Ideas leave a trail.

Today in Abuja, the nation's capital, I had the honour of joining other distinguished Nigerians that included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and many others, at the NAF Conference Centre, for the public presentation of the autobiography of the former Governor of Jigawa state/ former Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sule Lamido, titled 'Being True to Myself' It is always a moment of deep reflection and learning when elder statesmen share their stories of humble beginnings, sacrifices, leadership, and service to humanity. Documenting such experiences is not only a way of preserving history; it is a valuable tool for educating and inspiring present and future generations. May we never tire of telling our stories, honouring our history, and striving always to serve Nigeria faithfully and selflessly. -PO

After my program at Cambridge University, United Kingdom, at the weekend, I arrived Abuja early enough today to attend the commendation service at 8am of the revered elder statesman, Chief (Dr.) Edwin Clark, which was attended by several eminent Nigerians, former Governors of Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Imo States among others at the National Christian Centre, Abuja. Thereafter, I accompanied the remains of this great Nigerian and former leader of PANDEF to his first port of call in the Niger Delta—Yenagoa, Bayelsa State—where his body was received by former President Goodluck Jonathan @GEJonathan and his wife, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, leaders of the Ijaw National Congress and PANDEF, as well as several other dignitaries. Chief Clark was a leader — a moral force, a man of truth and courage, deeply committed to justice, unity, and equity. Pa Clark lived and spoke for Nigeria. He stood for what was right, regardless of tribe or religion. He spoke truth to power, often at personal risk and discomfort. As we say goodbye to this great patriot, the best way to honour his memory is not just with tributes, but with action. Let us build a Nigeria where truth is spoken, justice is upheld, and leadership is anchored in service and sacrifice. May his soul rest in peace, and may his life continue to inspire us all to do what is right for Nigeria. -PO

Yesterday, at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, I was honoured with an invitation to address African youths in the African Together Conference tagged "The Making of Africa’s Future Presidents." I was delighted to interact with these youths drawn from different African countries and passionate about making a positive difference in society. I was inspired by the energy and determination of these young leaders, and I remain committed to empowering them to shape Africa's future. Our discussion centred on the pathway to dismantling corruption and building a better future for our continent I reiterated how investing in the critical areas of human and national development, education, health, and pulling people out of poverty can drive immeasurable growth and development in any nation and continent. Drawing examples from our comparable nations: China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the continent of Asia, I showed how committed leadership can turn around any nation and continent by prioritising investments in these areas. I shared insights from my political journey, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with serving the public. I maintained that Nigeria, and indeed Africa, can work for all, if we dismantle corruption and rascality in governance, and prioritise investment in the critical areas of development. With competent, committed and compassionate leadership, Nigeria can become a beacon of hope, and Africa will rise to become a global economic powerhouse I thank the African Society, University of Cambridge, for hosting this important event, and I also appreciate the young leaders who participated with such enthusiasm and dedication. As we strive to build the New Nigeria, we all must get involved in this important process of nation-building by ensuring that only competent, capable, committed leaders with character and integrity are elected into public offices. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Again, we have been confronted with another senseless killing in the country, this time in Imo state, where about 30 people were murdered by gunmen. This marks yet another level of embarrassing barbarism in a society already battling an unprecedented level of insecurity. Violent killings, horror and fear have continued to define our daily lives in our nation. This inhuman act must be condemned by all. We cannot expect to build a responsible society of humans when we continually desecrate human life without provocation. Such a level of violence and criminality must not continue to have a place in our nation. These recurring attacks, violence and killing are a poignant reminder of our collective failure as a nation, gradually losing sense of the sanctity of life and becoming accustomed to terror. The time is now to break this ugly trend of senseless killings in our nation. The government must, at this point, rise up to its duties of protection of lives and property. Nigerians cannot continue to live in fear for their lives. Such a level of insecurity is not only inimical to human development but also hinders economic growth and development. I urge the government to investigate, arrest and bring the perpetrators of this mayhem to book. I extend my sincere condolences to all the families who lost their loved ones in this very tragic occurrence. May God grant them eternal rest. -PO

