Supporting Healthcare Education with My Visit to Ibadan’s Nursing Institution.
After attending the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church, I proceeded to the College of Nursing Sciences, Oluyoro, Ibadan, where I interacted with the management and students of the institution.
I reiterated my belief that education remains one of the strongest foundations for building a better nation, especially in critical sectors such as healthcare. The training of competent healthcare professionals is essential to improving the quality of care and strengthening our national development.
In keeping with my earlier commitment to continually support the institution, I donated another ₦10 million to assist the College in its important work of training future nurses and healthcare professionals. This is part of my continued commitment to investing in education and supporting initiatives that contribute to Nigeria’s future.
I also encouraged the students to take their studies seriously, reminding them that nurses occupy a vital place in the healthcare system. Their skills, compassion, and dedication are needed not only in Nigeria but across the world. I urged them to pursue excellence, uphold the highest standards of professionalism, and become worthy ambassadors of our country.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
WE WILL NOT ALLOW APC TO TAKE OSUN BACK TO THE DAYS WHEN CIVIL SERVANTS HAD TO BEG THEIR NEIGHBOURS FOR FOOD.
I call on the good people of Osun State to brace up for just a few more days.
Those who once weaponized poverty by paying workers half salaries, leaving civil servants to struggle to feed their families, and denying our people access to basic necessities are desperate to return to inflict more pain.
We must never go back to those dark days.
On August 15, I urge every eligible voter to send a clear and resounding message that Osun has chosen the path of progress, compassion, and good governance.
Together, we will protect the mandate of the people and keep Osun moving forward ACCORDINGLY.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of being the Guest Speaker at the Babcock International Model United Nations (BIMUN 26), held at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, under the theme: “Better Together: A Decade of BIMUN Advancing the United Nations Vision for Peace, Development, and Human Rights.”
Before the students’ session, I had the pleasure of meeting with the University’s leadership, where we shared thoughts on the critical role of education in nation-building and sustainable development. I must commend the University’s management for their commitment to learning and excellence. I was truly impressed by the institution’s serene environment and the palpable culture of learning.
Engaging with these brilliant young minds on governance, leadership, human rights, the Sustainable Development Goals, and nation-building was both inspiring and reassuring. I reminded them that we must strive to build a society where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody, a nation founded on merit, justice, equal opportunity, and strong institutions. Such a society can only be built through competent, compassionate, and character-driven leadership.
Africa has the world’s youngest population. If we are to build a more peaceful, prosperous, and equitable future, our young people cannot afford to remain on the sidelines. They must take a keener interest in leadership, governance, and active citizenship, because the future they desire is one they must help shape.
I remain confident that with the right leadership and an empowered youth population, we can build a nation that works for everyone.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Here is a man who had the best Higher School Certificate result in the old Northern Region in 1962 and who rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church to become a Cardinal, a position that places him among those eligible to be considered for the papacy. Yet he is no ordinary cleric. He is one of Africa’s most respected churchmen, known for decades of service to peace, dialogue, scholarship, and national unity. Resorting to personal attacks against him weakens public discourse and reveals an unhealthy intolerance of criticism in today’s Nigerian political space.
Throughout history, religious leaders have challenged political authorities. Biblical prophets confronted kings, and modern faith communities continue to hold governments accountable. Nigeria has a similar tradition. The Catholic Church criticised military governments and successive civilian administrations, including those of Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari. Muslim organisations have done likewise. Governments respectfully disagreed at times, but they generally recognised the right and responsibility of religious bodies to speak. Why, then, does the truth provoke such anger today?
The problem often begins when leaders surround themselves with voices that tell them only what they want to hear. Napoleon Bonaparte was reputed to have preferred hearing bad news because problems were where leadership was required. During my tenure as Governor of Anambra State, I maintained a similar philosophy. I expected cabinet members to bring me problems, not compliments, because only honest feedback could lead to solutions.
Good governance depends on truth. When governments punish truth-tellers and reward sycophants with appointments, honest advisers withdraw, sycophancy thrives, and leaders become disconnected from reality. This is our situation today.
The CBCN did not insult the President and can never do so, given the calibre of the people who make up the Conference, some of the finest among Nigerians. It gave voice to the suffering of Nigerians. The proper response was to thoughtfully address the issues raised, not attack those who raised them. When respected figures like Cardinal Onaiyekan are vilified for speaking the truth, the message sent to citizens is that silence is safer than honesty. No democracy can flourish under such a culture.
Religious leaders should continue to speak because silence in the face of suffering would betray their moral responsibility. The greatest service those around President Tinubu can render him is an honest appraisal of the situation. A leader who hears only praise will never fully understand the pain of his people or find the clarity needed to correct what is wrong.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO