Ideas leave a trail.

In conclusion of my travelogue on Indonesia, today I present my journey from Jakarta to Solo to meet with one of the most forward-thinking political figures I have long admired for his transformative mindset, and most popular Indonesian President, President Joko Widodo, (a.k.a Jokowi) Joko Widodo started as a small entrepreneur, became a successful businessman, and then entered into politics, starting as the Mayor of his Local Council, before becoming the Governor of Jakarta, where he gained widespread acclaim for his achievements in two critical areas of development: health and education. After serving for 2 years as the Governor of Jakarta, he contested and was elected the 7th President of Indonesia. He was the 1st Indonesian President that is not a career Politician, or career public Servent, and not from the military elite where previous Presidents came from. His Presidency brought significant and visible transformation across all key sectors of measure of development, health, education, poverty alleviation, rural development, infrastructure, and the fight against corruption. When President Widodo took office in 2014, Indonesia’s GDP stood at $890 billion, with a per capita income of $3,476, and its Human Development Index (HDI) was at a medium level. By the time he left office in 2024, Indonesia’s GDP had grown to approximately $1.4 trillion—an increase of about 60%—with a similar percentage rise in per capita income, which is now around $5,000. The country's HDI also improved from medium to high. In stark contrast, between 2014 and 2024, Nigeria had experienced a huge decline, with both GDP and per capita income falling to less than 50% of their 2014 levels. While Indonesia's transformation had started under the previous administration before President Widodo, it was under his leadership that Indonesia witnessed remarkable transformation, particularly in healthcare, education, rural development, huge eradication of extreme poverty, infrastructure expansion, and increased power generation, and Indonesia under his leadership became the 1st Southeast Asian Trillion economy. His administration took bold steps to combat corruption and implemented policies such as banning the export of critical raw materials—including nickel, copper, and aluminum—to encourage domestic value addition. This policy led to a significant increase in manufacturing activities, manufacturing contribution to Indonesian GDP, jobs creation, and a surge in export earnings to over $300B due to the higher value of processed goods. When we finally met, after a warm reception and introductions, I asked him, “What is the most driving purpose—the most important reason—for your involvement in politics and governance?” He responded, “The people, especially the poor and vulnerable.” I then asked, “What was the most important thing you focused on when you had the opportunity to serve?” He answered, “Their social welfare, health, education, and lifting people out of poverty.” He emphasized that his leadership was deeply rooted in direct engagement with the people. To ensure commitment, care, accountability, and responsiveness, he maintained constant communication (talking directly, not via proxies), ensuring that citizens always knew what he was doing and how it would benefit them. He traveled around the country, visiting at least three districts every week. He ensured Indonesians knew where he was traveling to and the reasons for his trips. The Indonesian government conducted periodic surveys to assess the impact of government policies, ensuring that decisions were informed by realities on the ground. He fought corruption head-on with zero tolerance, enforcing Indonesia’s strict annual asset declaration for all elected officials beginning from the council level. His last words to me were: “Always think about the people and always do what will benefit them. I wish Nigeria well, and I look forward to more collaboration between Nigeria and

