On this auspicious day, I extend my warmest felicitations to my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
Throughout his remarkable life of service and leadership, Mr. Obi has consistently distinguished himself as a man of exceptional enterprise, deep conviction, and personal integrity. His humility and modesty remain exemplary in a world that often celebrates excess.
As our candidate on the presidential ticket of the NDC, he has been an outstanding ally and a principled voice whose dedication continues to inspire millions of Nigerians across the country.
I wish him robust health, continued strength, and greater impact as he presses on in his unwavering commitment to the progress and good of our nation.
Happy 65th Birthday, my dear brother, Peter Obi. - RMK
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.
🚨⚪️ Marc Cucurella on playing with Vini Jr: “I do NOT care if he doesn't track back, or doesn't help defensively”.
“Let him stay fresh ALL GAME so he can score goals, I will do ALL THE DIRTY WORK for him”.
Owning Up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility
This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development.
The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.
Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.
During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition.
I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible. -PO
The young man’s name one to the LEFT is RYKER! This young man is a LEGEND. He’s 12 years old. He bought himself that jean outfit and the snake skin boots. While filming a music video in Watertown, Tennessee he walked up to me and introduced himself with a firm handshake. Clear and concisely, he gave me his name, age, and occupation. I was shocked. He said he does lawn care and runs the business himself. I did not feel like I was talking to a 12-year-old. He was way beyond his ears and I immediately let him know that God has great plans for him. He reminded me a little of myself at that age. Already highly focused. He let me know that he had just gotten baptized and that he had been listening to my music for a while and said it really helped him on the journey he’s currently on. He then let me know that his little brother and father were around the corner and wanted to see if they could come get pictures. Once again, I was shocked. He truly had an old soul. So he left and came back, and I met his father and little brother. He let me know his father had just recently gotten sober and that my Music helped him as well. POWERFUL! The youth of the future and once again Ryker reminded me of that. This kid is going to make an impact. It’s interactions like this that made me Make sure my upcoming tour was all ages so parents could bring their children. I’m glad I could be one of The Artist Parents encouraged their kids to listen to. Can’t wait to see you all on tour. BRING YOUR FAMILY!
June 12 is not about a holiday, it is about the birth of a nation, out of the hotchpotch of the people held bound by the Nigerian state. We remain in limbo because we continue to deny the truth of our reality..
Published June 12, 2018 👇🏿
https://t.co/qOqnSB8D3B