Olivia
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Dorsi
@L_Dorsi001
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Joined October 2021
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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
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
Rehabilitate Existing Infrastructure Before Embarking on New Projects
I have consistently advised governments at all levels to prioritise rehabilitating existing infrastructure before embarking on new projects that may also end up abandoned or left unfinished. For expressing this position, I have often been criticised and called all sorts of names. Yet, it remains the most responsible approach to governance.
It is therefore noteworthy that President Bola Tinubu has now cautioned state governors against committing scarce public resources to constructing unnecessary flyovers in areas with little traffic while neglecting more pressing developmental needs.
The President is, in essence, saying what I have always maintained: government must prioritise projects that directly address the immediate needs of the people. I hope those ministers, officials, and supporters who have consistently attacked this position will now direct the same criticism at him.
However, this admonition must also apply to the Federal Government. There are several unrealistic and white-elephant projects being pursued by the current administration, even as much of our critical infrastructure remains in a state of disrepair. Given our present fiscal realities, priority should be given to rehabilitating and completing existing infrastructure rather than embarking on expensive new projects with limited immediate impact.
Across Nigeria, many of our major highways linking commercial centres and food-producing communities have deteriorated into death traps. Neglecting these critical roads while pursuing prestige projects is neither economically prudent nor people-centred.
This philosophy guided my administration as Governor of Anambra State. I prioritised completing viable projects initiated by my predecessors before embarking on new ones. Government is a continuum, and development should never be measured by who starts a project, but by whether it is completed and serves the people.
Leadership is about making the right choices: fixing what is broken, completing what has already been started, and investing limited public resources where they will have the greatest impact on the greatest number of people.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Hunger and the Insensitivity of Mr. President
I watched with deep concern the statement made by President Bola Tinubu to the Catholic Bishops who visited his office, that there has always been hunger in Nigeria, even before he was born.
While it is true that hunger has been a part of human life and has existed in our country for decades, such a statement appears insensitive to the plight of the millions of Nigerians who face worsening economic hardship today. More importantly, we must focus on the facts and the measurable outcomes of governance.
Before the present administration assumed office in 2023, an estimated 17 million Nigerians were facing acute food insecurity, primarily caused by insecurity, armed conflict, widespread banditry, and devastating floods. Today, less than three years later, that number has risen to about 35 million Nigerians. Instead of improving the situation, the crisis has worsened significantly under the current administration.
The same trend is evident in poverty. Before this government took office in 2023, Nigeria’s extreme poverty was estimated at 87 million people. Current projections suggest that this number is approaching 140 million people, making Nigeria home to the largest population of people living in extreme poverty anywhere in the world.
No one disputes that this administration inherited serious challenges. However, leadership is measured not by the challenges inherited but by the results achieved. The government must honestly acknowledge that its response has fallen far short of what the situation demanded, with millions more Nigerians pushed deeper into poverty and hunger.
The combination of persistent insecurity, poor economic management, fiscal indiscipline, wasteful public expenditure, and inadequate investment in productive sectors has compounded the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
A responsible government must prioritise investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and small businesses while pursuing policies that create jobs, expand production, and lift people out of poverty. That remains my commitment to the Nigerian people.
A New Nigeria is Possible. PO
My Visit to Ogoja
After visiting the Catholic Maternity Hospital in Ogoja, where I supported the hospital and its School of Midwifery, I stopped at the INEC Continuous Voter Registration Centre at St. Ben’s Demonstration Primary School, Ogoja. I observed the voter registration exercise and the orderly conduct of the citizens who came out to register.
Thereafter, I honoured the invitation of the Missionary Diocese of Ogoja, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), where the newly installed Bishop held his first Synod and unveiled a vision centred on expanding access to education and healthcare through the establishment of a school and a hospital.
In support of this noble mission, I made an initial contribution of ₦5 million. Investing in education, healthcare, and the welfare of the less privileged remains one of the most meaningful ways to build a productive, compassionate, and prosperous society.
I sincerely thank the Bishop and the Diocese for their commitment to serving humanity.
We thereafter proceeded through Okuku, Yala LGA where we greeted the people.
Together, through purposeful investments in people and institutions, we can build a better Nigeria.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
The Mission Hospital That Keeps Hope Alive
I left Enugu early this morning for Ogoja/Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State.
My first stop was the Catholic Maternity Hospital, Moniaya, Ogoja.
This decades-old facility remains virtually the only maternity hospital serving the entire Ogoja area.
Despite its age and the enormous responsibility it bears, it continues to provide care for thousands of women and newborns with limited resources.
Nigeria still ranks among the countries with the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world, despite having overtaken countries such as China and India, whose populations are several times larger than ours. This is not just a statistic; it represents mothers, babies, and families whose lives are forever changed by preventable tragedies.
The hospital also operates a Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre, providing vital healthcare services that are becoming increasingly rare.
To support their commendable work, I made a token donation of ₦10 million and assured them of my continued partnership.