Still, in my Indonesia experience, one of the greatest obstacles to credible democracy and, consequently, good governance in Nigeria is the lack of credible elections, brought about by the glaring weakness of our electoral institutions and the persistent disregard for the rule of law. Democracy and good governance cannot thrive where the electoral process is compromised, and public confidence in its outcomes is eroded. During my learning visit to Indonesia, I had a useful discussion with the Chairman and Secretary-General of Indonesia's General Elections Commission (KPU), Mr. Bernard Dermawan Sutrisno, about the nation's electoral process—a system that stands in stark contrast to ours. With increased confidence in the electoral process, Indonesia's national elections have consistently recorded over 70% voter participation, with the most recent election in 2024 reaching 81%. In contrast, Nigeria, despite having 94 million registered voters, recorded an abysmal turnout of less than 25%—a direct consequence of growing distrust in the electoral process. A key highlight of our discussion on electoral transparency centred on candidate qualification. To contest in Indonesia’s presidential elections, a candidate must provide verifiable records of primary, secondary, and at least a university degree. Non-compliance leads to immediate disqualification. Beyond educational qualifications, candidates must also meet strict eligibility criteria. They must secure the endorsement of at least 25% of National Assembly members or have obtained at least 20% of the votes in the previous presidential election. For vote counting, all ballots must be counted at the polling booth and recorded in the presence of the public, particularly representatives of various political parties. Any disputes that arise are resolved immediately at the booth level to ensure transparency and accountability. A candidate is only declared the winner if they secure at least 50%+1 of the total votes. If no candidate meets this threshold, a runoff election is conducted between the two candidates with the highest number of votes. Vote buying and electoral offences are minimal due to the strong role of security agencies and the swift prosecution of disputes through the constitutional courts. Indonesia’s National Assembly follows a proportional representation system, ensuring a more equitable distribution of political power. In the event of an elected legislator resigning or defecting to another party or dying, the party automatically replaces such a person because the votes he got were for the party, not in his personal capacity. Because of that, defection is not an option and helps stability of parties and the government to build alliances. While conducting an independent survey by engaging with people in public spaces at the airport to gauge their views on leadership, the economy, and the electoral process, it became evident that their confidence in the electoral body remains strong. For most of them, if there is no trust, why hold elections? Our conversation underscored a crucial reality: democracy is only as strong as the institutions that uphold it. Without an independent and credible electoral body, a judiciary that enforces electoral laws without bias, and a political culture that respects democratic principles, elections become nothing more than a ritualistic exercise devoid of legitimacy, and continued bad governance. If Nigeria is to truly embrace democracy, we must urgently reform our electoral system, strengthen our institutions, and restore public trust in the process. A new Nigeria is possible! -PO

Still on my Indonesia trip that I promised to share my experience with you. Wednesday and Thursday were as fruitful as Monday and Tuesday. My first meeting was with Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Mr. Budi Gunadi Sadikin. The object was to discuss the country’s advancements in universal health coverage. Indonesia’s National Health Insurance Program (JKN) now covers about 98% of the population, ensuring accessible healthcare, especially for the poor and vulnerable. Minister Sadikin emphasized preventive care as the most effective public health strategy, aiming to reduce disease burdens through proactive measures. The government fully subsidizes premiums for low-income individuals and is aggressively expanding the training of primary health workers, even in rural villages, to ensure truly inclusive healthcare. Next, I met with Prof. Dr Nunuk Survani and her team at the Ministry of Education. We discussed Indonesia's educational system, which serves about 50 million pupils at the basic education level with over 3 million teachers. To maintain high standards, all teachers are required to have a degree and teachers professional certification. With the strict implementation of its compulsory basic education policy, Indonesia has achieved a 99% school enrollment rate, significantly addressing the issue of out-of-school children. With 20% of its annual budget allocated to education, Indonesia prioritizes a critical pillar of national development. As we all know, the more educated a country is, the more developed it becomes. At the tertiary level, Indonesia has over 4,000 universities, while Nigeria has less than 10% of that—despite having a population that is about 80% of Indonesia’s. Based on this ratio, we should have at least 1,000 universities. Finally, I concluded the second session with a meeting at Indonesia’s Ministry of MSMEs, which focuses on an extensive support framework for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses. MSMEs in Indonesia contribute 61% to GDP and employ 97% of the workforce, making them a critical component of economic growth and development. The ministry, through its agencies, provides mentorship, training, equipment, and financial support. A significant portion of the total bank loans—about $20 billion—is dedicated to MSMEs at an interest rate of 3% to 6%, with the government covering the differential from the commercial loan rate of 12% to 13%. This contrasts with our situation in Nigeria, where the total loans available to over 40 million SMEs are less than 10% of what is allocated in Indonesia, compounded by several other negatively impacting environmental factors. These meetings have been invaluable in highlighting Indonesia’s commitment to advancing healthcare, education, and economic growth. Indonesia stands as a learning model for developing nations. Indeed, a new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

