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 โ 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 oneโs life has contributed, however modestly, to making another personโs 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. Raphaelโs 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 โฆ10 million to support the hospitalโs 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.
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I got this beautiful message from Don Anele Munachimso.
Read belowโฆ
Good morning sir. I am Don-Anele Munachimso Marvelous, the boy you gave the opportunity to display God's faithfulness in this generation.
I'm full of gratitude to you, for allowing God to use you to achieve this feat, you gave me space when I lacked one, you gave me breath when I was about to choke, indeed, you are a special gift, not only to me, but to my generation, thank you for making it happen. Thank you for giving meaning to my existence, with a grateful heart, I say thank you and God bless you.
Thank you sir.