Ideas leave a trail.

Strengthening Development Through Partnership Yesterday, I met with the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Egloff, and we had a productive and engaging discussion on our country’s developmental journey, with particular emphasis on the critical sectors that drive development: education, healthcare, and lifting people out of poverty. I expressed my gratitude for the invaluable contributions of the Swiss Confederation to Nigeria’s development, especially its support for critical economic, cultural, humanitarian, and peace-building initiatives, particularly in the North-East. Building stronger partnerships founded on shared values and a commitment to human development remains essential to creating a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

My Condolences on the Jigawa Canoe Mishap I am deeply saddened by the tragic news emerging from the Malamawa community in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State, where at least 40 women and children are feared dead following a devastating canoe mishap. Losing such a significant number of citizens - especially women and children, who form the backbone of our families and the hope of our future - is a monumental tragedy for Jigawa State and our entire nation. My heart goes out to the grieving families who are enduring this unimaginable pain. I pray that the Almighty grants them the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss. As we mourn, let us also address the systemic failures that contribute to these recurring disasters. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace, and may God comfort all those affected by this profound tragedy. -PO

FIFA World Cup: A Gallant Finish The FIFA World Cup concluded successfully today, with the best team emerging victorious. This is yet another fitting birthday gift, further demonstrating that the youth have not only arrived but are proving that excellence, when given the opportunity, will always prevail. Today, competence, capacity, character, and capability were on full display. It is a powerful reminder that when young people are properly nurtured, entrusted with responsibility, and given the opportunity to lead, they deliver outstanding results. This is the spirit we must replicate across every sector of our national life. A New Nigeria is Possible, and it must be reflected in every endeavour that brings pride, progress, and honour to our nation. -PO

A Birthday Made Brighter by the Bravery of Our Troops at FGGC Monguno, Borno I wish to extend my profound appreciation and highest commendation to the gallant members of our Armed Forces who successfully thwarted a grave kidnapping attempt at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, Borno State, in the early hours of today, July 19, 2026, at about 1:30 a.m. Their prompt, decisive, and courageous intervention prevented what could have been a devastating national tragedy and saved many innocent students from the trauma of abduction. This act of bravery underscores the remarkable capability, resilience, and patriotism that our security personnel demonstrate when properly supported and equipped. Educational institutions must remain safe havens for learning and development, not targets for criminal elements. Every Nigerian child deserves the opportunity to pursue education without the fear of abduction or violence. While we celebrate this successful operation, it also reminds us of the urgent need to move beyond a reactive security posture towards a more proactive, intelligence-driven approach. Our security agencies must be provided with the necessary resources, motivation, and modern technology to detect and prevent threats before they occur. My sincere gratitude goes to our troops for their dedication, courage, and sacrifice. My thoughts are with the students, their families, and the entire FGGC Monguno community. As I mark my birthday today, this successful rescue effort is a gift that gladdens my heart — a reminder that, despite our challenges, there are still men and women who stand daily in defence of our nation and its future. We must continue to support them and remain united in our collective pursuit of a safer and more secure Nigeria. -PO