In continuation of the narrative on my Indonesia trip, on Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th February, I started with perceptive meetings with Agung Laksono, former Minister, former Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and former Presidential Advisory Board member who served under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo. He provided me with valuable insights into the governance strategies of both administrations, detailing the planning, execution, and determination that drove Indonesia’s transformation, with a strong focus on measurable development in critical areas. My second session was a meeting with Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, former Vice President of Indonesia, who served under both Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo—making him the only Vice President in Indonesia’s history to serve under two different presidents. He emphasized that the achievements of both leaders were made possible through a focused commitment approach, and decisive leadership, ensuring simultaneous development across all sectors. My third session was with Yandri Susanto, the Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, who detailed how, under President Joko Widodo, the ministry has made remarkable strides in advancing rural development by focusing on education, healthcare, and support for micro and small businesses within the villages. With a structured approach—ranging from extremely underdeveloped to self-sufficient villages—the ministry ensures targeted progress. Its leadership framework, involving municipal and traditional heads, plays a crucial role in effective governance. By adopting structured, data-driven policies focused on rural development, industrialization, and diversification, Nigeria can achieve inclusive and sustainable growth. With political will and strategic execution, we can unlock our full potential and ensure no region is left behind. A New Nigeria is POssible! -PO

Driven by my firm conviction that what is imperatively required now is to learn from and strictly apply the successful lessons that other comparable nations have used to achieve progress, as I had expressly and severally tweeted earlier this year, I embarked on my first planned trip to Indonesia. I arrived in Indonesia on the 2nd of February and spent five days—Monday to Friday—engaging in several hours of meetings with highly placed stakeholders on various issues of development. These discussions covered critical areas such as security, education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. In 2004, Indonesia's per capita income was $1,136, while Nigeria's was $963. At that time, Indonesia's overall development, as measured by the Human Development Index (HDI), was categorized as medium, whereas Nigeria's was low. By 2024, Indonesia's per capita income has risen to approximately $5,000, while Nigeria's remains around $1,000. Indonesia's HDI has improved from the medium to the high category, whereas Nigeria remains in the low category. For example, using health, the number one HDI indicator, Indonesia now has 98% health insurance coverage, whereas Nigeria has less than 10%. From Monday to Wednesday, I will take the time to share snippets from my trip. I have already noted some key insights, which align with my firm belief that learning from proven models is the panacea for sustainable growth and development. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, I read about the increase in the Budget of Restoration to ₦54 trillion due to increased revenue. While the sources of this revenue were detailed, there is no corresponding breakdown of expenditures to justify the increase. For transparency and accountability sake Nigerians need to know how the resources generated from them are being allocated to ensure that they are judiciously spent on the country's development and the well-being of the people. Such expenditures should be directed toward critical areas of development; education, healthcare, security, and poverty alleviation. Furthermore, Nigerians are still waiting for a detailed account of the execution and expenditures of the Renewed Hope budget passed in December 2023 to ensure that it has been properly utilized for the country's future development and the well-being of its citizens. I call on the National Assembly to seize this opportunity to obtain and make public the full details of the 2024 budget of Renewed Hope budget. Transparency in this regard is crucial for ensuring accountability, learning from past budgets, and making informed decisions for the nation’s progress. As we work towards passing the Budget of Restoration for 2025, let us uphold openness, accountability, and the welfare of the Nigerian people. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the future of our great nation. -PO

It is with utmost sadness with a heavy heart that I address the tragic and senseless murder of Honourable Justice Azuka, the representative of Onitsha North 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly. His decomposing body was discovered at the 2nd Niger Bridge, marking a devastating loss for his family, constituents, Onitsha community and all of us. Honourable Azuka was a dedicated public servant who tirelessly championed the interests of his people. His abduction on December 24, 2024, while returning home in Onitsha, and the subsequent discovery of his lifeless body, underscores the escalating insecurity that has plagued our society. This heinous act is not just an attack on one individual but a brutal assault on all of us and the sanctity of human life. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the pervasive insecurity that threatens the fabric of our nation. To the family, Onitsha community, and constituents of Honourable Azuka, I extend my deepest condolences. No words can adequately convey the depth of our collective grief, but please know that we stand with you in this time of profound sorrow. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may we find the strength to forge a safer and more just Nigeria. -PO

I have just been informed of yet another unpleasant news of the recent attacks on the communities of Amagu, Amaokwe, and Umunesha in Nkalaha, Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. This brutal invasion has led to the tragic loss of at least 15 innocent lives, with many others still unaccounted for. This atrocity is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of violence that continues to plague our nation. The wanton destruction of lives and property is an affront to our collective humanity and a grave threat to the peace and stability we hold dear. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Nkalaha community. Your pain is our pain, and your loss serves as a stark reminder of the urgent work required to prevent such tragedies from recurring. I call upon our security agencies to act swiftly and decisively. The perpetrators of this barbaric act must be apprehended and brought to justice without delay. We cannot and will not tolerate impunity. The safety of our citizens is paramount, and our security forces must protect every Nigerian, regardless of location or status. Furthermore, I urge community leaders, stakeholders, and citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. We must stand united against these agents of chaos and work together to restore peace and security in our land. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may we find the strength to forge a path toward a more secure and harmonious Nigeria. -PO

The heartbreaking news of the fire incident in Zamfara, which claimed the lives of 17 children and left many others injured, is deeply tragic. This remains one of devastating loss that no parent, community, or nation should ever have to endure. My thoughts and prayers go to the immediate families, the Zamfara State government who have lost their loved ones and those currently receiving treatment. This painful incident reinforces the urgent need to install safety measures in our schools. The state government must demand a thorough investigation into the cause of this fire and ensure that such a disaster never happens again. As a nation, we cannot continue to lose our children—the very future of our country—to preventable tragedies. I appeal to both federal and state authorities to strengthen school infrastructure, enforce safety regulations, and invest in emergency response systems. Our children in Nigeria deserve to learn in a good and secure environment. May the souls of the departed children rest in peace, and may this tragedy and pain reinforce our resolve to build a safer Nigeria that is POssible! -PO

What should we make of all the negative remarks about Nigeria? Recently, Nigerian-born Kemi Badenoch, a leader in the United Kingdom's Conservative Party, took a serious swipe at our dear country. She stated that she would not want Britain to become like poor Nigeria, where a failed government destroys lives. Nigerians have had mixed reactions to her comments—some have criticized her, while others feel she simply stated the obvious and should not be vilified. A few years ago, a respected Nigerian newspaper lamented an informational piece aimed at Americans intending to visit Nigeria, which described the country in very unflattering terms. The travel advisory highlighted two major challenges: poor infrastructure and insecurity. Anyone familiar with the Nigerian landscape knows that our performance in these two areas is horrendously low. And sadly, the US embassy did not shy away from pointing this out. On health, the advisory confirmed that while Nigeria has well-trained health professionals, the country is lacking in quality healthcare facilities. It was noted that essential medications, including those for diabetes and hypertension, are often unavailable, and that medicine should be purchased with extreme caution due to counterfeit risks. Five years after those remarks, the situation remains largely unchanged, if not worse. International reproach, such as that from Badenoch, and negative reviews on official websites warning citizens of the country, should serve as a challenge for us to do better. It’s not enough to resort to blind patriotism by vilifying those who point out our shortcomings. Instead, we should use these criticisms as a catalyst to prioritize critical areas of development and improve the lives of our people. When negative remarks are featured on a country's official websites, warning citizens to avoid certain risks, how can we expect to attract investors? These painful rebukes, including those coming from our own, should push us to strive for a new Nigeria that is POssible. -PO

I am ever elated by the huge success Nigerian youths are making in various fields, especially in the entertainment sector. I like therefore to extend my hearty congratulations to our Nigerian Afrobeats star, Tems @temsbaby , who just secured her second Grammy Award with her win in the Best African Music Performance category. I also rejoice with Nigeria's entertainment industry and other Nigerian artists who were nominated for different awards in their respective categories. Undoubtedly, Nigeria remains home to the endless flow of talents who through their creative arts, continue to put the nation on the global map. I firmly remain committed to building a nation that fosters growth among the youths and helps them discover and harness their individual talents for national productivity. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

My chilling encounter with an elderly woman, yesterday, has left me seriously worried about the depth of insensitivity that characterises our political and institutional leadership in Nigeria. While interacting with the management and students of Shanahan College of Nursing Sciences, Nsukka, during my official visit to the institution, I noticed this elderly woman struggling desperately to talk to me. People around tried to push her away and shun her into silence, but I instantly requested to have a word with her and hear her story. She introduced herself as a retired civil servant who devoted the productive years of her life working for the nation. She lamented that for a while her pension had not been paid. What was more heartbreaking was that she had been sick and admitted to the hospital for over a week, with medical bills, but her immediate worry was that she did not even have one Naira to buy food. I felt a surge of anger and pity. Anger at leaders like me, who out of greed and insatiable desperation for material acquisition, have made life a living hell for others, by denying them the fruits of their labour. And then pity for the poor elderly woman, and many others like her whose painful stories may never be heard. That is the nation we live in. A nation that has lost its sense of humanity and compassion. I have said it before, and I still maintain, that any government that withholds the pensions and gratuities of our senior citizens in their vulnerable years, is wicked. As a Governor, I inherited and paid off over N30 billion in pensions and gratuities accumulated over the years, because I understood the pain the elderly citizens were going through. I instantly gave her my little support and promised to follow up her case with the hospital management. However, I am more concerned with the many others like her, dying in silence in many parts of the nation, because no one can speak for them. We must fix this nation. Nigeria must work for all, and everyone will get their due rewards for their productive contributions. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, I visited the College of Nursing Sciences and the School of Medical Laboratory Technicians at Bishop Shanahan Specialist Hospital, Nsukka—the only institution of its kind in the senatorial zone. Like many other critical health and educational institutions across the country, I have remained steadfast in my support for Shanahan College of Nursing Sciences and the School of Medical Laboratory Technicians, contributing over N100 million to their growth and development over the past four years. On arriving at the College, I was delighted to learn that it has been upgraded and accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to award National Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas. I was also pleased to see their expanded infrastructure and the increasing number of students benefiting from quality education. While interacting with the students, I encouraged them to remain steadfast in their studies, as education will open doors to global opportunities and equip them to contribute to a healthier Nigeria. To further support their development, I donated an additional N20 million to the College. My ultimate vision remains the development of a nation driven by high human capital, ensuring a better quality of life through strategic investments in key areas of human development of education, healthcare and pulling people out of poverty. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Reports indicate that at least 35 Nigerian soldiers have been killed in the line of duty this month alone. The most devastating of the attacks on our military men seems to be the terrorist attack on an army base in Malam-Fatori town in Borno state where about 20 Nigerian soldiers lost their lives. This is totally condemnable. Our courageous soldiers have remained resolute in the fight against insecurity. It is utterly heartbreaking to read the reports of their tragic deaths, orchestrated by terrorists. Sadly this morning too, I read the unpleasant reports of the unfortunate death of about 4 soldiers in Lagos. A vehicle was reported to have lost control and crashed into the soldiers outside the barracks. I sincerely condole with the families of all the dead soldiers and the Nigerian Army, over these tragic incidents. I encourage them not to be dispirited by these painful attacks but to strengthen their resolve to stamp out this monster of insecurity from our nation. May God grant eternal to the dead, grant us all the fortitude to bear their losses, and grant quick healing to the injured. -PO

Yesterday I was in Nsukka, Enugu state in continuation of my unwavering commitment and firm belief that the critical measure of development remains Health, Education, Reduction and Fighting Poverty. While in this University town, I visited the proposed College of Nursing Sciences, domiciled in Faith Foundation Hospital. This visit was a follow-up to my earlier one to the College in November 2023, during which the Proprietor Rt Rev Aloysius Agbo, the Bishop of Nsukka Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion outlined their plans to establish a Nursing College, to which I immediately gave them my seed support of N20 million then, and promised to visit regularly until take off I was particularly impressed by the remarkable progress they have, so far, made. Encouraged by their commitment to growth and going by the critical impact of the initiative, I donated a further N20 million to the College and assured them of my continued support till the institution is fully completed. The College will stand as another vital Health institution committed to training our people in critical areas that will contribute immensely to primary healthcare. Nursing and other allied disciplines. To build a Nigeria that is POssible we must in knowledge and skills they need to build a better future. -PO

I have observed that my honest interview yesterday was misquoted by many media outlets, creating a false narrative that misrepresents my position. Let me set the record straight: I am not against coalition. In truth, I am for it not for power grab but to position Nigeria for greatness. I have not, and will never, advocate for any coalition or alliance that does not prioritize the welfare and progress of the ordinary Nigerian. Any discussion about governance must centre on what it means for the everyday Nigerian, how it will address critical issues such as access to quality healthcare, and education, and pulling people out of poverty. Too often in our nation’s history, individuals and groups have come together solely for the purpose of taking power for power's sake. Such endeavours, devoid of genuine purpose and vision, have only deepened our challenges, leaving the ordinary Nigerian to bear the brunt of bad governance. This is what I stand firmly against. Leadership must be about service, not self-interest. It must be about building a nation where opportunities abound for all, where justice and equity are non-negotiable, and where governance works for the people, not against them. As I have always maintained, the New Nigeria is possible. But it requires us to change the way we think about power. It is not about grabbing it; it is about using it responsibly to transform lives and secure a brighter future for generations to come. -PO

The future of democracy in our country took center stage yesterday as I joined other distinguished Nigerians at the National Dialogue on Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity, held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Abuja. For democracy in Africa to thrive beyond its current fragile state, it must operate within its foundational tenets, going beyond ceremonial elections. This requires building critical institutions that command trust and deliver absolute respect for the people's will. Governance can only deliver tangible benefits when the will of the people prevails. I most sincerely express my gratitude to the keynote speaker, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a distinguished African democrat who displayed exemplary statesmanship by conceding defeat to John Dramani Mahama before the final election results. His actions upheld democratic principles, reinforced Ghana's reputation for stability, and highlighted the respect for the people's will, which is essential for democratic growth. With about 100 million Nigerians living in absolute poverty and 150 million in multidimensional poverty, democracy is fast losing its essence if it fails to address the fundamental needs of its citizens, particularly in critical areas such as health, education, and poverty alleviation. We must confront the fundamental question: is democracy truly addressing the needs of Nigerians? Are we building institutions that uphold accountability, justice, and fairness? To achieve a functional democracy, we must prioritize strengthening independent institutions, fostering governance that delivers economic and social progress, encouraging active citizenship to hold leaders accountable, and empowering our youth as drivers of nation-building. As Nelson Mandela once said, “As long as poverty, injustice, and inequality exist, none of us can truly rest.” Now is the time to deepen democracy and build a better future for all Nigerians. Amid the rise of coups across Africa and the growing fragility of democracies globally, it is evident that democracy cannot thrive without trust, robust institutions, and a steadfast commitment to the welfare of the people. Together, we can build a productive new Nigeria that is possible! -PO