A Prayerful Salutation to the New Holy Father: Pope Leo XIV I wholeheartedly congratulate His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, on his election as the Supreme Pontiff and spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. His emergence at this critical time in the life of the Church and the world is a profound blessing - one that reaffirms the enduring presence of divine guidance in our shared human journey. I commend the College of Cardinals for once again demonstrating the Church’s timeless wisdom through prayerful discernment, unity, and fidelity to her sacred traditions. Their decision reflects spiritual depth, attentive listening, and an unwavering openness to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. To the faithful who joined in fervent prayer throughout the conclave, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Our collective petitions have not been in vain. We now celebrate the gift of a new shepherd to lead the flock with courage, love, and truth. The inaugural address of Pope Leo XIV was both reassuring and inspiring. It radiated humility, moral clarity, and a renewed call to justice, peace, and solidarity with the most vulnerable. In a world overwhelmed by division and despair, his words have rekindled hope in the hearts of millions. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, Pope Leo XIV is a seasoned missionary, a respected canon lawyer, and the former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. His decades of pastoral service, especially in Peru, and his global ecclesial experience are invaluable gifts to the Universal Church and the whole world. As a firm believer in moral leadership, I pray that his pontificate will be marked by deep spiritual renewal, courageous dialogue, unwavering service to humanity, and fidelity to the Gospel message. May God bless and guide Pope Leo XIV as he assumes the sacred responsibility of leading the Church through the complexities of our ever-changing world. -PO

Yesterday, I had the honour of attending the Memorial Lecture/Day of Tribute in honour of Chief Edwin Clark, OFR, CON, alongside other eminent Nigerians—including a former Head of State and a former President, Yakubu Gowon and Goodluck Jonathan @GEJonathan, respectively, as well as other distinguished national leaders. It was a huge gathering that E.K. Clark deserves for his exceptional, courageous and selfless service to our fatherland. In my remarks at the memorial lecture, I reiterated that ‘the Labour of our Heroes past’ are now in vain given the enormity of destruction in the country. I asked some very vital rhetorical and reflective questions, like what has suddenly happened to the protesting voices in this country, where are those who, in 2012/13, protested vigorously when increases in fuel, exchange rate, food and transport prices were moderate and manageable under President Jonathan. Where are those who called President Jonathan all sorts of names, "Clueless, corrupt, ineffective and lifeless government"? Where are they now that the Prices of everything have increased tenfold? I also tried reminding those who argue that I de-marketed Nigeria by telling the truth about its economic and social status vis-à-vis the rest of the World that truth does not in any way demarket a nation. Rather, it refines and strengthens it. But the moment we begin to weaponize the truth for political convenience, we dishonour the legacy of those who came before us. We betray the very essence of their sacrifices, their struggles, their hopes, and their dreams. Nigeria must confront itself with hard but necessary questions: Are we truly honouring the legacy of great patriots like Chief Edwin Clark? Or have we abandoned the values they stood for, justice, equity, service, and a united Nigeria? Our present reality is troubling: elections that do not reflect the will of the people; public institutions increasingly manipulated for private interests; and the deepening scourge of corruption and impunity. We are also losing innocent lives daily through insecurity, poverty, poor healthcare, and avoidable hardship. This is not the Nigeria our founding heroes envisioned. We must not reduce their sacrifices to mere ceremonial tributes. The best way to honour Chief Edwin Clark and others like him is to restore integrity in governance, rebuild trust in our public institutions, and ensure that truth and justice are the foundations of our national journey. Nigeria must work for all Nigerians, not just for a privileged few. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Education and Healthcare: Pathways to National Transformation Yesterday, I had the privilege of visiting two impactful institutions in Enugu State, reaffirming my commitment to strengthening education and healthcare—two foundational pillars of sustainable national development. My first stop was the Godfrey Okoye University School of Nursing, where I engaged with the management, staff, and students. I was deeply impressed by their dedication to training competent healthcare professionals. I commend the proprietor of the University, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, His Lordship Callistus Onaga, and the Vice Chancellor for their efforts in contributing to critical areas of development like Education and healthcare. In support of their mission to enhance the health sector through quality education, I made a donation of ₦20 million to the institution. I then visited Amafor Ihu-Okpara Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area, where the Anglican Bishop of Enugu, Bishop Sam Ike (Prof..), is spearheading the construction of a Community Health Centre. This initiative, aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare in rural communities, is a shining example of faith-based contribution to national development. I was honoured to support this commendable effort with an additional ₦20 million donation. These contributions—₦40 million in total—reflect my unwavering belief that investing in education and healthcare is the most strategic choice any society can make. By empowering our youth through knowledge and safeguarding the health of our people, we build the foundation for a stronger, more equitable, and prosperous Nigeria. Let us, each in our own way, continue to invest in the future of our nation. A new Nigeria is possible. -PO

As Christians and Catholics, we join our hearts in earnest prayer with all people of goodwill, as the conclave begins today. May God, in His infinite wisdom, guide the Cardinals in their sacred duty for a most fruitful and blessed outcome. We pray that the Cardinals are granted divine insight to choose a successor who will continue to lead with compassion, humility, and a steadfast commitment to serving humanity. May this process be filled with grace, and the outcome reflect God’s will for His Church and for the whole world. Amen. -PO

In Nigeria today, the situation we find ourselves in calls for urgent and deliberate action. It is time for all levels of government to prioritize critical areas of development—particularly investment in health, education, and poverty alleviation. We must reassess what truly matters. The decisions we make—what we build, fund, and focus on—must align with the pressing needs of the people. Just this month, the World Bank reported that, as of April 2025, the poverty rate among rural Nigerians has risen to over 75%, indicating widespread economic hardship across the country. The report also highlighted that 41.3% of Nigeria’s urban population now lives below the poverty line. This shows that poverty is no longer just a rural crisis—it has become a national emergency. In comparison, the World Bank reported that in 2018/2019, about 30.9% of Nigerians lived below the international extreme poverty line. As of 2025, that figure has more than doubled instead of improving. These facts confirm that poverty in Nigeria has worsened significantly—and this is no coincidence. It is the direct result of years of misplaced priorities. Rather than investing in critical sectors, we have continued to prioritize wasteful spending on non-developmental projects such as conference centres, government houses and lodges, guest houses, and fleets of official vehicles—instead of investing in human capital, education, and healthcare, which are the true legacy projects capable of transforming a nation. We must urgently redirect our national focus and address the root causes of poverty. Nigeria must expand access to quality education and healthcare, and support job creation by investing in and empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are essential for lifting people out of poverty. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

I just came across the official results from JAMB showing the recent exam figures. According to the data shared, a total of 1,955,069 candidates sat for the exam. Shockingly, out of this number, only about 420,000 candidates scored above 200, while over 1.5 million scored below 200. This means that over 78% of the total candidates failed to meet the 200-mark threshold — a reflection of the deep-rooted challenges in our educational system. The latest JAMB results once again highlight the consequences of decades of underinvestment in education, a sector that should be central to our national development strategy. Currently, Nigeria's total university enrollment stands at approximately 2 million students. By comparison, the National University of Bangladesh — a single university — has over 3.4 million students enrolled, despite the country having only about 75% of Nigeria’s population. One university in Bangladesh surpasses the entire university enrollment in Nigeria. Bangladesh, which once lagged behind Nigeria in virtually every measurable development index, now surpasses us in all key areas of development and in the Human Development Index (HDI). Similarly, Turkey, with a population of about 87.7 million people, has over 7 million university students — more than three times Nigeria’s total university enrollment. I have consistently said it: education is not just a social service; it is a strategic investment. It is the most critical driver of national development and the most powerful tool for lifting people out of poverty. We must now invest aggressively in education — at all levels — if we are serious about building a prosperous, secure, and equitable Nigeria. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

After a crowded schedule overseas that saw me attend the funeral of Our Holy Father Pope Francis in Vatican City and my visits to Johns Hopkins University and California State University in Sacramento, USA, respectively. I returned home to an equally jam-packed program of honouring our fallen heroes. I had the honour of participating in the funerals of some distinguished Nigerians whose lives made remarkable impacts on our nation. Firstly was, Pa Ayo Adebanjo — a man whose life can defined by courage, justice and equity, often fearlessly standing alone on the truth. I participated in Pa Adebanjo's Night of Tributes on Wednesday, April 30th in Lagos. On Thursday, May 1st, I attended his Lying-in-state, alongside other notable Nigerians and his burial on Saturday, May 3rd in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State. Mr Pascal Dozie, whose invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s economic development are well acknowledged. As a banker and entrepreneur, he inspired generations of individuals and businesses alike. I participated in his Requiem Mass on Wednesday, April 30t,h in Lagos, and his burial on Friday, May 2,d in Egbu, Imo state. Chief Dubem Onyia, who once served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, was a public servant who distinguished himself with fairness, equity, and honour. I participated in his lying-in-state and funeral mass on Friday, May 2nd in Enugu state. On Thursday, May 1st, I attended the funeral service and reception of Professor Olufunmilayo Yetunde Oloruntimehin in Lagosaa, a distinguished scholar and renowned Professor of sociology, whose academic contributions and writings influence were both profound and enduring. May God Almighty, who called all of them home, grant them an enteral rest in his kingdom. May their contribution to a better Nigeria and humanity not be in vain, but help us in building the new Nigeria that is POssible. -PO

The Recent developments in our nation continue to raise serious concerns about the direction we are headed as a democracy. The tension in the land aggravated by hardship is being needlessly fueled by our attitude to the rule of law and human rights. The arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), though perhaps within the legal rights of security agencies, was carried out in a manner that left many Nigerians unsettled. The display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled an abduction, a disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements. If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability. This trend is not new. We must recall that even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities in recent years. When those who interpret the law are treated with such disregard, it is difficult to expect that ordinary citizens will feel protected under the law. Moreover, these methods are beginning to affect our economy and business environment. The backlash directed at GTBank, allegedly linked to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Otse’s arrest, has had serious reputational consequences. At a time when investor confidence is already fragile, we must do all we can to avoid actions that tarnish institutions or undermine the trust of both citizens and the international community. One cannot help but ask: was it impossible to invite Mr. Otse in a civil, transparent, and legal manner? Would that not have spared Nigerians, GTBank, and our national image the unnecessary shame and losses we now witness? Similarly troubling are allegations surrounding the so-called adoption of the NANS President If true, it raises critical questions about the independence of student leadership and the subtle erosion of young voices in our democracy. Nigeria’s youth should not feel coerced, silenced, or absorbed into political agendas that do not reflect their will. The oppression of young voices, whether through force, patronage, or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must not normalize. We must return to a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse. A country where youth can speak freely, judges can serve with dignity, and institutions act responsibly. That is the Nigeria we must rebuild. A new Nigeria is POssible! –PO

On this International Worker's Day, we celebrate the tireless efforts of our Nigerian workers, whose unwavering commitment and immense contributions drive our nation's growth and development. A day like this offers us the opportunity to appreciate every Nigerian worker at different levels of government, across different agencies, private industries and business sectors - your legitimate labours form the energy that propels our nation. The struggles and harsh realities facing our dear workers in our nation, presently contending with severe economic and political challenges, are obvious. Despite these very challenging times, our Nigerian workers have continued to show resilience and commitment to the nation's growth. Notwithstanding the recent reconfiguration of our economic indices, the reality is that today, Nigeria has unemployment and under-employment rate of over 35% and youth unemployment and under-employmemt rate of over 45% which is one of the highest globally, fueling all sorts of criminality and social vices. Aggressive investment in the productive population remains the best and fastest route to bridging this shortage of well-trained workers and moving our nation from consumption to production. This, as I have consistently maintained, we can achieve by investing in education, health and fighting poverty through job creation and support for small businesses. As a nation, we must create an environment that fosters growth, provides opportunities, and ensures fair compensation. We must recognize the dignity of labour and promote a culture of respect and appreciation for all workers. On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to moving the nation from consumption to production. We remain committed to our struggle to create a society that recognises and rewards productivity, integrity, and honest labour. Let us continue to work together towards a brighter future, where every worker can thrive and where their talents and skills will match their opportunities in life. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

I came across multiple reports of students being asked to attend a public examination by 6:30 AM, teenagers, mostly around 15-17 years old, forced to travel in the dark, even in the face of insecurity, across dangerous and unfamiliar locations, because they want to get the basic right of education and sit for JAMB examinations. Setting exams for vulnerable teenagers as early as 6:00 AM while transporting them across far-flung locations is reckless. Already, reports are emerging of students getting into accidents and losing their young lives, some going missing, and many more being subjected to unnecessary trauma. Who takes responsibility when a 15- or 16-year-old child disappears or is harmed while trying to access their right to education? This situation sadly exposes a deeper, systemic failure: Nigeria simply does not have enough universities and exam centres to cater to its youth. Today, Nigeria has just about 200 universities for a population of over 200 million people. That alone means one university for every one million citizens, a very disturbing and staggering ratio that shows the dilapidated level of the country’s access to education. According to the data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and IndexMundi, countries aiming for good development, strong economies, and broad access to higher education are expected to target a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of at least 40% And according to these statistics, Nigeria with a population of about 230 million people and about 200 universities has a GER of about 12% In comparison with other countries with a high population, for example, Indonesia with about 280 million people has over 4,000 tertiary institutions and stands at a ratio of about 1 university per 70,000 people and a GER of over 45%. The country has over 10 million students enrolled in tertiary education alone spanning across various ages. Indonesia’s substantial investment in education is evident in its university-to-population ratio, supporting its large student population. Nigeria’s GER, on the other hand, is significantly below the global average, showing the urgent need for substantial investment in education, which would, in turn, yield national growth and development. Indonesia, unlike Nigeria, has universities scattered across every region, making access to exams, learning, and opportunity far more democratic and safer. If we had even half of Indonesia’s educational infrastructure, which would be about 2,000 universities, the Nigerian child would not be forced into life-threatening journeys just to write an exam and still face challenges of university acceptance after performing well. Education is not a luxury or expense, It is the biggest contributor to development for any nation, and therefore most important investment any nation can do for development. You cannot claim to want development while starving our young the access to knowledge. You cannot claim to value your citizens while risking the lives of teenagers every examination season. We must aggressively and intentionally expand our education system. We must strive to match our population with access to education. Our young generation should not be endangered because they desire education. We must do better as a nation and ensure that our future leaders get the new Nigeria that they deserve. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, I had the honour of visiting California State University, Sacramento, where I was warmly received by the President of the institution, Dr. Luke Wood. Following the reception, I had the pleasure of meeting Professor Nicole Fox, author of After Genocide, a deeply moving reflection on the pain of conflict and the enduring hope of reconciliation. We had an enriching conversation about the plight of displaced persons, especially children who have been uprooted from their homes and stripped of opportunities. As someone deeply committed to the welfare and future of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and families who have lost loved ones to conflict, violence, and criminality, I found the discussion both personal and profound. Thereafter, the President shared some of the powerful initiatives being championed at the university, including the Guidance Scholars project, which provides education to children from foster homes, and Project Rebound, a remarkable effort aimed at rehabilitating formerly incarcerated individuals and reintegrating them into the educational system. I was truly inspired by the vision and compassion behind these projects. They reflect the kind of intentional, inclusive leadership Nigeria needs, leadership that sees value in every human life and believes in second chances. Our collective progress depends on how we treat one another, especially the most vulnerable among us. A New Nigeria is POssible! -PO

Yesterday, at Johns Hopkins University, USA, I honoured the invitation to speak on "Politics and Change in Nigeria" from Professor Peter Lewis, the famous author of "Growing Apart: comparing Indonesia and Nigeria". In discussing this very critical issue, which directly impacts the direction of a nation, I pointed out that the failure of a nation depends largely on its Political Leadership. Competent, capable and compassionate political leadership, with integrity, will help nations to achieve sustainable growth and development. In my speech, I tried to assess 3 of our comparable nations - China, Vietnam and Indonesia, from 1990 till date. In 1990, the year the measurement of the Human Development Index (HDI) was started, these 3 comparable nations, including Nigeria, were all classified under the medium category of the HDI measurement. 35 years later, 3 of these nations have moved up to the High category of HDI while Nigeria has fallen into the low category. Within the same period of 35 years, from 1990 to 2025, the GDP Per Capita of these comparable nations have all improved. As of 1990, while Nigeria had a GDP per capita of $556, China had $317, Indonesia had $578, and Vietnam had only $99. Nigeria, obviously, had higher GDP per capita than China, while Vietnam had less than one-fifth of Nigeria's per capita. Today, Nigeria's per capita is about one-fifth of Indonesia's ($5000) and Vietnam's (4400) GDP per capita and below one-tenth of China's (1300) GDP per capita. In the area of poverty, Nigeria with about 50 million poor people, had the least number of people in poverty in 1990 than any of the three countries. While China had about 750 million people living in poverty, Indonesia and Vietnam had 85 million and 60 million poor people, respectively. China alone had about 15 times the number of poor people than Nigeria. Today, however, Nigeria has more poor people than these 3 countries combined. The question then is, what exactly did these countries do to be able to achieve the desired growth and development? That is where political leadership comes in. These comparable nations, and indeed other progressive nations, unlike Nigeria, have competent leadership with character, capacity and compassion, committed to prioritizing investment in critical areas of developmental measures; Education, Health, and pulling people out of poverty. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Legacy of Light: What Pope Francis Taught the World Today, I joined Francis Cardinal Arinze, global dignitaries, and thousands of mourners at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, to pay my final respects to His Holiness, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. The solemn lying-in-state ceremony was a moment of deep reflection, as the world bids farewell to a man who embodied humility, simplicity, and selfless service. Pope Francis was more than a Pontiff; he was a moral light in a world darkened by inequality and indifference. His life was a testament to leadership as a sacred duty, one rooted in compassion, truth, and service to the poor and marginalised. He lived for others, spoke for the voiceless, and reminded us all that leadership must be about lifting others, not self-exaltation. I came to truly appreciate what he stood for after my appointment as a member of Scholars Occultantes - an international circle of thinkers he founded during his time as Archbishop. The organisation, dedicated to truth, ethical leadership, and social transformation, gave me a deeper insight into the intellectual and moral force behind his teachings. I was blessed to meet Pope Francis on three occasions. Each encounter left a lasting impression. He radiated peace and inspired faith, and his presence was a quiet yet powerful reminder of the divine responsibility that leadership entails. His humility was infectious, his vision deeply human. As we mourn this great soul, I urge political, religious, and community leaders, especially across Africa, to reflect on his life and commit to the values he upheld: justice, peace, and human dignity. Let this moment not just be one of mourning, but a call to lead with conscience, walk with the people, and govern with love. May Pope Francis’ soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy live on in all who seek to serve humanity selflessly. -PO

Visit to St. Luke Hospital, Ogbaru. My humanitarian-induced visits to critical areas of development continued today to St. Luke Church Hospital in Ogbaru, owned by the Anglican Diocese of Ogbaru, where I donated ₦5 million to support their laboratory upgrade. Modern diagnostic tools are essential for timely, accurate patient care. This upgrade will save lives, and I pledge to monitor progress and provide additional assistance as needed. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Prosper Amah for his warm reception and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Ogbaru community. His leadership and dedication to service are truly commendable. Investments in healthcare and education are the cornerstones of sustainable development. By empowering our hospitals and schools, we invest in the well-being and future of our people. I remain committed to supporting initiatives that uplift our communities and build a better Nigeria. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

In continuation of my sacrifice and determination to contribute to critical areas of development, and deep concern for the less privileged in our midst, and in the spirit of the season, I visited St. Martin’s Orphanage and Home for the Lonely Adults, Igboukwu today. St. Martin’s Orphanage and Home for the Lonely Adults at Igboukwu is a profoundly impactful institution under the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia. I was deeply moved by the selfless service being rendered to some of the most vulnerable members of our society – orphaned children and elderly individuals who have no one to care for them. As a token of support and encouragement, I made a donation of ₦10 million to assist in the running and sustenance of the home. This is but a modest contribution to a cause that embodies love, compassion, and service to humanity. I sincerely thank the Diocese, under the leadership of Peter Cardinal Okpaleke for their commitment to human dignity and the common good. Their work is a shining example of the Church’s mission in action. I assured them of my continued closeness and support, and I urge well-meaning individuals to remember such homes in their charitable efforts. May we never forget that a society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable. With our collective support, a new Nigeria is possible. -PO

Pope Francis: a Moral Compass in a Troubled world. I received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. His death marks the end of another era in the spiritual and moral leadership of the Catholic Church and the wider world. Throughout his life and pontificate - during which I had the privilege of meeting him on three occasions - Pope Francis embodied the virtues of faith, hope, and compassion. He led with humility, spoke with wisdom, and acted with moral courage. He constantly strove to draw humanity closer to the ideals of peace, justice, and love. His deep concern for the poor, his steadfast advocacy for moral leadership, and his defence of human dignity earned him the admiration of people across all faiths and nations. As a member of the Scholas Occurrences Foundation, founded by Pope Francis, I deeply appreciate his belief in education, dialogue, and youth empowerment as vital instruments for building a more just and compassionate world. Pope Francis devoted his life to the service of God and humanity. His legacy will live on not only in the hearts of the faithful but also in the global conscience he helped shape with grace, clarity, and conviction. In an age marked by division and uncertainty, his voice remained a steady call to unity, mercy, and justice. On behalf of myself, my family and millions of Nigerians who found inspiration in his teachings and example, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the universal Church. May God, in His infinite mercy, grant eternal rest to his gentle soul and guide the Church he so lovingly shepherded. -PO