Reflections on My 65th Birthday Today, July 19, 2026, marks my 65th birthday. At sixty-five, birthdays should naturally become moments of deep reflection - moments to look back with gratitude to Almighty God for His abundant graces, examine the journey so far, and ask how the remaining years can be devoted more meaningfully to the service of God and humanity. Perhaps in countries where basic human needs have largely been met, where institutions function effectively, and where citizens enjoy a greater measure of security and dignity, such attainments may rightly call for elaborate celebrations. In Nigeria, however, our reality compels a different kind of reflection. Our nation is blessed with enormous human and natural resources, yet millions of our people continue to struggle with challenges that demand our collective attention. We cannot afford to celebrate ourselves excessively while many around us are burdened by poverty, ill health, unemployment, and limited opportunities. Rather, occasions such as this should remind us of our responsibility to contribute towards building a nation where future generations can genuinely celebrate. This is why I have always seen birthdays not merely as occasions for personal celebration, but as opportunities for sober reflection, thanksgiving, and a renewed commitment to service. As I reflected today, I came to a simple conclusion: the greatest celebration of life is not what we receive from others, but the lives we can touch positively. This conviction has guided my approach throughout my years in business, in the corporate world, and as Governor of Anambra State. In each of these roles, I have tried to see every privilege not as a personal entitlement but as an opportunity to improve the lives of others. Whenever people or institutions sought to celebrate me with expensive gifts or elaborate ceremonies, I encouraged them instead to redirect those resources towards projects that would have a lasting impact. Over the years, this philosophy has resulted in the building of schools, hostel blocks, support to schools, and other facilities that continue to benefit the less privileged. I have always believed that resources meant for personal comfort can often be transformed into instruments of hope for many. The greatest honour anyone can receive is not found in gifts, ceremonies, or public admiration, but in knowing that one’s life has contributed, however modestly, to making another person’s life better. Today, therefore, I give thanks to Almighty God for the gift of life and for bringing me to this important milestone of 65 years. I began the day with a Mass of Thanksgiving in Onitsha, thanking God for His grace, protection, guidance, and the countless blessings He has bestowed upon me over the years. After the Mass, I proceeded to St. Raphael’s Hospital, Umueri, a small rural hospital in Anambra East Local Government Area. In furtherance of my belief that birthdays should be occasions for service rather than self-indulgence, I donated the sum of ₦10 million to support the hospital’s work of providing quality healthcare to the people. As I was conducted around the hospital and saw patients in their moments of vulnerability, I was reminded again of our shared humanity. Some of those receiving care may not even have the financial means to settle their hospital bills, yet they deserve compassion, dignity, and access to quality healthcare. Their condition was a reminder that leadership, in its truest form, is about caring for people, especially those who cannot repay our kindness. Hospitals and schools remain two of the greatest investments any society can make. A hospital preserves life; a school shapes the future. Supporting both is, therefore, not just an act of charity - it is an investment in humanity and in the future of our nation.

Today, I paid a condolence visit to my dear brother, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, following the passing of his beloved mother. I prayed that Almighty God grants her eternal rest and comforts him, his family, and all who mourn her. I also visited the family of my departed elder brother, the highly revered Reverend Dr William Okoye, whose passing is a great loss to our nation and to humanity. Rev. Okoye lived a life of faith, sacrifice, and unwavering service to God and humanity. His legacy will continue to inspire generations. Thereafter, I paid a visit to a dear brother, Mr Isaac Fayose, who was also recently bereaved, to express my heartfelt sympathies and solidarity. In moments of grief, standing with one another is one of the greatest expressions of our shared humanity. I pray that Almighty God grants the departed eternal rest and comforts every family in mourning. -PO

Celebrating a Great Mind, Prof. Barth Nnaji, at 70 and Congratulating a Young Intellectual, Prof. Chimaeze Adi, on His Inspiring Inaugural Lecture Today, in Enugu, I joined other Nigerians of goodwill in celebrating a great mind—an accomplished scientist, innovator, and one of the pioneers of the E-Design concept—Prof. Barth Nnaji, as he marked his 70th birthday. The tributes paid to Prof. Nnaji by friends, associates, and admirers reflected the profound impact he has made in engineering, academia, public service, and the power sector. The occasion also brought back fond memories of my interactions with Prof. Nnaji, especially during my tenure as Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum. We worked closely together on the ambitious initiative to assume greater responsibility for power in the South-East, driven by our shared conviction that reliable electricity remains one of the strongest foundations for economic growth, industrialisation, and job creation. His depth of knowledge, clarity of vision, and practical approach left a lasting impression on all of us. May Prof. Nnaji’s light continue to shine ever more brightly. From Enugu, I travelled to Lagos to attend the inspiring 23rd Inaugural Lecture, “The End of Development Economics,” delivered by one of our country’s promising young intellectuals, Prof. Alpheus Bongo Chimaeze Adi of Pan-Atlantic University. The lecture addressed many important issues relating to economics and development. I first met Prof. Adi during my 2022 presidential campaign. Even then, he distinguished himself as one of our outstanding young intellectuals, demonstrating a profound understanding of economics and development issues. It was a fitting celebration of two remarkable minds from different generations, whose lives have been defined by excellence, innovation, patriotism, and commitment to Nigeria’s development. -PO

My Condolences to Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on the Passing of His Mother My dear brother, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved mother. Losing a parent, especially a matriarch who contributed so much to her family and community is a profound loss that words can scarcely comfort. On behalf of my family, I extend our deepest condolences to you, the entire Amaechi family, and all who are mourning this monumental loss. May God Almighty grant her eternal rest, and may He give you and your loved ones the strength, fortitude, and peace to bear this irreparable loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With my highest regards and deepest sympathy. -PO

