A man’s AI glasses captured the moment Nigerian police stopped their car during a stop-and-search operation on an Enugu road. An officer searched his brother’s bag and found Rizla papers before taking them into the bush. The video captures the officers demanding ₦150,000 over the Rizla papers and later attempting to hold the driver over an expired temporary driver’s license; all while seemingly unaware they were being recorded. 😳
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.
@TheArsenalMind How much do you reckon Gyokeres is worth? A lot more than Alvarez... So if you do the maths.. Alvarez is good value. If Martinelli scores 20 goals he will be worth 100s of millions.. Times have changed..
@ruffydfire This is a note that majority of Nigerians have already written for you, consciously and unconsciously.... What will they gain, when they win the wealth and lose the People? They have already lost the people. It has gone beyond religious and tribalistic manipulation.
Good evening, my big brother. I hope you and your family are doing well.
I watched you this morning, as I always do, and it brought me to tears. The situation in our country is truly heartbreaking.
I am a father of four. For the past two years, unpaid government contracts have left me deeply indebted. I am on the verge of losing my home and struggling to provide for my family.
I have always loved Nigeria and chose to stay, even when I had opportunities to leave. Today, however, my heart is broken, and I am desperately searching for a way forward.
Please continue to speak the truth to power. I believe that, one day, the courage and consistency of voices like yours will inspire the right actions to build a better Nigeria. In my own small way, I am intentionally doing what I can to make a positive contribution to our country.
God bless you, God bless Nigeria and thank you for giving so many of us hope.
These three men are the reason I will never denigrate the entire Yoruba nation for any reason.
Pa Ayo Adebanjo stood for an Igbo man. At the ripe age of 94, he openly campaigned for an Igbo presidential candidate, despite having a Yoruba contestant in the race.
To him, competence, justice and conviction mattered more than tribe.
Dele Farotimi has consistently stood for the truth.
He has never been afraid to call a spade a spade, regardless of whose ox is gored.
From 2023 till this day, he has remained unwavering in his support for Peter Obi, an Igbo man, because he believes in the cause he stands for.
Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi dedicated his life to the fight for justice.
He never cared about tribe, ethnicity or religion.
Even in the face of intimidation and oppression, he stood firmly on the side of truth and justice.
These men are detribalized to the core.
They have always acted based on conscience rather than ethnic sentiment.
So, seeing these shining examples from the Yoruba nation, why would I denigrate an entire ethnic group because of the actions or utterances of a few bigots?
I am Ekene Aninze Esq.