Investment naturally flows to places where the environment is conducive, much like a bee and honey relationship. Though I have never—and will not—compare the United States of America, with its over $28 trillion GDP, to our country, Nigeria, with a GDP of about $250 billion, less than 1% of the USA GDP, I want to simply observe, and note where investment flows and why: to places with an inevitable, favourable environment. A typical example, the $1.1 trillion investment in-flow into the USA this month, was because of desirable environments and intangible assets. This was achieved without the President jetting around the world to attract such investments. I have always maintained that with the right Leadership, prioritizing intangible assets, security, rule of law and resources allocated to productive sectors appropriately, that will unleash a productive society and allow entrepreneurship to thrive. This, in turn, will attract investments comparable to those in other developing nations with large populations, just like ours. For example, Indonesia, with a similar population of around 265 million—just 10-15% more than Nigeria’s 230 million—has invested in critical areas like healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. This focus has enabled them to achieve significant development and attract foreign investments. Countries like Indonesia, with a nominal GDP of approximately $165 billion in the year 2000, now have a GDP of about $1.39 trillion in the year 2024—an increase of over 8 times. Countries like India, with a nominal GDP of approximately $476 billion in the year 2000, now have a GDP of about $3.73 trillion in the year 2024—an increase of nearly 8 times. Countries like Vietnam, with a nominal GDP of approximately $31 billion in the year 2000, now have a GDP of about $506 billion in the year 2024—an increase of over 16 times. Our country Nigeria, with a nominal GDP of approximately $70 billion in the year 2000, now has a GDP of about $210 billion in the year 2024—an increase of over 3 times. What we require at this stage is to learn from these comparable countries what they have done to achieve such growth and religiously apply those strategies. Indonesia now attracting about 10 times the foreign direct investment than we do. This is the kind of economic shift we should aim for by replicating the strategies of nations that have succeeded in similar circumstances. For us in Nigeria, all hope is not as a new productive remains POssible. -PO

My unwavering commitment to building a productive nation, founded on youth empowerment through education, persuaded me to honour the invitation to deliver the keynote address at the Graduation Ceremony of @nexford University in Lagos yesterday. I was truly delighted by the opportunity to speak to the newly graduated students, understanding the weight of this moment in their lives. A single misstep at this stage could have consequences, but I was inspired to share insights that might guide them in their next steps. The ceremony saw over 1,000 students graduate, and two previous speakers, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili @obyezeks and Bola Adedola, both of whom are among Nigeria’s finest and most committed citizens spoke before me. Their words were impactful, and I found myself reflecting deeply on their thoughts, which only enriched my own. Their invaluable advice to the graduating students provided essential insights that would help these young people transition seamlessly into society. This event offered me the perfect opportunity to remind the graduates of the need to prioritize societal development, driven by positive values. I shared with them a guiding principle that has always shaped my actions: the Socratic dictum, “the unexamined life is not worth living.” I urged them to examine their lives carefully and reflect on their true priorities. I reminded them that our academic degrees, leadership positions, and material possessions are ultimately meaningless unless we use them to serve humanity and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of our nation. As these young graduates step into the wider world, I encouraged them to focus on building a nation where people’s skills and hard work are matched by the opportunities available to them. This is the kind of nation we all deserve, a nation where every individual's potential can be fully realized. I also commended Nexford University for its commitment to education through a distance-learning system that offers flexibility, low cost, and convenience. This is a model we, as a nation, should support and encourage, especially within the tertiary education sector. Globally, some of the largest universities by student enrolment, such as Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in India, National University in Bangladesh, and Anadolu University in Turkey, have successfully created organised, flexible, and low-cost educational systems through distance learning. By empowering our youth with access to quality education, we are strengthening the very foundation of our nation and taking significant strides toward building the New Nigeria we all aspire to. It is POssible. -PO

Exactly one week after a petrol tanker explosion in Niger State killed nearly a hundred persons and injured many, another explosion has just been reported in Enugu leaving 15 persons dead. The frequency of occurrence of these tragic incidents is very concerning. This month alone, there have been at least 3 of such devastating accidents, across the country, resulting in the loss of precious lives and properties. We must begin to truly prioritise the safety and security of lives and property by implementing measures that drastically mitigate the occurrence of these accidents, which have now become too many. We need to focus on fixing our existing roads, implementing strict road safety measures and educating our people on observing the right protocols around accident scenes. My heart goes out to the families who are devastated by the loss of their loved ones to this terrible accident. I also sympathise with the government and people of Enugu State over this tragic occurrence. May God grant eternal rest to the dead and grant quick healing to the injured. May God grant us the fortitude to bear such irreplaceable loss. -PO