Roadmap to a New Nigeria That Is Possible – Part II Education and Healthcare: The Foundation of a Renewed Nigeria Recall that on July 1st, in Part 1 of "My Vision for a Productive and Prosperous Nigeria," I outlined the broad framework of my proposed roadmap for national renewal. In it, I emphasised that the transformation of Nigeria must begin with rebuilding our human capital through quality education and healthcare, supported by reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), character and civic education, and strategic investments that will move our nation from a consumption-driven economy to a production-driven one. I promised to follow up with other parts in the coming weeks and months. Today, July 16th, in the middle of July, I wish to expand on these two critical pillars - education and healthcare - because they are the bedrock upon which every prosperous nation is built. They are the cornerstones of the foundation that will ensure that a son of nobody can become somebody and remove many from the ranks of the disaffected who often become tools in the insecurity challenges confronting us. Evidence from around the world shows that quality education and accessible healthcare are among the clearest distinctions between thriving nations and lagging ones. Princeton University Nobel Prize-winning economist Angus Deaton highlights this reality in his book, “The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality.” Nothing, therefore, could be further from the truth than the claim by some young people that “education is a scam.” Education, when combined with good health, provides the ladder for individual upward mobility and drives economic growth for the nation. We must become more intentional about aligning education with our national priorities, as Singapore did, and challenge our country to value education in the same way Deng Xiaoping repeatedly urged China to do from 1978 onwards, with the remarkable transformation we see today. We will work through commissions that strengthen collaboration among the tiers of government, ensuring that primary education is domiciled at the community and local government levels, with strong parental involvement and curricula that are sensitive to local economic factor endowments and the value chains derived from them. State governments will be supported to expand high-quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as general secondary education, through targeted grants and incentives. We are also developing schemes that will enable universities to focus more deliberately on specialised areas of teaching and research, making them globally competitive while producing a workforce equipped for the demands of the future. A NEW Nigeria is POssible. -PO

It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the homegoing of my elder brother, Rev. Dr. William Okoye, a distinguished servant of God whose life was defined by deep faith, sacrificial service, and commitment to raising men and women of integrity. Rev. Okoye belonged to that rare generation of spiritual leaders who understood that the true measure of ministry is not in the size of its platforms but in the depth of its impact on humanity. Through his teachings, leadership, and personal example, he inspired countless people to live lives of purpose, righteousness, discipline, and hope. His passing is a great loss to his family, the entire All Christians Fellowship Mission (ACFM), the Body of Christ, and our dear nation, Nigeria, at a time when our country yearns for voices that unite, heal, and inspire people to pursue justice, peace, and compassion. As we mourn, we also celebrate a life well lived—a life poured out in faithful service to God and humanity. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the values he embodied and the lives he transformed will continue to speak for generations. May his memory continue to challenge us to live selflessly, love sincerely, and labour faithfully for the advancement of God’s kingdom and the building of a just, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. -PO

The news of the abduction of a school principal, students, and a NECO official in Kogi State while the students were writing their examination is both heartbreaking and deeply troubling. That innocent children can no longer go to school, study, or sit for a national examination without the fear of criminal violence is a stark reminder of how far insecurity has eroded the sanctity of our educational institutions and the safety of our citizens. This is happening at a time when education is our most needed asset for development and growth. Our schools must never become theatres of fear; they should symbolise hope and the promise of a better future, not terror and uncertainty. I call on the relevant security agencies to act with urgency, deploy every available resource, and ensure the safe and unconditional rescue of all those abducted. At the same time, government at all levels must take deliberate steps to strengthen security around our schools and restore public confidence in our education system. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected families, the school community, and the people of Kogi State. We cannot continue to normalise these recurring tragedies. A nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its children is mortgaging its future. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Nigeria in Focus at the ECFR Berlin Roundtable. Yesterday, at the invitation of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), I had the honour of participating in a high-level roundtable discussion titled “Nigeria in 2027 and Beyond,” held at the ECFR office in Berlin, Germany. The dialogue brought together policymakers, diplomats, development experts, business leaders, representatives of international organisations, and members of the international media to discuss Nigeria’s future and its role in an increasingly interconnected global landscape. Our discussions centred on Nigeria’s democratic journey beyond 2027, international affairs, development cooperation, and the need to strengthen bilateral partnerships that can accelerate economic growth and improve the lives of our people. A key focus of the engagement was how Nigeria can deepen collaboration with international partners to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), recognising that they remain the backbone of every productive economy and are indispensable to job creation, innovation, wealth creation, and sustainable national development. We also exchanged views on strengthening democratic institutions, expanding trade and investment opportunities, promoting regional stability, improving governance, and creating an enabling environment that inspires confidence among citizens, investors, and Nigeria’s international partners. I was encouraged by the thoughtful contributions and genuine interest demonstrated by participants in Nigeria’s future. The presence of senior representatives from the German Federal Government, development agencies, business associations, policy institutes, foundations, international organisations, and respected global media organisations underscores the strategic importance of Nigeria and the shared desire to see our nation realise its enormous potential. During the discussions, I reiterated my unwavering belief that Nigeria possesses all the human and natural resources required to become a prosperous, secure, and globally competitive nation. What is required is competent, accountable, and compassionate leadership that prioritises investment in people, education, healthcare, productive enterprise, the rule of law, and strong institutions over politics of consumption. Nigeria’s future is bright, but only if we make the deliberate choices that will move our country from consumption to production, from poverty to prosperity, and from division to unity. By embracing good governance, fiscal responsibility, and productive partnerships with the international community, we can build an economy that works for all Nigerians and restores our nation’s standing among the comity of nations. I sincerely thank the European Council on Foreign Relations for the invitation and all participants for a frank, engaging, and constructive exchange of ideas. Conversations such as these remain vital in fostering mutual understanding, strengthening international cooperation, and building enduring partnerships for the benefit of Nigeria, Africa, and the global community. A New Nigeria Is POssible. - PO

Suspension of Examination Fees: A Victory for the People I received the welcome news of the suspension of the newly introduced examination fees with relief. This is a victory for the Nigerian people. While I commend the authorities for listening to the widespread public outcry and suspending the policy, it must be said that the fee was an unnecessary burden that should never have been introduced at this time of great hardship, when we should be doing everything possible to invest in basic education and reduce the millions of out-of-school children in Nigeria. At a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, access to education should be expanded, not restricted. Education is a fundamental right and a public good, not a source of government revenue. Imposing multiple fees at the basic education level risks denying many children their right to education. At that stage, the State has a duty to invest in educating and preparing its citizens for productive lives, not to erect financial barriers that keep them out of school. True leadership is demonstrated not only by making decisions but also by having the humility to reverse policies that impose unnecessary hardship on the people. Many other anti-people policies deserve similar reconsideration. I thank the citizens, parents, and advocacy groups whose voices made this reversal possible. A New Nigeria is Possible. -PO

The Unending Killings in Benue and Plateau- Worrisome. The tragic news of yet another round of killings in Benue and Plateau States is both painful and deeply disturbing. The reported murder of at least sixteen innocent Nigerians in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State, alongside the horrific killing of nine members of the same family, a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, once again reminds us that the relentless cycle of bloodshed in parts of our country has persisted for far too long. For years, families in Benue, Plateau and other communities across Nigeria have lived under the constant shadow of fear, violence and displacement. Mothers have buried their children, children have become orphans overnight, farmers have abandoned their lands, and entire communities have been left devastated. We cannot continue to accept this tragic cycle as though it were normal. It is not. The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Every Nigerian life is sacred, and every life lost is one too many. These are not mere statistics; they are fathers, mothers, children, breadwinners and future leaders whose dreams have been violently cut short. The time has come to move beyond routine condemnations after every attack. Nigerians deserve a security architecture that is proactive rather than reactive, driven by intelligence, rapid response and accountability. Those responsible for these atrocities must be identified, arrested and prosecuted. The culture of impunity must end. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and to the governments and people of Benue and Plateau States. I pray that God grants comfort to all who mourn, healing to the injured, and strength to every community struggling to rebuild after these repeated tragedies. This is not about politics; it is about humanity. We must summon the collective will to secure our nation and restore hope to our people. No country can develop when its citizens live in fear, and no society can prosper when innocent blood continues to flow unchecked. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

The Role of the Diaspora African in Sustainable Development On Friday, July 10, 2026, I had the honour of delivering the keynote address at Mandela Hall, African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York, on _The Role of the Diaspora African in Sustainable Development across Africa. Africa is a continent of immense riches. Indeed, it is the richest continent in the world, not only because of its vast mineral resources but also because of its greatest asset, its people. It is the second largest continent by landmass, after Asia, covering more than 30 million square kilometres. It is also the second most populous continent, with over 1.5 billion people. Significantly, more than one billion of these are young people in their productive years, making Africa home to the largest youthful workforce in the world. When this demographic advantage is combined with nearly one billion hectares of arable land, about 60% of which remains uncultivated, it becomes clear that Africa possesses everything required not only to feed itself but also to become the food capital of the world. Regrettably, despite this enormous potential, Africa remains home to the largest concentration of the world’s poorest people. Of the approximately 800 million people living in extreme poverty globally, nearly 60% are in Africa. That is about 480 million people, with Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo among the countries most affected. In other words, nearly one in every three Africans lives in extreme poverty. Likewise, in multidimensional poverty, Africa continues to bear the greatest burden. The question, therefore, is simple. With all these advantages, why has Africa not been able to lift its people out of poverty? It means there is a missing link. That missing link is Competent Leadership with Capacity, Compassion, Character, and Commitment to good governance. What Africa needs is leadership that will rise to the challenge and drive the continent in the right direction. This means competent leadership with character, capacity, compassion and commitment to begin turning the continent around. When we get leadership right, everything else begins to change. We start realising our true potential. So, what is the role of the Diaspora African in this journey? You have an enormous role to play. Because you live in societies where institutions largely work, where democracy is strengthened by accountability and where systems function more effectively, you have both an opportunity and a responsibility to help build Africa. It is time to become stronger advocates for good governance. Even where you cannot vote, your voices matter. They should be heard both at home and abroad whenever things are going wrong on our continent. Stand firmly for what is right. Speak truth to the leaders who visit you. Let them know where they are getting it wrong. That is what some of us have continued to do. The contribution of the African diaspora extends far beyond advocacy. History teaches us that many of the world’s great economic transformations were driven, in part, by their diaspora communities. Japan offers one example. Following the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the country embraced modernisation and benefited immensely from Japanese scholars, professionals and citizens who studied and worked abroad, especially in Germany, before returning home to drive the technological transformation for which Japan is admired today. China presents another remarkable example. It was under Deng Xiaoping’s reforms, beginning in 1978, that China embraced education, innovation and global engagement. These reforms created opportunities for the Chinese diaspora to contribute significantly to the country’s extraordinary economic transformation. In 1980, China had more people living in poverty than Africa. Today, China has reduced extreme poverty dramatically, while Africa continues to struggle with the challenge.

The Disheartening Humiliation of Prof. Aghaji Every day in this country, we find ourselves in a bizarre situation that we find difficult to understand: where we are and how we got to this uncivilised behaviour and rascality. Worse still, when you try to bring these abnormalities to the attention of those concerned, they resort to abuse instead of appreciation. Just this morning, my attention was drawn to the disrespectful and humiliating circumstances surrounding the apprehension of Professor Martin Aghaji, a distinguished 74-year-old medical expert. This man was not invited, nor was any direct contact made with him. Instead, they invaded his home at Independent Layout, Enugu, in the dead of the night, at 2 a.m., to arrest him in front of his visiting daughter. As an internationally recognised cardiothoracic surgeon, esteemed academic, and elder statesman, Professor Aghaji warrants a considerable degree of respect, both because of his advanced age and his substantial contributions to our nation. More importantly, however, every Nigerian, irrespective of status or profession, deserves to be treated with dignity and in accordance with the rule of law. After the humiliation of breaking into his house and whisking him away from Enugu to Lagos for three days, all he got was, “Sorry, we made a mistake.” The public outcry concerning the state’s handling of Professor Aghaji’s case highlights a wider conflict between the actions of state security agencies and the imperative to safeguard professional integrity and individual dignity. Such conduct directed at a 74-year-old might not only exacerbate the critical “brain drain” but also severely damage the country’s already precarious healthcare infrastructure. This incident brings to mind the similar mistreatment of a medical practitioner in Akwa Ibom, which prompted the Nigeria Medical Association to consider a nationwide strike. Fortunately, due to prompt intervention, a formal public apology was issued to the affected doctor. The practice of treating highly regarded, ethical professionals - and indeed any Nigerian - like common criminals sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law across all sectors. Therefore, we must conduct ourselves with civility in the discharge of our public duties. A superior and renewed Nigeria is indeed POssible. -PO

The Children's Safe Return Is Worthy of Thanksgiving. I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped. I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes. While we celebrate this happy outcome, we must remember that no child should ever have to endure such trauma. The recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly of schoolchildren, underscore the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture and make the protection of lives and property the foremost responsibility of government. Our children deserve to learn in an atmosphere of safety, not fear. We must continue to work towards building a Nigeria where every child can pursue education without the threat of violence or abduction. I rejoice with the children, their families, their schools, and all Nigerians on this heartening development. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Farewell to a Faithful Shepherd I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Benin City Ecclesiastical Province, who returned to the Lord yesterday. The news is particularly poignant because it comes after I recently had the privilege of seeing him as the homilist at the Thanksgiving Mass marking the 90th birthday of Anthony Cardinal Okogie. I also cherish the warm moments we shared on that memorable occasion. Archbishop Akubeze was a remarkable and compassionate shepherd - a courageous voice of truth who served the Church and our nation with distinction. As former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), he provided exemplary leadership, championing spiritual renewal, justice, peace, and the integral development of the human person. His humility, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel will remain an inspiration, while his dedication to the welfare of God’s people will never be forgotten. On behalf of my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Archdiocese of Benin City, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the entire Catholic faithful, and his loved ones. May the Lord whom he served so faithfully receive him into His eternal glory, grant him eternal rest, and console all who mourn his passing. -PO

A Wife’s Tears, A Nation’s Conscience: Let Justice Have a Heart. I woke this morning in America and was deeply moved by an emotional viral video of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, prompting deep reflection on our nation’s future. Regardless of the allegations against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai or any other citizen, justice must be transparent and fair, with reasonable bail conditions that should not be seen as punitive before trial. In a democracy governed by the rule of law, institutions exist to protect every citizen's rights, regardless of their background. We must resist any hint of selective justice that erodes public trust and threatens national unity. Those tasked with enforcing our laws must act professionally and strictly follow due process. Let us strive for a Nigeria where the law is paramount, and where every citizen is guaranteed dignity and justice. This is the foundation of the New Nigeria we envisage. -PO

Worsening Leadership Crisis in the Country Now Evident The ultimate cost of uncompassionate leadership, as evident in the country today, is turning citizens’ frustration into deep, volatile resentment. It is even more traumatising when the leader presiding over that collapse demonstrates clear incapacity and a lack of compassion. The government and people of Oyo State, more than 50 days after the abduction of the schoolchildren without any tangible effort toward their rescue, should rightly feel bitter and abandoned. Since this unfortunate incident, I have spoken publicly about it twice, including appealing directly to the kidnappers to release the children. I also called the Governor twice to assure him of my solidarity, understanding that this issue is not just an Oyo problem but a Nigerian tragedy. On Friday, July 3, I decided to travel to Ibadan with Prof. Pat Utomi to express solidarity with the Governor, as more than 50 days had elapsed without the rescue of the children and with numerous others still being held captive across the country. During our two-hour meeting, I shared my experience in addressing insecurity as Governor of Anambra State. I recalled how President Olusegun Obasanjo, and later Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, would personally call us several times whenever we faced major security challenges. But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu. I remember the only case of a school kidnapping during President Goodluck Jonathan’s era - the Chibok girls. It drew local and international attention. Even though the security agencies provided almost daily updates on their efforts, Nigerians and the rest of the world were outraged that it took President Jonathan over two weeks to call the then State chief Executive. I vividly recall that the current President, Bola Tinubu, led a team of vocal critics who called for President Jonathan’s immediate resignation over the incident, citing his delay in calling the state governor. That call for IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION should actually be the case in this matter. Today, under President Tinubu, there have been more than 13 school kidnappings, yet the President has found it difficult to call the affected state’s chief executive after more than 50 days (over 7 weeks). This is outrageous. I suspect the same may also have been the case in other school kidnapping incidents. I cannot imagine any issue more important than the lives of our kidnapped children, their teachers, and the many other Nigerians being held captive across the country. It is now an indisputable fact that governance has completely collapsed under this administration. The situation reflects a total lack of capacity and compassion, compounded by glaring insensitivity. Amid such an apparent display of incompetence, the President should either resign or, at the very least, abstain from seeking re-election for the sake of our dear country. This call is patriotic, not political. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO