. and Mrs. Nwapa. May their union be richly blessed with love and peace and may God Almighty grant them the grace to contribute to the growth of our society. -PO

The recent outcry by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state that Boko Haram informants and terrorists exist among our politicians and within our armed forces is a damning indictment of the state of our nation. It is not just shocking, it is devastating. And if true, it confirms what many Nigerians have long feared: that our country is bleeding not only from external attacks but from betrayal at the highest levels. Let me say without hesitation: anyone who aids, abets, protects, or collaborates with terrorists, no matter their rank, title, or political office, is a traitor to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Such individuals have no place in our institutions and must be identified, exposed, and prosecuted without delay. We cannot win the war against terrorism while traitors sit in the corridors of power, feeding off the blood of innocent Nigerians. We cannot continue to bury our citizens while those responsible hide behind the veil of politics and impunity. This is not just a security failure, it is a moral collapse. The federal government must treat this revelation with the utmost urgency. Words are not enough. The silence and inaction that often greet such explosive disclosures only serve to embolden the enemies within. The Nigerian people demand answers. More importantly, we demand action. Governor Zulum has done what few in power dare to do: he has spoken the truth. That truth must not die in the news cycle. It must be pursued, investigated, and confronted with courage and justice. Nigeria cannot afford to be held hostage by the very people entrusted to defend her. Let us rise to it with courage, with clarity, and with a commitment to reclaim our country from the shadows. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

It's obvious that the biggest business for blackmailers now is talking about Peter Obi from every negative perspective. Even my solemn spiritual trip to Rome has been twisted into yet another blackmail campaign by merchants paid ostensibly to propagate anything negative against Obi. One such individual, whose entire life revolves around blackmail, falsely claimed that I went to Rome to have a private meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding a purported ₦225 billion debt crisis involving Fidelity Bank. These claims are not only baseless, malicious, but entirely false. Let me categorically state that I have never sought an audience with, nor met, President Tinubu since he assumed office, except about 1 minute meeting at the arena of Saint Peter’s Basilica Rome during the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV, where I was seated behind, and had to respectfully greet him, and other dignitaries present. I was previously in Rome on the 9th of May for the lying in state of Pope Francis. Immediately after the mass and exchanging pleasantries, I went straight from Vatican City to London, and then back to Nigeria. The self-proclaimed "blackmailer-in-chief" and others who thrive on spreading pain and falsehoods have also claimed that I own Fidelity Bank. For the record, I do not. Throughout my career, I have served as Chairman/Director of 3 banks/Financial institutions, of which Fidelity is one of them. Fidelity has over 500,000 shareholders, none of whom hold a majority stake. What this blackmailer seeks is to harm these hard-working Nigerians and cause them needless distress. To those peddling these falsehoods, and engaging in blackmail, I offer a simple prayer: May God grant you the virtues of gratitude and understanding to know that we came here with nothing and will go with nothing, that they cannot profit from their evil ways. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Nigeria remains a relentless scene of corruption. I have consistently maintained that for this country to make progress, Nigeria must cease to function as a crime scene and be repositioned for genuine development. This entrenched corruption - persistent and deeply rooted - must be nipped in the bud if there is to be any meaningful turnaround. How else can we explain the distressing revelations by BudgIT, which uncovered a staggering ₦7 trillion in questionable projects inserted into the 2025 national budget? I am convinced that this figure represents only a fraction of the actual amount misappropriated. These findings are deeply troubling and confirm my long-held position that we have turned our country into a crime scene. We must urgently and aggressively combat corruption, misappropriation, and fiscal recklessness in order to manage our resources effectively and efficiently, and invest in critical areas of development: health, education, and lifting our people out of poverty. The ₦7 trillion uncovered as fraudulently inserted into the 2025 budget is even greater than the combined allocations to the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and the Ministry of Agriculture - ministries that are fundamental to national development. To be precise: •The Ministry of Education was allocated ₦3.52 trillion, •The Ministry of Health received ₦2.48 trillion, •The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation was allocated ₦260 billion, and •The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security received ₦636.08 billion. Combined, these four ministries were allocated ₦6.896 trillion—an already inflated amount—yet still less than the ₦7 trillion dubiously inserted into the budget. That ₦7 trillion figure is even more than the ₦6.1 trillion allocated to national security—at a time when Nigeria is among the most terrorised nations in the world. This brazen impunity by our leaders is precisely why the country cannot invest adequately in education—hence the existence of nearly 20 million out-of-school children. It is the same corruption that has crippled primary healthcare, resulting in alarming levels of malnourished children. We face widespread hunger, yet our leaders neglect agricultural investment due to persistent mismanagement and lack of accountability. The same disregard affects our capacity to fund national security effectively, or to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are vital to national growth. These glaring acts of corruption reinforce my position: Nigeria has been reduced to a crime scene. We must confront this corruption, misappropriation, and fiscal recklessness with unwavering resolve. Our national resources must be transparently managed and strategically invested in key sectors—health, education, and poverty alleviation—to secure a better future for our people. We must turn this nation around. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