I urge governments at all levels, the private sector, and well-meaning Nigerians to support institutions like this, run by voluntary and faith-based organisations. Investing in healthcare and education is investing in our future. -PO
Strengthening Democracy Through Inclusive Voter Registration
Yesterday, after attending the graduation ceremony of the Millennium College of Nursing Sciences in Awka, I visited an INEC Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) Centre in Enugu.
I was pleased to witness an orderly and well-organised registration process. I also met a number of people patiently queuing to register, demonstrating their commitment to participating in our democracy. I commend the INEC staff for their dedication and professionalism.
I, however, urge INEC to extend the Continuous Voter Registration exercise to at least 90 days before the General Elections to give more eligible Nigerians the opportunity to register and participate in the electoral process.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
The Fulfilment of Investing in Education
I was delighted to attend the maiden graduation ceremony of Millennium College of Nursing Sciences, Awka, an achievement that reflects the power of vision, commitment, and investment in human capital.
What gave me the greatest joy and fulfilment was learning from the Provost, Mrs Chisom C. Ezulike, that the initial support I provided served as the seed funding enabling the institution to commence operations seamlessly.
I was equally pleased to learn that my subsequent interventions significantly contributed to making today’s historic graduation possible. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing a small act of support blossom into an institution that is transforming lives and strengthening our healthcare system.
Nothing is more fulfilling than witnessing a modest investment in education grow into a thriving institution. Today, that same institution has graduated 116 pioneer students, who achieved a remarkable 100% success rate in the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria Professional Examination. This serves as yet another reminder that investments in education and healthcare are the most reliable investments in our nation's future.
I commend the pioneer graduating Class of 2025 and extend my congratulations to the Proprietor, management, faculty, benefactors, and everyone whose dedication and sacrifices have made this notable milestone possible.
Let us continue to invest in education, healthcare, and human capital development, for they remain the most assured paths to national progress and sustainable development.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Tomorrow and Monday, we’re running an experiment that could change education in remote and low-income areas in Africa.
We’re bringing together about 60 children from a rural community in Enugu and about 150 in IMO to watch world-class mathematics lessons in preparation for the 2027 South East Maths Olympiad.
I want to gauge the impact.
If it works, we’ll replicate it across communities and use village town halls as learning centres during holidays and after school.
My goal isn’t just to prepare students for the Olympiad.
My goal is to close learning inequality.
Because talent is everywhere. Access isn’t.
I’ll share the results publicly. The good, the bad, and everything we learn, so anyone can copy, improve, and scale the idea.
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
Yesterday, I received Master Michael Offorkaile, an illustrious son of Abia State, who scored an outstanding 367 in the 2026 JAMB/UTME examinations, placing him among the joint 5th highest scorers nationwide.
Accompanied by his parents and the management of his school, Grundtvig International Secondary School, Oba, Anambra State, he visited my office where I congratulated him on this remarkable achievement. As a government built on meritocracy, we celebrate excellence wherever it is found, and his feat is a shining example of what our youths can achieve.
I have directed the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof (Mrs.) Uche Eme Uche, to work out the details of the State’s support for his academic journey, while my Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Dodoh Okafor, will liaise with the family to ensure smooth coordination.
Michael's recognition is not only to celebrate him but also to inspire other young Abians and Nigerians to strive for excellence, knowing that their hard work will be honoured.
His journey towards higher education has just begun, and we are confident that he will strive for excellence and bring even greater pride to Abia State and Nigeria. As a government, we stand firmly behind him and will provide the necessary support to ensure his success.
Congratulations once again, Michael!
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
I shall dedicate the end of the month to visiting one school or hospital as my modest way of commemorating my birthday. At each institution, I hope to make a modest contribution towards its work, however little, as a practical expression of my gratitude to God. Rather than a celebration centred on me, I desire a celebration that places humanity at the centre.
My prayer is that God will continue to give me the strength, wisdom, and humility to serve. At 65, I am more convinced than ever that the true measure of a life is not the wealth accumulated or the honours received, but the positive difference made in the lives of others.
May God continue to bless Nigeria and guide us towards becoming a united, inclusive and compassionate nation, where we love one another and work together to build the country we are capable of becoming. -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.
On this auspicious occasion of the birthday of His Excellency, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, CON, we celebrate not only a statesman of uncommon integrity but also a leader whose life of service and compassion continues to impact positively on humanity. Mr. Obi’s journey in public service has been marked by discipline, transparency, and a commitment to human development, values that have distinguished him as one of Nigeria’s most exemplary leaders.
His unwavering commitment to education, healthcare, and philanthropy reflects a life dedicated to service and humanity. May this new year bring you greater strength and fulfillment.
Happy Birthday, Okwute!
I met this 14-year-old boy, Okpako-Onyokoko Ovie Joel, from Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, and I have been so impressed by his exploits.
36 international awards in Mathematics at just 14 years old.
He is a star, and the world will know him.
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
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