Ideas leave a trail.

I arrived in London, United Kingdom safely on Sunday, the 2nd of March morning for a busy schedule. I made the trip via Air Peace business class, as is my policy when embarking on long-haul flights, particularly when I have to start work immediately upon arrival. On arrival, I proceeded to Cambridge for scheduled meetings with development experts. Our discussions centred on suggested solutions to challenges confronting our nation. Coming back to London later in the day, I attended Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s launch of her latest novel, Dream Count, at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. The event attracted about 3,000 attendees. Her conversation with journalist and author Elizabeth Day was insightful, keeping the audience fully engaged throughout the event. The event was not only a celebration of literary excellence but, more importantly, a testament to the immense potential our beloved nation holds if we invest in the most critical measures of development reflected in the Human Development Index (HDI): education, healthcare, and lifting people out of poverty. Coupled with my earlier discussions on turning around our struggling nation and the exhilarating performance by @ChimamandaReal, I am convinced that with the energy and brilliance of our youth, a collective commitment, and guidance through good governance, the dream of a better Nigeria is within reach. I remain confident that all hope is not lost. A new Nigeria is POssible! – PO

I would like to wish heartfelt felicitations to our dear, revered General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye @PastorEAAdeboye, as he celebrates his 83rd birthday today. Your life of unwavering faith, humility, and dedication to the service of God and humanity continues to inspire millions. It's my prayer that as you continue this journey in the Lord's vineyard, the Lord will strengthen you even more. May He renew your strength, bless you with divine health, and grant you more years in His grace and favour. May the fire of the gospel continue to burn within you, and may you finish strong, fulfilling the divine mandate entrusted to you, in Jesus' name. Happy Birthday, Sir. I celebrate you and pray that your legacy of faith and service will continue to shine brightly for generations to come. -PO

Too much attention on frivolities as Poverty deepens is concerning. It is deeply troubling that Nigeria’s political leadership is rapidly descending into an embarrassing spectacle. We are at a time when our nation faces the highest levels of actual and multidimensional poverty, soaring infant mortality rates, millions of out-of-school children, one of the most insecure and hunger-stricken nations on earth, grappling with escalating insecurity and countless other challenges. One would expect our leaders to be focusing and sacrificing solely on providing urgent, transformative solutions to this myriad of problems but not necessarily . Instead, the national discourse is consumed by trivialities, whether it is allegations of sexual harassment or budget padding in the National Assembly, controversies surrounding State Houses of Assembly speakership, reckless Court judgments threatening to destabilize or deprive the State of funding to provide needed services to the citizens. What is coming out of the three arms of government, the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary is disgusting and uninspiring. The Executive show of negative power as seen in Osun state, the reckless Judiciary pronouncement on Rivers State that is capable of threatening democracy plus the embarrassing scandal from the National Assembly all combine to give a gloomy picture of our democratic journey. Leaders in these three arms should avoid undue disruptive interference in affairs of sub-national government activities. Urgent steps should be taken by the leadership of the three arms to stabilize our polity and stem politicians from defecting to parties where they feel it will be easier to rig them into office. This reckless neglect of serious governance is a grave disservice to the millions of Nigerians who deserve competent, accountable leadership focused on solving real problems. The blatant display of political rascality, coupled with widespread irregularities, paints a distressing picture of a leadership that has abandoned its core responsibility to the people and is making governance resemble a theatrical performance rather than a serious commitment to public service. While citizens bear the crushing weight of various hardships due to misgovernance, those in power prioritize personal interests and political gamesmanship over the nation’s well-being. This mockery of leadership is not only unacceptable, it is a betrayal of the people’s trust. Nigeria cannot afford to be governed like a reality TV show while millions suffer for so long. It is time for leadership rooted in character, competence, capacity, consistency, compassion, and urgency—leadership that prioritizes education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. Anything less threatens the nation’s stability, undermines the present, and betrays the nation’s future. A new Nigeria is POssible! -PO