The security situation in Borno state is concerning and very unsettling. What is happening in the Marte area of the state is not just a local emergency; it is a national alarm bell that must not be ignored. Governor Babagana Zulum, by choosing to spend the night in a town under threat, has once again demonstrated what leadership should look like: present, proactive, and people-centred. His courage is not for commendation alone; it is a challenge to those in authority to match words with decisive action. We cannot claim to be building a secure and united Nigeria when one of our own, a sitting governor, is left pleading for federal support to prevent an entire local government from falling into the hands of terrorists. Over 300 communities stand exposed, while more than 20,000 of our fellow Nigerians are displaced yet again. These are not just numbers, they are families, children, and communities whose hopes are hanging by a thread. Governor Zulum has raised critical concerns: that insurgents are regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills; that Marte is on the verge of collapse; and that the window for action is closing. These are facts. And it is not enough to acknowledge them; we must respond with urgency and sincerity. We cannot afford to continue this culture of delayed response and distant governance. Our security forces need reinforcements. Our displaced citizens need protection, not promises. And our leaders, particularly at the federal level, must show the will to act swiftly and consistently. I have always maintained that Nigeria works best when leadership is driven by compassion, competence, and courage. Governor Zulum has shown all three. The Federal Government must now do the same. If we fail to protect Borno, we fail the idea of Nigeria itself. This is not about politics. It is about people. It is about protecting the soul of our nation. Let us act quickly, decisively, and justly. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

After attending the inauguration of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, I returned from Rome this morning energised by the Pope's message on fighting poverty. The Pontiff's homily reaffirmed my earlier conviction that eradicating poverty can only be achieved through deliberate sacrifices towards areas of critical development indexes, health, education and pulling people out of poverty. Upon my arrival in Abuja, I paid a visit to the construction site of the Anglican Hospital in Kubwa, which is a medium health facility being established by the Anglican diocese of Kubwa, after which I thanked the proprietor, Rt. Revd. Duke T. Akamisoko, for the great work he is doing and in my support of his noble initiative, I donated a sum of ₦10 million to advance his efforts. Thereafter, I visited the Anglican Comprehensive Secondary School in Kubwa, established by the same diocese. Again, education, as I have maintained,, is the most critical investment towards development. To support the great work being done by the diocese, I donated another sum of ₦10 million. Education, health and pulling people out of poverty remain the three most powerful tools for securing a better future for our children and our society. I remain committed to promoting each of them, as this is the most effective pathway to drastically developing our country. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Back from the Vatican I have just returned from the Vatican, and it was a deeply solemn and reflective visit. My participation in the inauguration ceremony was in line with my previous witnessing of inaugurations, swearing-ins, and official ceremonies across the world, this was no exception. Such occasions carry profound moral and spiritual significance. This was never a political event and should remain untouched by politics. Some moments are best reserved for quiet contemplation. After the inaugural Mass, I did not attend the Papal Audience and therefore did not have the opportunity to meet the Holy Father personally. That honour was reserved for heads of state and accredited diplomats. For those who desire such an encounter, the Papal Audience continues traditionally. What should truly command our attention, however, is the content and moral force contained in the Pope’s homily, particularly his urgent call to fight poverty and promote a spirit of brotherhood that transcends ethnic, political, and religious boundaries. The deeper meaning of the gathering lies not in ceremonial gestures, but in whether those present internalised his message and will return with the resolve to act. The fight against corruption is the essential first step toward building societies where resources are directed to what truly matters - education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure. These should be our major concern and the lasting message we carry home from the Vatican. May we, in whatever station we occupy, rise to the task of building a more just, compassionate, and prosperous nation. -PO

A Shared Journey of Faith: Kayode Fayemi and I at the Vatican Today, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and I stood once again beneath the majestic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, evoking memories of our presence here as Governors in 2013 for the inauguration of Pope Francis - a deeply significant moment for the Church and the world. Over the years, I have returned to this sacred place on several occasions, including as part of Nigeria’s official delegation to the canonisations of Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. Through my involvement with Scholas Occurrentes, the global initiative founded by Pope Francis, I have also participated in various efforts promoting education, peace, and intercultural dialogue. Today’s event was particularly special, as it marked the beginning of a new papacy. I exchanged warm greetings with President Bola Tinubu and was pleased to see the diverse gathering of world leaders and pilgrims who came in faith and unity. What stood out most was the Holy Father’s profoundly moving homily - especially his heartfelt appeal for us to journey together towards God by embracing the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten. He spoke with a clarity that pierced the heart: that the true measure of our love for God lies not in grand declarations, but in the quiet, persistent acts of compassion that uplift the vulnerable and restore dignity to the marginalised. May this clarion call to confront poverty be embraced by our leaders. For my part, I offered ernest prayers to God for our nation and also renewed my commitment to championing bold and sustained investment in the critical sectors - especially education, healthcare delivery and pulling people out of poverty - believing that a well-educated population is the foundation upon which a just, inclusive, and prosperous nation must be built. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, I joined my dear brother @OlumideAkpata, his family and friends in Benin, Edo State, for the funeral service of their beloved father, Dr. Henry Omorogieva Akpata. Dr. Akpata was a committed medical professional who invested in his community. His legacy of compassion and excellence will continue to inspire us all. May God Almighty, who called him to his glory, grant him eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss. I also extended my condolences to the family of the former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe, as they laid to rest their cherished mother, Mrs. Regina Omorose Igbe, in Benin. Her life was a testament to grace and dedication to family. May God in His infinite mercy, comfort her family and grant her eternal rest. -PO

Early this morning, I had the honour of visiting my very dear elder brother and committed patriot, Chief Dele Momodu, at his house in Lagos. This visit was in celebration of his 65th birthday and to discuss the forthcoming birthday leadership lecture titled “How to End Hunger and Poverty in Africa” to be delivered by former revered President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and former President and committed democrat Goodluck Jonathan as guest of honour. In my discussion with Chief Dele today, my position on the hunger and poverty of Africa remains that Africa should have nothing to do with hunger, but should actually be a powerhouse for the supply of food in the world. Africa is the second biggest continent in land size, with over 30 million square kilometres of land, and also has the highest population of young people, with over 1 billion young people. Africa also has the highest uncultivated arable land of any continent, with about 60% of arable land in Africa being uncultivated. To give more examples why Africa should have nothing to do with hunger or poverty, Africa’s rice production is about 26 million tonnes, while Bangladesh, with less than 0.5% of Africa’s land (148,000 square km of land), produces over 55 million tonnes of rice. Similarly, India, with about 10% of Africa’s size, produces about 5 times more rice than Africa. From these scenarios, it is evident that Africa needs to have room to increase its agricultural production, and produce more food to be able to feed it's citizens, it's factories and for export purposes. All Africa needs is to have a citizen-led governance that prioritises the welfare of its people, by investing in the critical areas of development. A new Nigeria and a new Africa are POssible. -PO

Let's not make Glitches Become a National Crisis I recently watched the heartfelt press conference delivered by the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, in which he acknowledged that technical glitches had affected the recently released JAMB results, impacting 379,997 candidates. His open admission of fault and the expression of deep remorse stand out as a rare but commendable display of accountability in our public institutions. But it raises a very concerning issue on glitches and the grave havoc it's creating in our country, even in critical institutions like JAMB. While JAMB’s swift response and willingness to own up to its shortcomings are worthy of recognition, the incident has brought to light a far more troubling reality: the persistent fragility of our institutional systems. The emotional and psychological toll on students, and even parents, some of whom have reportedly suffered severe trauma, and in heartbreaking cases, even death, serves as a reminder of what is at stake. The integrity of examination processes and the reliability of public institutions are not optional; they are foundational to any nation’s progress. Going forward, JAMB and similar critical bodies must adopt comprehensive quality assurance frameworks. This includes rigorous testing and constant auditing of technical infrastructure. Moreover, transparent communication with candidates and stakeholders, coupled with the prompt resolution of arising issues, is essential to restoring public confidence. There must be no room for further glitches - not in JAMB, not in any arm of government. The cost of repeated failure is simply too high. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

I read with deep concern the unfortunate incident involving our own Taiwo Awoniyi @taiwoawoniyi18, a resilient son of the soil, who, while giving his best on the field for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League, suffered a severe injury in the line of duty. It is both painful and telling that, even after colliding with the goalpost and sustaining what has now been revealed as a ruptured intestine, he pressed on, a testament to the Nigerian spirit: strong, unyielding, and ever-committed. Let us not take this lightly. We must appreciate and celebrate such young men who continue to lift our flag high, even at great personal risk. I call on the authorities, the football community, and indeed all of us as citizens to keep Taiwo in our thoughts and prayers. As he lies in an induced coma after emergency surgery, let us stand in solidarity with him and his family. May he recover fully and return stronger. And may we build a country where such sacrifice is not in vain, where patriotism is matched with proper care, recognition, and support. I wish him complete healing. May God Almighty bless Taiwo Awoniyi. God bless the Super Eagles. God bless Nigeria. -PO