Ideas leave a trail.

In tradition with my policy of celebrating with the distressed in our society, during seasons of celebration, yesterday being Christmas, I visited the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Onitsha, where I joined the Archbishop of Onitsha and Grand Patron of the Nigerian Correctional Centres, to spend time and interact with our brothers and sisters undergoing rehabilitation in the center. I was impressed, on my visit today, to see that, through the intervention of Archbishop Okeke, their Skill Acquisition Centre is fully operational, and the inmates are already being equipped with different productive skills. Aside from the Skill Acquisition Centre, I was happy to learn that the inmates can now take their National Business and Technical Examinations Board examinations at the Centre. Moreover, the National Open University of Nigeria now has its study center in the correctional facility. As one who believes deeply in human development through education as a critical tool for national development, I find the establishment of these educational facilities very commendable. I sincerely appreciate Archbishop Valerian Okeke for his constant intervention and immeasurable contributions to the correctional facility, and society at large. I urge the government to replicate such positive developments across the other correctional centers in the country. This will greatly go a long way in rehabilitating the inmates, who are mainly youths in the correctional facilities, and prepare them to live more positive lives and contribute productively to societal development. A New Nigeria Remains POssible. -PO

In this season of Christmas, I join the entire Christendom to celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. May we take a moment to remind ourselves of the true spirit of Christmas, which is a season of love, peace, and kindness - such values that are more important to us now than ever, especially as our nation battles many unprecedented challenges? Amid the many challenges plaguing our nation, the season of Christmas reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a new dawn. At such times as this, we must, therefore, in the spirit of love, prioritize the well-being of one another, help the poor, feed the hungry, and show love to everyone. On this unique occasion, may we renew our spirit of unity, look beyond the walls of tribe and religion that have always separated us as a people, and lift our nation to God in prayers, even as we all continue to work together for a better nation. Merry Christmas to you! A New Nigeria remains POssible. -PO

Yesterday, I visited one of our Obidient family members, Ijeoma, who is currently receiving care in a hospital in Abuja. Her resilience reminded me of the countless individuals across Nigeria who are in similar situations—hospitalized and in need of support, compassion, and care. As we enter the festive season, I urge everyone to extend a hand of kindness to those in need. Even the smallest gestures, whether through prayers, kind words, thoughtful visits, or tangible support, can have a profound impact on their lives. Let us be reminded that the most critical foundation for a nation's development is a healthy and educated population. A society cannot thrive without prioritizing the well-being, education, and lifting them out of poverty. As we celebrate the season, let us make it a time of care, compassion, and kindness for those who need it most. A new, healthy Nigeria is POssible! -PO

College of Nursing Sciences, Mbano, Imo State. Following my commitment to the development of the nation through investment in the critical areas of health and education, I had the pleasure of giving a modest financial support of ten Million (=N=10M) to the College of Nursing Sciences, Mbano, Imo State, over the weekend. I am delighted with the consistent growth the Institution, which started as a School of Nursing, has recorded, that today, they are now a College of Nursing Sciences, producing well-trained nurses and midwives for our society. I am confident that my contribution to the College will go a long way in contributing to its growth. In these very challenging times in our nation, our educational and health institutions, which are at the center of our national development, deserve our support more than ever. This has informed my persistent call for more government funding to these critical institutions rather than investing our scarce resources in indulging our selfish excesses as leaders. More funding to these educational and health institutions will not only drive national development but will enable us to raise an educated and healthy population that will contribute immeasurably to moving our nation from consumption to production. I sincerely appreciate everyone whose effort, finance, and time have gone into making our education and health sectors better. Our efforts in building a better nation will surely give us the New Nigeria we all deserve. It is POssible. -PO

The latest directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) placing some restrictions on the distribution of palliatives to the less privileged in our midst is disturbing. Even though the directive is a timely response to the series of tragedies recorded across the country recently, and the IG's honest reaction to the challenges of the prevailing economic hardship, it's open to abuse. It is capable of discouraging citizens from helping the hungry and distressed among us. While I understand the need for better organization and more attention to public safety, it is important to clarify that acts of goodwill should not be hindered by excessive bureaucracy. Rather than requiring people to seek permission to assist those in need, we should encourage them to find better, more organized ways to offer such help. The focus should be on promoting coordination, not imposing barriers that could deter much-needed acts of kindness in a time of widespread hunger, pain, and anger. This is not the time to stifle the spirit of compassion and generosity among our people. Instead, let us channel these efforts constructively, ensuring that help reaches the most vulnerable safely and efficiently. The government must also do more to address the root causes of this hardship, providing lasting solutions rather than creating obstacles for those stepping in to fill the gaps created by government’s insensitive policies. I urge the IGP to immediately review this directive and ensure that the police fosters collaboration and support, not division and discouragement, in our shared quest to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. -PO

While still in mourning mood over the precious lives lost due to tragic incidents stemming from the distribution of palliatives, I am deeply pained that such occurrences are a reflection of the severe hunger and poverty currently ravaging our nation. My heartfelt condolences go to the affected families, communities, and states. The recent arrest of the organizers of a palliative distribution program in Oyo state, spearheaded by the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, has come to my attention. I want to make a heartfelt appeal to the government to reconsider this action. Acts of goodwill, even when they unintentionally result in unfortunate outcomes, should not be criminalized. This particular initiative was intended to alleviate suffering and bring relief to the people. If accountability is to be sought, it should begin with the leaders and policymakers whose cumulative actions—or inactions—have inflicted the widespread hardship and suffering we see today. It is the systemic failure of governance, not the efforts of well-meaning individuals, that should be scrutinized. As a nation, we must collectively retrace our steps and prioritize policies and actions that uplift the lives of our people. Let us redirect our focus toward creating a system where no citizen is left desperate for necessities. In doing so, we can begin to rebuild trust and ensure that tragedies like these are not repeated. -PO

I am deeply saddened and distressed by the tragic loss of lives in desperate searches for food. A few days ago, about 35 people, mostly children, lost their lives in a stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State. This morning, reports emerged of at least 10 people losing their lives in Abuja while scrambling for palliatives, with many others injured. Now, I just heard that about 19 more lives were lost in another stampede in Okija, Anambra State, as people struggled to receive food items. While I will not cast blame, but instead appreciate the organizers of these respective events for their kind gestures in providing palliatives and support to society, especially the poor, these tragedies reflect the systemic failures that plague our society. The desperate quest for survival in these harsh economic times has driven our people to extremes in their search for food, often at the cost of their lives. How do we explain that in a nation blessed with abundant resources, our people are dying of hunger in such numbers? How is it possible that we cannot feed our citizens despite the vast, fertile lands our nation is endowed with? My heart bleeds. One can only imagine the pain their families are enduring at this moment. My heart goes out to them. I sincerely commiserate with all the affected families and the good people of Oyo, Anambra, and the FCT over these tragic incidents. May God grant them, and all of us, the strength to bear these painful losses. May God Almighty grant the departed souls eternal rest, and may the injured recover swiftly. -PO

I like to commend Governor Ademola Adeleke for stepping in to prevent the inhumane punishment of death by hanging for the theft of a fowl and eggs—an offense for which the individual had already spent 14 years in prison. That sentence alone far exceeded the demands of justice, if the crime warranted such consideration in the first place. This case underscores the harsh inequalities of the Nigerian legal system. If you dare to speak freely, you are treated as a criminal and silenced. If you embezzle billions of public funds, you are celebrated, even when caught and taken to court. Yet, those pursuing honest, legitimate businesses are burdened by oppressive regulations and treated with suspicion, as though success through integrity is a crime. It is a system that rewards impunity while punishing integrity—a stark indictment of our need for urgent judicial reform and genuine accountability in governance. -PO

Today, after my visit, in the morning, to the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu to sympathize with and encourage one of us and his family, over the ghastly gas explosion that affected his siblings, I headed to Anambra to commiserate with a renowned professor of pathology, Prof Gershon Ejeckam, over the sudden death of his only son and practising doctor, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ejeckam, who died in Qatar recently. I also commiserated with his immediate family over the loss. The pain of losing a very promising child who is also contributing productively to societal growth cannot be measured. From there, I headed to Onitsha to commiserate with one of our very dedicated teachers, a good disciplinarian and our Vice Principal back in my secondary school, Christ The King College, Onitsha, over 40 years ago, Mr Anthony Onyebuchi Ibeziako, who lost his wife at the age of 91. I pray God to grant eternal rest to the souls of the Late Dr. Chukwuemeka Ejeckam and the Late Lady Kushnell Ibeziako and grant the entire Ejeckam and Ibeziako families and all of us, the fortitude to bear their irreplaceable losses. May God protect and bless the Ejeckam and Ibeziako families always. -PO

Today, I visited the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu following the heartbreaking news of a ghastly gas explosion that occurred a few days ago at the home of one of our Obidient family members, @Uptownoflagos . The tragic incident left three of his brothers with severe third-degree burns. I was there to offer my support and prayers during this challenging time. Such an unfortunate event weighs heavily on us all. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone facing similar challenges across the country. I continue to pray for their complete recovery and that God Almighty grants them healing, strength, and comfort. As we work toward building a nation where safety, healthcare, and basic amenities are prioritized, let us remain united and supportive of one another. -PO

A few days ago, after receiving distressing news of the abduction of an Archbishop Emeritus, Godwin Okpala, I immediately made a passionate appeal to his kidnappers for his release. It is deeply troubling and unfortunate that, after 10 days, the 75-year-old revered prelate - old enough to be a father or grandfather to the abductors - remains in captivity. I once again appeal to the conscience of the abductors to release His Grace on compassionate grounds and put an end to all actions that endanger lives and undermine humanity. -PO

Your Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, as you mark your 82nd birthday anniversary today, on behalf of my family, I sincerely congratulate you. May God Almighty grant you many more healthy and happy years ahead. -PO https://t.co/XZ5741Kype

Today, we celebrate the birthday of our dear Pope Francis, the head of the Universal Catholic Church. It is a fitting day to appreciate God for blessing humanity with such an extraordinary leader whose mission is deeply rooted in his commitment to serving the poor and marginalized in society. In Pope Francis, the world has witnessed that serving the poor and downtrodden is an essential expression of the Christian faith. His unwavering dedication to charity led him to establish the World Day of the Poor in 2017, an annual event observed by the Catholic Church on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time. Pope Francis stands out for his relentless pursuit of peace and justice in the world. He remains a strong advocate for social justice, often speaking out against poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. He has consistently championed global peace, emphasizing non-violent politics, dialogue, and the respect for human rights as pathways to a better world. As the Pontiff marks his 88th birthday today, I join the global community in celebrating this remarkable man of peace and compassion. May God continue to bless him with many more years of good health, strength, and wisdom. Happy birthday, Pope Francis. -PO

I have just received the heartbreaking news of a ghastly gas explosion that occurred yesterday at the house of one of our Obidient family members, @Uptownoflagos, leaving three of his brothers with severe third-degree burns. They are currently receiving treatment in one of our National Orthopaedic Hospitals. Such a mishap coming at this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those going through similar situations across the country. I pray for their complete and speedy recovery, and for the medical team to be guided in providing the best possible care. May God Almighty grant them healing, strength, and comfort, and uphold their entire family during this trying period. -PO

Nigeria was again the starlight in Continental soccer as our own Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, was crowned the African Footballer of the Year 2024, while Super Falcon's goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, is again crowned the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year 2024 at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards. And to crown it all, the female national team, the Super Falcons, won the continent's Women's National Team of the Year at the same awards. I sincerely congratulate our very dear sportsmen and women who, through these awards, have written their names in gold and brought honor to our nation. Thank you for your hard work, efforts, skills, and excellence which brought you thus far. Sports has not only been a strong unifying factor for us in Nigeria but has proven to be a means of job creation for our talented youths. Moments of victory like this remind us of what we can accomplish as a nation in the area of sports if we invest more in the sector. For a youthful population like ours, sports remains a very important sector and we must give it the adequate attention it deserves. A New Nigeria remains POssible! -PO

Madonna College of Health Technology, Olokoro. Following my visit to the Women Fellowship Pastoral Project, Umuahia, and my commitment to supporting the critical sectors of health, education, and fighting poverty, I visited Madonna College of Health Technology, Olokoro, Abia State, where I donated N10 million to the institution. Madonna College of Health trains health professionals who will contribute, in many ways, to a better health sector in the nation. With our health sector in Nigeria suffering from a severe shortage of health professionals, institutions like these that serve to bridge the gap by contributing immeasurably to the training of health professionals should be supported to do more. As I continue to support, in my way, the health and educational institutions across the country, I remain firm in my call for increased government funding in these critical sectors of health and education, in our nation. We must begin to prioritize the future of our nation by making such aggressive investments today in these critical sectors. I took time to encourage the students to look beyond their academic journey and see themselves as critical contributors to the development of our nation and change agents contributing to a better humanity. This, I believe, will help them make productive contributions to society. I appreciate the proprietor, the management, and the staff of the College for their good work. Together, we all will build the New Nigeria we all deserve. It is POssible. -PO

Women Fellowship Pastoral Project, Umuahia. Yesterday, while in Abia State, I visited the Women Fellowship Pastoral Project, Umuahia, an initiative of Methodist women to fight poverty among women through women empowerment and skills acquisition. I was happy to present to them my kind donation of N10 million. With the female population consisting of about 50% of our population, educating and training our women through different skills and trades will not only empower them to support their families economically but will contribute to the overall reduction of poverty in the country. In Bangladesh, for example, where the textile industry is the highest exporter of products, women are said to make up about 80% of the workforce in the garment industry. This can be achieved in Nigeria through adequate education, training, and skill acquisition for our women. I thank the founders of the Women Fellowship Pastoral Project and all who contributed to its success. Like I always say, our productive contributions to our nation are the force upon which we will build the New Nigeria. It is quite POssible! -PO

Today, I was a guest at two special and memorable events, a Guest Speaker in 2 remarkable institutions in Abia State; first at Methodist College, Uzuakoli, celebrating its Centenary Anniversary and then at the Annual Meeting of Government Boys College Umuahia, which was hosted by their Class of 1974, celebrating their 50 years as Alumni members. Through many decades of educational growth and development, these renowned institutions have raised many national figures whose contributions to our national development remain immeasurable. For example, Methodist College Umuahia produced the Late Dr Michael Okpara, the first premier of the Eastern Region of Nigeria; the Late Clement Isong who was the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and an elected Governor of Cross River State, and a fine jurist, Sir Egbert Udo Udoma, a former judge of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, to mention but a few. Government Boys College Umuahia produced best-selling authors like Chinua Achebe, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Elechi Amadi, Christopher Okigbo, and so on. In my little contribution, I appreciate everyone who has, in any way, contributed to the sustenance of educational growth in both institutions through these years. In interacting with the students, I encouraged them to always appreciate the formation they receive from their teachers both in learning and in character. I urged them to always look up to their old boys, who have grown to become responsible members of society, contributing productively to our national development. I also leveraged the opportunity to call on the alumni body to remain supportive of the institutions as a way of giving back to society through investment in education. The seeds of educational investments we sow today will grow into the harvest of national development in New Nigeria, which is possible. -PO

Having watched the interview with Donu Kogbara on Arise TV and considering the concerns she raised, I felt it was important to visit her. As I have always maintained, leadership and personal growth are deeply tied to the ability to listen, learn, and engage with a variety of perspectives. I sincerely thank her for the warm reception and useful discussion we had. These kinds of interactions enhance understanding and pave the way for constructive dialogue. -PO

Yesterday, Monday, I joined the global community to commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day, and today, Tuesday, I am again adding my voice to that of the global community as we mark Human Rights Day. Human rights, as we understand, is a global desire that demonstrates the inalienable rights to which every human being, of course including every Nigerian, irrespective of tribe, social status, or religion, is entitled. It is said that Human rights are the foundation for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. On a day like this, therefore, we ought to judge for ourselves how we have progressed or retrogressed in respecting the human rights of our citizens. As much as I would like to sing the praises of our nation, however, the obvious realities witnessed daily by Nigerians are saddening. The gross disrespect for the human rights of the citizens, abuse of power and public offices, extrajudicial arrests and punishments for perceived wrongs, and so many other manifestations of human rights abuse stare us in the face and are very worrisome. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently reported that it receives more than two million complaints annually regarding human rights abuses across Nigeria. It is worth noting that millions of others have neither the willpower to stand up against the abuse of their rights nor the voice to speak out and seek help. Our nation has sadly remained notorious for human rights abuse. We have been ranked 21st among the countries with the worst record for human rights and rule of law violations in the world in 2022. We are also ranked the 15th weakest state out of 177 countries measured on the Fragile State Index for 2023. Aside from continually denying the citizens their right to freedom of speech, we are now among West Africa's most dangerous and difficult countries for journalists. We must, therefore, discontinue this dangerous path of ruin, which continues to hamper our development. Respect for the rule of law and human rights remains the biggest intangible asset any nation can have, which not only fosters peace in the country but makes it attractive to foreign investors and external organizations. By the commemoration of today's event, I hope we, the leaders, will begin to champion the respect of the rights of our people. I also hope that we, the people, begin to tear down the walls of tribe and religion and begin to appreciate and respect one another as humans. A New Nigeria remains POssible. -PO