Ironically, this heated "Olodo Uprising" conversation is actually a good sign for Nigeria.
Nigeria is finally having its first endogenous, organically-defined culture war over an issue that is intrinsically important to Nigerian society.
Every other culture war that post-colonial Nigeria has fought until now has been imported Yankee slop, or imported religious slop, or both (LGBTQ, 3rd wave Feminism, "sexual liberation", tithing, NYSC hijab, etc).
A society fighting internal culture wars over its own self-defined issues is a society that is finally obtaining an identity of its own. Long may the war continue, and may the olodos suffer crushing defeat that dooms their uprising to the chapters of a Jude Bela historical documentary released in 2045.
Engaging Tomorrow’s Leaders at Madonna University
Yesterday, I continued my engagement with future leaders in the country. I was at Madonna University, Okija Campus, where I had the privilege of interacting with students at the NextGen Mentorship & Leadership Initiative on the theme: “Beyond Now: Raising the Next Generation of Leaders.”
The session was highly engaging, with students asking thoughtful and probing questions. Their concerns reflected the frustration of many young Nigerians who feel constrained by poor governance and widespread corruption, which have denied them opportunities to realise their full potential. However, I was equally encouraged by their optimism and determination to be part of the solution.
I reminded them that leadership is the greatest determinant of a nation’s progress. A true leader must possess the character, competence, capacity, and compassion to make sacrifices for the good of the people. Nigeria’s future depends on leaders committed to safeguarding lives, investing in education, creating opportunities, and building effective institutions.
I encouraged the students to take their education seriously, to prepare themselves for leadership, and to see themselves not merely as spectators but as agents of change. Through active participation in the democratic process, they have the power to enthrone leaders with integrity and the capacity to propel our nation forward.
As part of my ongoing commitment to education, I presented a cheque of ₦15 million to the university to support its educational mission. Investing in education remains one of the most effective ways to develop the human capital necessary for national progress.
Together, by raising a new generation of responsible and visionary leaders, we can build the Nigeria of our dreams that is POssible. -PO
Delighted to Return to School of Nursing Sciences, Emekuku, Owerri, Imo State.
In continuation of my itinerant visits to educational and healthcare institutions in the country, yesterday, I visited the School of Nursing Sciences, Holy Rosary Hospital, Emekuku, where I met with the management, staff, and students, and presented a donation of ₦15 million to the institution.
I reminded the students that the world needs them more than they need the world because healthcare is one of humanity’s most fundamental needs. Any nation that truly desires development must invest in the education and training of healthcare professionals, who remain indispensable to the well-being and productivity of society.
I was delighted to inspect the computer laboratory, which I had previously supported, and to witness the remarkable progress the institution has made. It was also encouraging to reflect on other health institutions, such as Iyi-Enu and Borromeo, which I supported over the years and which have now grown into teaching hospitals. Their transformation reinforces my belief that sustained investments in health and education can produce enduring results. I look forward to seeing Holy Rosary Hospital attain the same status.
Our vision must be to build a Nigeria where functional institutions produce competent professionals, where investments are directed to critical sectors that lift people out of poverty, and where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed. That is how we will build a nation where the son of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Lokoja Judgment: An Unnecessary Serious Setback for Nigerian Democracy
Today was an exceptionally busy day. I left Lagos in the early hours for Emekuku, where I visited the School of Nursing Sciences, an institution I have consistently supported over the years. It was gratifying to inspect projects funded through my previous interventions, including the school’s computer laboratory. Such investments reaffirm my belief that education remains one of the strongest foundations for national development.
From there, I attended the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr Anthony Obinna, whose commitment to justice, peace, and the common good has inspired many, before proceeding to Madonna University for another engagement.
It was at Madonna University that I received the court news of the Lokoja court rulings through my brother, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Every Nigerian committed to the country’s progress should be deeply concerned. This judgment represents another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depends.
It is regrettable that some who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it. In doing so, they are undermining public confidence and endangering the future of millions of Nigerians.
The legislature and the judiciary are increasingly being drawn into this pattern of institutional decline. Democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence and credibility.
Those who seek to weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations will not ultimately prevail. When a similar situation recently affected the ADC, I condemned it without hesitation. I do so again today because my position has always been guided by principle.
My concern is not about who becomes President. My concern is that Nigeria works. Our politics must move beyond the quest for power and focus instead on building a united nation founded on justice, strong institutions, the rule of law, and equal opportunity. That is the Nigeria we owe ourselves and the one we must leave for future generations.
I therefore urge all well-meaning Nigerians to rise above partisan interests and defend our democracy. The survival of our institutions is inseparable from the survival of our nation. It's when we work together that a new Nigeria of our dream is made POssible. -PO
The gullible victims and opposition politicians are preparing for an election, APC and INEC are rehearsing for a coronation, and every conscious Nigerian should be looking to crystallize a revolution..🇳🇬😊
State Police: Commendable Step, but Disorderly Legislation Raises Concerns of Political Misuse
The recent passage of the State Police Bill by the National Assembly marks a significant legislative milestone in addressing a long-standing demand of the Nigerian people. For years, many of us, alongside security experts and regional stakeholders, have consistently argued that a highly centralised policing structure is fundamentally unsuitable for a country as vast, diverse, and complex as Nigeria. However, the legislative and constitutional implementation appears shaky and raises legitimate concerns.
The process should involve greater community participation. Policing should be more visible at the local government and community levels. The mechanism for passing the law appears highly disorganised, with no public hearing on such a sensitive issue. Indeed, the rush to enact the law without proper legislative procedures fuels suspicion among many observers about the political motives behind it.
The greatest concern does not arise from logistical issues; it stems from history. There is a widespread, justifiable fear that state police forces could become instruments in the hands of governors. The suspicion is that a state-controlled police force could be weaponised to suppress political rivals, disrupt opposition rallies, and manipulate elections.
For state policing to evolve from a risky political gamble into a genuine security solution, the law must not only permit states to establish police forces but also clearly provide for independent oversight bodies, such as a state-level Police Service Commission that is entirely free from executive influence, to ensure that policing serves the public interest rather than the interests of the ruling elite.
Going by what Nigerians have seen so far, there is no guarantee that this administration can resist the temptation to take advantage of state policing to influence the 2027 general election by proxy. In view of that possibility and the danger it poses to the polity, it is necessary to defer its implementation until after the general election.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
@Jaiyejeje0m0 Foreign controlled Social media platforms will engineer their algorithms and amplify the voice or thoughts of the Olodos more. It's part of the design to keep Nigeria and Africa at large the way it is. Peller, Carter are not different from okpewholo; just difference in platforms
@ruffydfire What this means to my understanding is that APC, with help of some local and foreign support possibly, have device a way to exclude PO from contesting in 2027
SOWORE BEING SENT TO PRISON: A DANGEROUS REGRESSION FOR OUR DEMOCRACY
I have received, with deep concern, the news of the court’s remand of citizen activist Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Prison.
While the judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter of justice, we must consistently guard against any trend that gives the appearance of state institutions being weaponised to systematically stifle dissent, muzzle the press, or shrink the legitimate space for civic engagement in Nigeria.
A thriving democracy does not survive on the silencing of opposing voices; rather, it is anchored on the robust protection of fundamental human rights, most notably the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, as enshrined in our Constitution. Moreover, our society is already strained by insecurity and biting economic hardship; therefore, deliberate steps should be taken, even by the courts, to avoid inflaming the situation.
When we begin to treat citizen critics, activists, and journalists as threats to state survival rather than as partners in building accountability, we signal a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism. Our current challenges, ranging from economic strain to internal security vulnerabilities, require inclusive dialogue and cohesive nation-building, not the incarceration of those who demand a better society.
I urge the relevant authorities to ensure that the rule of law is strictly adhered to, that Mr. Sowore’s constitutional rights are fully protected, and that our security and judicial institutions are used solely for the impartial administration of justice. We cannot build a New Nigeria if we continue to undermine the very democratic structures meant to protect us all. -PO
The message is clear @officialABAT
You have failed beyond comprehension
It’s either you support this moving train if you truly want a better Nigeria, or you get THA HELL OUT OF OUR WAY.
“3 gbosa for the igbos & Hausas …. Nah only yoruba people dey sell votes… you can’t see plenty igbos selling their votes… That’s why Tinubu lost in Lagos …
We need to change Ekiti motto from fountain of knowledge to fountain of poverty … If I come back to this world nah Igbo man I wan be..”
This govt is not scared of Nigerians, because they’ve gotten all institutions in their pocket. For Nigeria to be rescued from Tinubu’s hand in 2027, a loud statement has to be made before the election.