Today, March 1st, after attending morning Mass in Onitsha and offering prayers for Nigeria to mark the beginning of a new month, I set out for Umuru, Nvosi, in Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Abia State, to congratulate Governor Alex Otti on his recent 60th birthday anniversary. We also held a brief discussion on governance and the ongoing efforts to build a better Nigeria. From there, I travelled to Umuahia to join another distinguished son of Nigeria, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, at a thanksgiving service marking his 70th birthday. It was a moment of gratitude, reflection, and celebration of a man who has contributed immensely to our nation. Thereafter, I flew to Lagos to celebrate and congratulate another remarkable Nigerian, Mr. Casmir Maduafokwu, a prominent entrepreneur and a key figure in Nigeria’s oil industry, on his 70th birthday anniversary. Later, I attended The Sun Newspaper’s prestigious award night, where I had the honour of congratulating all the recipients across various categories. As the first Governor to receive The Sun Man of the Year Award in 2007, I have consistently honoured their invitations to celebrate those recognized for their contributions to national development. Such awards not only acknowledge excellence but also serve as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with leadership and influence. Finally, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ebele Cardinal Okpaleke on his 62nd birthday today. May God continue to grant him wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as he leads his young Diocese with dedication and purpose. A New Nigeria is POssible! -PO

The tragic collision on February 28, 2025, along the Ilorin-Jebba expressway in Kwara State, which claimed over 60 lives, is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need to prioritize the reconstruction of existing road infrastructure across the country, improve road safety, and regulate the transportation of hazardous materials, rather than embarking on new road infrastructure that might never be completed. The alarming frequency of such road traffic accidents demands immediate and decisive action to prevent further loss of innocent lives. A greater percentage of road accidents today are caused by the deplorable condition of our road infrastructure. I recently visited the site in Suleja, where over 100 people were burnt—a tragedy resulting from the poor state of the roads. During my recent trip to Kafanchan, we spent over three and a half hours navigating dangerous, death-trap roads, further underscoring the urgent need to improve existing road infrastructure. As we mourn this loss, I extend my condolences to the families and the good people of Kwara State. May God Almighty grant eternal rest to the departed and provide strength and comfort to their grieving loved ones. Through collective responsibility and unwavering commitment, we can prevent further senseless tragedies and work toward building a safer, more secure nation for everyone. A new Nigeria is POssible! -PO

As the Holy Month of Ramadan begins, following the official sighting of the moon and the pronouncement of the Sultan, I would like to urge our Muslim brethren to embody the spirit of the season—brotherly love, fasting, and devotion to God. Let us use this solemn period to offer sincere prayers for our dear nation—that our leaders prioritize the people's welfare, that unity and peace prevail, and that insecurity and economic hardship are alleviated. In this sacred time, may we also embrace charity and almsgiving, especially to the sick and less privileged, as taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The current economic challenges call for us to support one another, particularly during this holy month. As I continue my nationwide engagements, I wish everyone a blessed and fruitful Ramadan. May Allah accept our prayers and shower us with His blessings. Ramadan Mubarak! -PO

The sad news of the fire outbreak at the Ladipo and Owode Onirin markets in Lagos, which have resulted in the loss of goods worth several millions of naira, is deeply saddening. These tragic incidents, occurring at a time when traders are already facing immense difficulties, underscore the urgent need for decisive action to prevent future occurrences. My thoughts are with the affected traders and their families. I urge the authorities to provide immediate relief and long-term support to help them rebuild. We must work together to safeguard lives and livelihoods, ensuring such tragedies do not happen again. -PO

Yesterday was, for me, a fulfilled day, as I participated in activities around the most important tool of development "Education" I have consistently preached the necessity for public officeholders to honour their campaign promises; even if they don't achieve 100%, the people want to see 100% efforts and sacrifices. It was a principle I saw embodied in Prof. Lilian Orogbu, @Oby_Orogbu former Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and now a member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Awka North and South Federal Constituencies. I graciously honoured her persistent invitation to commission her projects, which are all around the tenets of the human development index (HDI) We commissioned 2 newly constructed classroom blocks for Secondary School and Primary School at Ezi-Awka Community Secondary School and Ezi-Agulu Awka Community Primary School, respectively. The joy radiating from the faces of both teachers and students underscored their excitement and appreciation. It was more than just a building; it was a beacon of hope for a better society. Thereafter, we commissioned a vital road to the Youth Village, a privately built modern hostel, similar to a hostel in developed nations, that houses some students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The rector of the Youth Village described the moment as the fulfilment of a promise made by Prof. Orogbu during her electioneering campaign. His words captured the essence of true leadership - faithfulness to one’s word. While thanking Honorable Lillian and many others like her for their efforts, I continue in my earnest prayers for a Nigerian President who will completely remain faithful to his or her campaign promises and sacrifice for the needs of the people. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

On Wednesday 19th, as part of my planned visit to Kaduna, I attended the Kaduna International Trade Fair to engage with business owners, observe the activities of SMEs, and assess the true state of Nigeria’s economy and business environment. What I witnessed was twofold. From my interactions, I observed an economy in decline. The trade fair itself was a shadow of its former self once vibrant, now nearly deserted, with multinational companies conspicuously absent. As a trader and a keen observer of economic activities, I can confidently say that our economy is struggling. Having attended the trade fair several times over two decades ago, I noticed the glaring absence of major corporations that once actively participated. The Kaduna Trade Fair was once a thriving hub of commerce, attracting businesses, investors, and innovators from across the nation. In its prime, securing a booth or booking a hotel during the fair required weeks, sometimes months, of advance planning. I recall having my own space at the fair, witnessing firsthand the energy, opportunities, and partnerships it fostered. It was a significant contributor to our national economy, drawing global participation and expanding trade beyond our borders. As a country, we must return to policies that prioritize production over consumption, strengthening the backbone of our economy—our small businesses, industries, and entrepreneurs. We must learn from nations like Indonesia, Bangladesh, and India, which have successfully implemented economic models that empower local businesses, enhance manufacturing, and create sustainable jobs. Nigeria has the potential to reclaim its status as a major commercial hub in Africa, but this requires prudent leadership, strategic economic planning, and the political will to support business-friendly policies. A New Nigeria is POssible! -PO

Today, I had the gracious honour of attending the launch of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s long-awaited autobiography, A Journey in Service, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. IBB’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy and his strong support for entrepreneurship and private sector growth remain immeasurable. Under his leadership, Nigeria witnessed substantial growth, particularly in the financial sector. He played a key role in fostering a united and equitable Nigeria, and economic landscape, ensuring policies that strengthened national cohesion and economic development. Documenting such experiences is a welcome development, as it allows us to learn from those who have served and left a lasting impact on the nation. I look forward to reading this book, which undoubtedly holds valuable lessons. As someone committed to continuous learning, I will always align myself with knowledge drawn from documented experiences and historical records as well as contributing to the legacy library. Two Key Takeaways from the Keynote Address and IBB comment on the 1993 election. 1. The 1st is the keynote Speaker's notable quotation in French, "Rien n’a changé" meaning "Nothing much has changed." In the case of Nigeria, we are worse off than we were during IBB’s era. Using our contemporary peers as a benchmark, when IBB left office in 1992, countries like Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Ghana were all in the low Human Development Index (HDI) category—just like Nigeria. Today, however, these nations have advanced to medium and high HDI levels, while Nigeria remains in the low HDI category, having either stagnated or declined. 2. The Keynote speaker's comment that Ghana has remained a truly democratic country for the past 30 years, with leadership transitions that reflect the genuine votes of the people. Unlike Nigeria, where electoral outcomes often fail to reflect the people’s will, Ghana has witnessed instances where ruling party candidates conceded defeat, respecting democracy in its truest form. Lastly of the most profound moments of the event was IBB’s admission that Chief MKO Abiola won the June 12 election. This acknowledgement is a step toward national healing, unity and progress of our nation. I hope that one day, other key players in Nigeria’s democracy will find the courage to recognize the true winners of past elections, allowing our nation to tell its story with honesty and reflection. A New Nigeria is POssible! -PO

Yesterday, after my trip to Kafanchan, which took over three and a half hours, we embarked on another three and a half-hour drive to Kaduna following the event. My first visit in Kaduna was to the Kawo Al-Majiri School, where I had previously donated ₦15 million to support their efforts. There, I inspected the ongoing projects, including a borehole and toilet facilities. My visit was aimed at assessing the progress made so far and ensuring the effective utilization of resources. In further support of this critical educational initiative, seeing the impact of these efforts and considering the addition of a mosque to the project, I made an additional donation of ₦5 million, bringing my total contribution to ₦20 million. Thereafter, I visited another Islamic school, the Mohammed Sambo Memorial Islamic Institute. I was impressed by their dedication to learning and pledged my support for their work in the future. Education remains a top priority, and I remain committed to supporting every effort that ensures our children—who are the future—receive quality education, empowering them with knowledge and opportunity. A new Nigeria is POssible! -PO

Yesterday, I continued my national tour and show of commitment to education and healthcare as pillars of development. I travelled from Abuja to Kaduna state to visit Joseph D. Bagobiri Memorial College in Kafanchan, The visit also provided an opportunity to commemorate Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi on his 5th anniversary as the Bishop of Kafanchan. During our recent conversation, I was deeply moved by his remarkable efforts in supporting children in the community, many of whom -about 80 percent -have lost their parents due to the ongoing crisis in the region. Understanding the urgent need for intervention, Bishop Julius Kundi has spearheaded the construction of schools to provide these children with quality education and a pathway to a better future. His dedication is not only commendable but also essential in addressing the challenge of out-of-school children—a critical issue that must be tackled for sustainable national development. In support of this noble cause, I have donated N20 million to help advance this initiative. Education remains a fundamental tool for securing a brighter future for our children, and I remain steadfast in my commitment to fostering learning, growth, and opportunity for all. A new Nigeria is POssible! -PO

Yesterday, I, alongside President Goodluck Jonathan @GEJonathan and other distinguished Nigerians, had the honour of attending the launch of a book authored by Dr Solomon Arase, former Inspector General of Police (IGP). The book provides an insightful discourse on security and its critical role in shaping a better future for our nation, with a particular focus on internal security and election security management. During the event, I reiterated that ensuring free and fair elections is fundamentally tied to the involvement of the right people in the electoral process. When competent and principled individuals are entrusted with electoral responsibilities, election policing becomes significantly more effective, fostering credibility and public trust in our democratic institutions. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Still in the mourning mood of the death of our revered father and leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, today, I received another rude shock of the death of another respected elder statesman and revered father figure, Chief Edwin Clark. On behalf of my family and the Obidient movement, I extend our sincere sympathies to the entire Clark Family and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). Chief Clark was a towering figure in Nigeria's socio-political landscape and remained in the vanguard of the struggle for peace, justice, equity, and fairness in the nation. He remained vehemently vocal in his demand for good governance in the nation. He was a true patriot whose desire for a better nation manifested in his immeasurable contributions to the nation. I will always cherish his support for my Presidential Campaign. His bold endorsement of my presidential journey highlights his passionate desire for a New Nigeria that promotes peace, progress, productivity, equity, and fairness. Chief Clark will always be remembered as a symbol of courage, truth, resilience,, and patriotism. His death remains a profound loss to the nation. I extend my condolences to the entire Ijaw Kingdom, the government, and the people of Delta State for this loss. May God grant them, and all of us in Nigeria, the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss. May God grant him eternal rest and continue to protect and bless his family always. -PO

I have noted the mixed reactions- both positive and negative to my call for the immediate reopening of markets that were not involved in illegal drug trading. Once again, this situation highlights why we continue to experience economic stagnation, and unproductivity in our nation. When those who have never built or managed businesses - who do not understand how micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operate - are in charge, they take actions that cripple legitimate businesses and stifle economic growth. This is how we have continued to decline - where governance disregards the realities of everyday Nigerians. The earlier we embrace the fact that small-scale businesses are a critical part of the economy, the better for us as a developing nation. During my recent visit to Indonesia, I engaged with the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and policymakers. They clearly demonstrated how Indonesia MSMES provides over 90% of the employment. The Indonesian government provides committed support to ensure these MSME businesses thrive, offering access to reduced funding while ensuring that those who violate the law are duly persecuted and punished. During my tenure as Governor, Anambra State was the first to seek a partnership with the Bank of Industry to secure special loans for MSMEs. A dedicated committee was set up to ensure that the loans reached those who truly needed them. We also facilitated the establishment of a Bank of Industry branch in Anambra to enhance access to funding. When many states were banning motorcycle riders, a.k.a okada riders operations, on allegations that they were involved in criminal activities, I refused to follow suit because I understood the economic implications for small businesses. Instead, I intensified efforts to enhance their operations, creating an environment where small businesses could thrive while collaborating with their unions, and security agencies to weed out the bad actors. Similarly, I ensured that certain categories of small businesses, such as wheelbarrow pushers, were exempted from paying taxes to ease their financial burden. Today, entire markets are being shut down because of the actions of a few. You do not cripple an Ogbo Ogwo market and surrounding markets for several days in the name of enforcement. These are people struggling to survive in an already difficult economic environment, yet instead of providing solutions, the government is shutting down markets indiscriminately. This is not governance; it is economic sabotage. Small businesses must be protected—not destroyed—if we truly want to build a productive nation. I respectfully appeal once again that businesses not involved in the sale of fake drugs should not be shut down due to the huge implications of closing businesses that depend on daily profits to survive. A one-month closure will cripple many of them. We have witnessed similar situations in the past, where businesses reopened only to find that goods with short shelf lives had expired, resulting in huge losses. Additionally, I like to advise that shop owners should be present before any searches are conducted on their premises to ensure transparency and fairness. A new Nigeria is very POssible. -PO

Closure of Head Bridge Market: A Call for reconsideration of position The entire Head Bridge Market in Onitsha has been closed by regulatory and security agencies due to suspected trading in illegal drugs within one section of the market known as Ogbo Ogwu. While one unequivocally condemns such illicit drug trading activities and urges the government to take all necessary measures to eradicate the sale of fake items—especially drugs—and legally prosecute the perpetrators for the health and safety of society, my concern and appeal are for the immediate reopening of neighbouring markets that were also collaterally affected by the closure. Shutting down other neighboring markets not involved in addition to the Ogbo Ogwu Market such as Rod, Allied and Tools, Plumbing Materials, Timber, Surgical, and Provision Markets seems excessive and unjustified I therefore appeal for their immediate reopening, as their continued closure is severely affecting the livelihoods of millions, especially during this difficult period in our country. Furthermore, the search should be conducted transparently, with store owners present while their shops are inspected and items removed by the law and due process. If the goal is to conduct a legitimate search, why extend the closure to other markets? What are their offences? During my tenure as Governor of Anambra state, we faced similar situations multiple times. Whenever we encountered public health threats, we addressed them collaboratively and methodically with the relevant agencies. In cases requiring market interventions, we worked closely with regulatory authorities and security agencies, ensuring fairness and due process. This approach prevented unnecessary disruptions and safeguarded livelihoods. The current strategy should be reconsidered to prevent undue hardship on traders, their families, and the state’s economy. A more balanced and transparent approach will enhance both security and economic stability. While pursuing the end of enhanced public health, we should not lose sight of the collateral economic effects of adjacent market closures should be kept in view always. -PO

It's with heavy heart and anguish that I today witnessed the burial of Hon Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North 1 constituency, who was brutally murdered by his kidnappers. His tragic death is a painful reminder of the growing insecurity in our country today, and a call to Government at all levels to take security more seriously. One does not need to remind the government at any level that security is their primary duty to the people. It's tormenting as a father and a political leader to watch a promising young man wasted in such a brutal manner. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, Onitsha town, and the entire people of Anambra State. My thoughts and prayers are especially with his young children, who have been cruelly deprived of a father’s love and guidance. May God, in His infinite mercy, comfort them and give them the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss. I also pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. May God grant him eternal rest and bring justice to those responsible for this heinous act. God Almighty bless his family always. -PO

Valentine’s Day is About Love and Service. In the Spirit of Saint Valentine that the Church celebrated yesterday to show love through service to humanity, I visited the Daughters of Divine Love, DDL in Emene, Enugu, to support their proposed College of Nursing project. Love and charity, which St Valentine epitomises, are best expressed through sacrifice for others. I decry the growing culture of materialism that fuels poverty and hardship in Nigeria. True progress comes when leaders and citizens embrace love through service, compassion, and shared prosperity. I commend the sisters for their dedication to healthcare and education, the two most critical measures of development. One cannot build physical infrastructure without first building human infrastructure. I remain committed to supporting this project until it is fully operational, reinforcing my belief in the power of education and healthcare, which are essential for nation-building. Love must be driven by our actions towards a caring and better Society. In continuation of support to the project, I presented an additional ₦25 million cheque, a contribution from an exceptional Nigerian, Prof Philip Ozuah and me, bringing our total support so far to the project to ₦100 million. Together, let’s build a more compassionate and just society. A new Nigeria is possible. -PO

Pa Ayo Adebanjo: A Life of Service, Justice, and Truth. My family and the Obidient Movement got the shocking news of the passing on of our dear father and leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who was a great pillar in the struggle for a new Nigeria. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and the Afenifere organization. His death is a profound loss to Nigeria and to all who cherish justice, equity, and truth. As the leader of Afenifere, Pa Adebanjo remained a steadfast advocate for a united and progressive Nigeria. His unwavering commitment to fairness and his relentless pursuit of a better nation have left an indelible mark on our country's history. One thing my political journey in life taught me, for which I am eternally grateful to God is bringing me close to a few great minds who helped to shape my perception of this land as a great country. One such person is Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the quintessential Afenifere leader. I remain deeply grateful for his support during my presidential campaign. His endorsement was not merely a political gesture but a testament to his belief in the ideals of equity and inclusiveness. He stood firm in his convictions against all odds demonstrating his dedication to the greater good of Nigeria. The last time I spoke with him, his words left a lasting impression: “Always stand on the path of justice.” That advice remains a guiding principle in my life, and I reaffirm my commitment to upholding it in honour of his memory. In my association with Pa Adebanjo, I come to appreciate Nelson Mandela's words, “I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.” As we mourn his departure, let us also celebrate a life well-lived in service to humanity and commit ourselves to upholding the values he so passionately championed. May his death not be in vain. Instead, let it serve as a renewed call to action for all who believe in justice and fairness. As we extend our condolences to his immediate family and the Afenifere organization, may we find solace in the enduring impact of his remarkable life. -PO

Yesterday, line with my unwavering commitment to education, healthcare, and empowerment as drivers of development, I visited Mater Misericordiae College of Nursing Sciences in Afikpo, Ebonyi State. Established in 1946, it is one of Nigeria’s pioneering healthcare institutions. Its Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, founded in 1952 and 1953, have produced thousands of professionals who continue to play vital roles in the medical field. The college currently has about 1,000 students and is undertaking several infrastructural upgrades. To support their efforts, I reaffirmed my commitment to collaborating with them in training Nigerian healthcare professionals and made an initial donation of ₦10 million. In my address to the students, I underscored the importance of healthcare as a fundamental indicator of human development and acknowledged the invaluable role of nurses and medical practitioners in national progress. I urged them to remain dedicated to their studies, especially in light of the increasing global demand for healthcare workers. I also commended the institution’s staff for their dedication and the remarkable work they are doing. Additionally, I appreciate the Ebonyi State Government for its collaboration with the school in the shared interest of the state and the nation. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO