Onye Nkiti'n

Social Scientist | Alternative Therapist | Chronic unlearner | Serial Disruptor | Seeker of universal truth | Advocate of Nigeria Restructured

[Onye Nkiti'n @The_GracedOne]

We are Legion, for we are many.

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

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

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

My Condolences to Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on the Passing of His Mother

My dear brother, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved mother. Losing a parent, especially a matriarch who contributed so much to her family and community is a profound loss that words can scarcely comfort.

On behalf of my family, I extend our deepest condolences to you, the entire Amaechi family, and all who are mourning this monumental loss.

May God Almighty grant her eternal rest, and may He give you and your loved ones the strength, fortitude, and peace to bear this irreparable loss.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With my highest regards and deepest sympathy. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

The news of the abduction of a school principal, students, and a NECO official in Kogi State while the students were writing their examination is both heartbreaking and deeply troubling. That innocent children can no longer go to school, study, or sit for a national examination without the fear of criminal violence is a stark reminder of how far insecurity has eroded the sanctity of our educational institutions and the safety of our citizens. This is happening at a time when education is our most needed asset for development and growth.

Our schools must never become theatres of fear; they should symbolise hope and the promise of a better future, not terror and uncertainty.

I call on the relevant security agencies to act with urgency, deploy every available resource, and ensure the safe and unconditional rescue of all those abducted. At the same time, government at all levels must take deliberate steps to strengthen security around our schools and restore public confidence in our education system.

My thoughts and prayers are with the affected families, the school community, and the people of Kogi State. We cannot continue to normalise these recurring tragedies. A nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its children is mortgaging its future.

A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the homegoing of my elder brother, Rev. Dr. William Okoye, a distinguished servant of God whose life was defined by deep faith, sacrificial service, and commitment to raising men and women of integrity.

Rev. Okoye belonged to that rare generation of spiritual leaders who understood that the true measure of ministry is not in the size of its platforms but in the depth of its impact on humanity. Through his teachings, leadership, and personal example, he inspired countless people to live lives of purpose, righteousness, discipline, and hope.

His passing is a great loss to his family, the entire All Christians Fellowship Mission (ACFM), the Body of Christ, and our dear nation, Nigeria, at a time when our country yearns for voices that unite, heal, and inspire people to pursue justice, peace, and compassion.

As we mourn, we also celebrate a life well lived—a life poured out in faithful service to God and humanity. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the values he embodied and the lives he transformed will continue to speak for generations.

May his memory continue to challenge us to live selflessly, love sincerely, and labour faithfully for the advancement of God’s kingdom and the building of a just, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

Roadmap to a New Nigeria That Is Possible – Part II

Education and Healthcare: The Foundation of a Renewed Nigeria

Recall that on July 1st, in Part 1 of "My Vision for a Productive and Prosperous Nigeria," I outlined the broad framework of my proposed roadmap for national renewal. In it, I emphasised that the transformation of Nigeria must begin with rebuilding our human capital through quality education and healthcare, supported by reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), character and civic education, and strategic investments that will move our nation from a consumption-driven economy to a production-driven one. I promised to follow up with other parts in the coming weeks and months.

Today, July 16th, in the middle of July, I wish to expand on these two critical pillars - education and healthcare - because they are the bedrock upon which every prosperous nation is built. They are the cornerstones of the foundation that will ensure that a son of nobody can become somebody and remove many from the ranks of the disaffected who often become tools in the insecurity challenges confronting us.

Evidence from around the world shows that quality education and accessible healthcare are among the clearest distinctions between thriving nations and lagging ones. Princeton University Nobel Prize-winning economist Angus Deaton highlights this reality in his book, “The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality.”

Nothing, therefore, could be further from the truth than the claim by some young people that “education is a scam.” Education, when combined with good health, provides the ladder for individual upward mobility and drives economic growth for the nation.

We must become more intentional about aligning education with our national priorities, as Singapore did, and challenge our country to value education in the same way Deng Xiaoping repeatedly urged China to do from 1978 onwards, with the remarkable transformation we see today.

We will work through commissions that strengthen collaboration among the tiers of government, ensuring that primary education is domiciled at the community and local government levels, with strong parental involvement and curricula that are sensitive to local economic factor endowments and the value chains derived from them.

State governments will be supported to expand high-quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as general secondary education, through targeted grants and incentives.

We are also developing schemes that will enable universities to focus more deliberately on specialised areas of teaching and research, making them globally competitive while producing a workforce equipped for the demands of the future.

A NEW Nigeria is POssible. -PO

[Onye Nkiti'n @The_GracedOne]

I clocked the judiciary years before Nigerians even started picking up on their evil acts and role in destroying the country. If the judiciary is not purged, they will bury Nigeria.

[Fejiro Oliver @fejirooliver86]

Breaking… As expected, Justice Salami Ibrahim of the FHC has remanded @SecretsReporter @SecretsReports investigative journalist Stanley Ugagbe in Kuje prison till September (no date) even when the our lawyer moved for bail.

What was the offense? The useless cybercrime law for reporting with 100% property documents showing CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro bought two houses CASH for N4.1 billion in the US and court documents accusing her of snatching someone’s husband and destroying a home.

The corrupt @PoliceNG as usual under @TunjiDisu1 did her bidding purposely filing this frivolous and military charges before the court who refused to hear bail application.

This tyranny against the free press will not stand.

First the police in connivance with the NSA office kidnapped him until we found him.

Next, the judge stamp a remand order till September.

I have always maintained that until we purge the judiciary, we cannot have a good country. Without the judiciary, Akpabio who didn’t do Senate primaries but did Presidential primaries won’t be declared winner of an election using the jargon called technicalities which has made him the worst senate president in history and sadly enough, he’s Emem Usoro godfather who nominated her for the post, same Emem who was accused of laundering money for him when he was governor.

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

Nigeria in Focus at the ECFR Berlin Roundtable.

Yesterday, at the invitation of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), I had the honour of participating in a high-level roundtable discussion titled “Nigeria in 2027 and Beyond,” held at the ECFR office in Berlin, Germany.
The dialogue brought together policymakers, diplomats, development experts, business leaders, representatives of international organisations, and members of the international media to discuss Nigeria’s future and its role in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.

Our discussions centred on Nigeria’s democratic journey beyond 2027, international affairs, development cooperation, and the need to strengthen bilateral partnerships that can accelerate economic growth and improve the lives of our people. A key focus of the engagement was how Nigeria can deepen collaboration with international partners to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), recognising that they remain the backbone of every productive economy and are indispensable to job creation, innovation, wealth creation, and sustainable national development.

We also exchanged views on strengthening democratic institutions, expanding trade and investment opportunities, promoting regional stability, improving governance, and creating an enabling environment that inspires confidence among citizens, investors, and Nigeria’s international partners.

I was encouraged by the thoughtful contributions and genuine interest demonstrated by participants in Nigeria’s future. The presence of senior representatives from the German Federal Government, development agencies, business associations, policy institutes, foundations, international organisations, and respected global media organisations underscores the strategic importance of Nigeria and the shared desire to see our nation realise its enormous potential.

During the discussions, I reiterated my unwavering belief that Nigeria possesses all the human and natural resources required to become a prosperous, secure, and globally competitive nation. What is required is competent, accountable, and compassionate leadership that prioritises investment in people, education, healthcare, productive enterprise, the rule of law, and strong institutions over politics of consumption.

Nigeria’s future is bright, but only if we make the deliberate choices that will move our country from consumption to production, from poverty to prosperity, and from division to unity. By embracing good governance, fiscal responsibility, and productive partnerships with the international community, we can build an economy that works for all Nigerians and restores our nation’s standing among the comity of nations.

I sincerely thank the European Council on Foreign Relations for the invitation and all participants for a frank, engaging, and constructive exchange of ideas. Conversations such as these remain vital in fostering mutual understanding, strengthening international cooperation, and building enduring partnerships for the benefit of Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.

A New Nigeria Is POssible. - PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

Suspension of Examination Fees: A Victory for the People

I received the welcome news of the suspension of the newly introduced examination fees with relief. This is a victory for the Nigerian people.

While I commend the authorities for listening to the widespread public outcry and suspending the policy, it must be said that the fee was an unnecessary burden that should never have been introduced at this time of great hardship, when we should be doing everything possible to invest in basic education and reduce the millions of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

At a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, access to education should be expanded, not restricted. Education is a fundamental right and a public good, not a source of government revenue.

Imposing multiple fees at the basic education level risks denying many children their right to education. At that stage, the State has a duty to invest in educating and preparing its citizens for productive lives, not to erect financial barriers that keep them out of school.

True leadership is demonstrated not only by making decisions but also by having the humility to reverse policies that impose unnecessary hardship on the people. Many other anti-people policies deserve similar reconsideration.

I thank the citizens, parents, and advocacy groups whose voices made this reversal possible.

A New Nigeria is Possible. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

The Unending Killings in Benue and Plateau- Worrisome.

The tragic news of yet another round of killings in Benue and Plateau States is both painful and deeply disturbing. The reported murder of at least sixteen innocent Nigerians in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State, alongside the horrific killing of nine members of the same family, a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, once again reminds us that the relentless cycle of bloodshed in parts of our country has persisted for far too long.

For years, families in Benue, Plateau and other communities across Nigeria have lived under the constant shadow of fear, violence and displacement. Mothers have buried their children, children have become orphans overnight, farmers have abandoned their lands, and entire communities have been left devastated. We cannot continue to accept this tragic cycle as though it were normal. It is not.

The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Every Nigerian life is sacred, and every life lost is one too many. These are not mere statistics; they are fathers, mothers, children, breadwinners and future leaders whose dreams have been violently cut short.

The time has come to move beyond routine condemnations after every attack. Nigerians deserve a security architecture that is proactive rather than reactive, driven by intelligence, rapid response and accountability. Those responsible for these atrocities must be identified, arrested and prosecuted. The culture of impunity must end.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and to the governments and people of Benue and Plateau States. I pray that God grants comfort to all who mourn, healing to the injured, and strength to every community struggling to rebuild after these repeated tragedies.

This is not about politics; it is about humanity. We must summon the collective will to secure our nation and restore hope to our people. No country can develop when its citizens live in fear, and no society can prosper when innocent blood continues to flow unchecked.

A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

China has less than 10% of the figure living in extreme poverty in Africa.

India also demonstrates what is possible. Its diaspora physicians and medical professionals played a significant role in developing a healthcare system that has made India one of the world’s leading destinations for medical tourism. Africa has countless brilliant doctors and healthcare professionals across the diaspora who possess the knowledge and experience to help achieve similar progress. What remains essential is the creation of an enabling environment that will attract them home.

To that end, I called on Diaspora Africans to remain actively engaged in shaping the democratic future of our continent. Their voices matter in advancing free, fair and credible elections across Africa. Elections conducted with integrity are the foundation of legitimate governance. They create the pathway to competent leadership capable of delivering the policies, institutions and opportunities our people deserve.
When we create the enabling environment necessary for sustainable development, we start unlocking Africa's potential.

Let us therefore work together, those at home and those abroad, to build a continent defined not by its challenges, but by its achievements, its unity, peace and its shared prosperity.

A NEW Nigeria is POssible. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

The Role of the Diaspora African in Sustainable Development

On Friday, July 10, 2026, I had the honour of delivering the keynote address at Mandela Hall, African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York, on _The Role of the Diaspora African in Sustainable Development across Africa.

Africa is a continent of immense riches. Indeed, it is the richest continent in the world, not only because of its vast mineral resources but also because of its greatest asset, its people. It is the second largest continent by landmass, after Asia, covering more than 30 million square kilometres. It is also the second most populous continent, with over 1.5 billion people. Significantly, more than one billion of these are young people in their productive years, making Africa home to the largest youthful workforce in the world.

When this demographic advantage is combined with nearly one billion hectares of arable land, about 60% of which remains uncultivated, it becomes clear that Africa possesses everything required not only to feed itself but also to become the food capital of the world.

Regrettably, despite this enormous potential, Africa remains home to the largest concentration of the world’s poorest people. Of the approximately 800 million people living in extreme poverty globally, nearly 60% are in Africa. That is about 480 million people, with Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo among the countries most affected. In other words, nearly one in every three Africans lives in extreme poverty. Likewise, in multidimensional poverty, Africa continues to bear the greatest burden.

The question, therefore, is simple. With all these advantages, why has Africa not been able to lift its people out of poverty?

It means there is a missing link. That missing link is Competent Leadership with Capacity, Compassion, Character, and Commitment to good governance.

What Africa needs is leadership that will rise to the challenge and drive the continent in the right direction. This means competent leadership with character, capacity, compassion and commitment to begin turning the continent around. When we get leadership right, everything else begins to change. We start realising our true potential.

So, what is the role of the Diaspora African in this journey?
You have an enormous role to play.

Because you live in societies where institutions largely work, where democracy is strengthened by accountability and where systems function more effectively, you have both an opportunity and a responsibility to help build Africa. It is time to become stronger advocates for good governance. Even where you cannot vote, your voices matter. They should be heard both at home and abroad whenever things are going wrong on our continent. Stand firmly for what is right. Speak truth to the leaders who visit you. Let them know where they are getting it wrong. That is what some of us have continued to do.

The contribution of the African diaspora extends far beyond advocacy. History teaches us that many of the world’s great economic transformations were driven, in part, by their diaspora communities.

Japan offers one example. Following the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the country embraced modernisation and benefited immensely from Japanese scholars, professionals and citizens who studied and worked abroad, especially in Germany, before returning home to drive the technological transformation for which Japan is admired today.

China presents another remarkable example. It was under Deng Xiaoping’s reforms, beginning in 1978, that China embraced education, innovation and global engagement. These reforms created opportunities for the Chinese diaspora to contribute significantly to the country’s extraordinary economic transformation. In 1980, China had more people living in poverty than Africa. Today, China has reduced extreme poverty dramatically, while Africa continues to struggle with the challenge.

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

Farewell to a Faithful Shepherd

I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Benin City Ecclesiastical Province, who returned to the Lord yesterday.

The news is particularly poignant because it comes after I recently had the privilege of seeing him as the homilist at the Thanksgiving Mass marking the 90th birthday of Anthony Cardinal Okogie. I also cherish the warm moments we shared on that memorable occasion.

Archbishop Akubeze was a remarkable and compassionate shepherd - a courageous voice of truth who served the Church and our nation with distinction. As former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), he provided exemplary leadership, championing spiritual renewal, justice, peace, and the integral development of the human person. His humility, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel will remain an inspiration, while his dedication to the welfare of God’s people will never be forgotten.

On behalf of my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Archdiocese of Benin City, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the entire Catholic faithful, and his loved ones.

May the Lord whom he served so faithfully receive him into His eternal glory, grant him eternal rest, and console all who mourn his passing. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

The Children's Safe Return Is Worthy of Thanksgiving.

I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped. I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes.

While we celebrate this happy outcome, we must remember that no child should ever have to endure such trauma. The recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly of schoolchildren, underscore the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture and make the protection of lives and property the foremost responsibility of government.

Our children deserve to learn in an atmosphere of safety, not fear. We must continue to work towards building a Nigeria where every child can pursue education without the threat of violence or abduction.

I rejoice with the children, their families, their schools, and all Nigerians on this heartening development.

A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

The Disheartening Humiliation of Prof. Aghaji

Every day in this country, we find ourselves in a bizarre situation that we find difficult to understand: where we are and how we got to this uncivilised behaviour and rascality. Worse still, when you try to bring these abnormalities to the attention of those concerned, they resort to abuse instead of appreciation.

Just this morning, my attention was drawn to the disrespectful and humiliating circumstances surrounding the apprehension of Professor Martin Aghaji, a distinguished 74-year-old medical expert. This man was not invited, nor was any direct contact made with him. Instead, they invaded his home at Independent Layout, Enugu, in the dead of the night, at 2 a.m., to arrest him in front of his visiting daughter.

As an internationally recognised cardiothoracic surgeon, esteemed academic, and elder statesman, Professor Aghaji warrants a considerable degree of respect, both because of his advanced age and his substantial contributions to our nation. More importantly, however, every Nigerian, irrespective of status or profession, deserves to be treated with dignity and in accordance with the rule of law. After the humiliation of breaking into his house and whisking him away from Enugu to Lagos for three days, all he got was, “Sorry, we made a mistake.”

The public outcry concerning the state’s handling of Professor Aghaji’s case highlights a wider conflict between the actions of state security agencies and the imperative to safeguard professional integrity and individual dignity. Such conduct directed at a 74-year-old might not only exacerbate the critical “brain drain” but also severely damage the country’s already precarious healthcare infrastructure.

This incident brings to mind the similar mistreatment of a medical practitioner in Akwa Ibom, which prompted the Nigeria Medical Association to consider a nationwide strike. Fortunately, due to prompt intervention, a formal public apology was issued to the affected doctor.

The practice of treating highly regarded, ethical professionals - and indeed any Nigerian - like common criminals sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law across all sectors. Therefore, we must conduct ourselves with civility in the discharge of our public duties. A superior and renewed Nigeria is indeed POssible. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

A Wife’s Tears, A Nation’s Conscience: Let Justice Have a Heart.

I woke this morning in America and was deeply moved by an emotional viral video of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, prompting deep reflection on our nation’s future.

Regardless of the allegations against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai or any other citizen, justice must be transparent and fair, with reasonable bail conditions that should not be seen as punitive before trial. In a democracy governed by the rule of law, institutions exist to protect every citizen's rights, regardless of their background.

We must resist any hint of selective justice that erodes public trust and threatens national unity. Those tasked with enforcing our laws must act professionally and strictly follow due process.

Let us strive for a Nigeria where the law is paramount, and where every citizen is guaranteed dignity and justice. This is the foundation of the New Nigeria we envisage. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

Worsening Leadership Crisis in the Country Now Evident

The ultimate cost of uncompassionate leadership, as evident in the country today, is turning citizens’ frustration into deep, volatile resentment. It is even more traumatising when the leader presiding over that collapse demonstrates clear incapacity and a lack of compassion.

The government and people of Oyo State, more than 50 days after the abduction of the schoolchildren without any tangible effort toward their rescue, should rightly feel bitter and abandoned.

Since this unfortunate incident, I have spoken publicly about it twice, including appealing directly to the kidnappers to release the children. I also called the Governor twice to assure him of my solidarity, understanding that this issue is not just an Oyo problem but a Nigerian tragedy.

On Friday, July 3, I decided to travel to Ibadan with Prof. Pat Utomi to express solidarity with the Governor, as more than 50 days had elapsed without the rescue of the children and with numerous others still being held captive across the country.

During our two-hour meeting, I shared my experience in addressing insecurity as Governor of Anambra State. I recalled how President Olusegun Obasanjo, and later Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, would personally call us several times whenever we faced major security challenges.

But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu.

I remember the only case of a school kidnapping during President Goodluck Jonathan’s era - the Chibok girls. It drew local and international attention. Even though the security agencies provided almost daily updates on their efforts, Nigerians and the rest of the world were outraged that it took President Jonathan over two weeks to call the then State chief Executive.

I vividly recall that the current President, Bola Tinubu, led a team of vocal critics who called for President Jonathan’s immediate resignation over the incident, citing his delay in calling the state governor. That call for IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION should actually be the case in this matter.

Today, under President Tinubu, there have been more than 13 school kidnappings, yet the President has found it difficult to call the affected state’s chief executive after more than 50 days (over 7 weeks). This is outrageous. I suspect the same may also have been the case in other school kidnapping incidents.

I cannot imagine any issue more important than the lives of our kidnapped children, their teachers, and the many other Nigerians being held captive across the country. It is now an indisputable fact that governance has completely collapsed under this administration.

The situation reflects a total lack of capacity and compassion, compounded by glaring insensitivity.

Amid such an apparent display of incompetence, the President should either resign or, at the very least, abstain from seeking re-election for the sake of our dear country. This call is patriotic, not political. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

[Onye Nkiti'n @The_GracedOne]

Then you need to share your experiences with the citizenry. Empower people with knowledge of the process. The more people do it themselves, the faster the prices will fall.

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

Congratulations to all the African countries representing our continent at the World Cup. Your performances have made Africa proud.

Special congratulations to Cape Verde, a nation with a landmass of 4,033 sq km, which is less than 0.5% of Nigeria’s landmass of 923,768 sq km, and a population of about 550,000, which is less than 0.25% of Nigeria’s population of 230,000,000. For context, Cape Verde has about 200,000 fewer people than Ogbomoso. Yet, they reached the knockout stage of the World Cup.

Cape Verde has once again demonstrated that greatness is not determined by size or population, but by planning and disciplined execution. When systems work, even the smallest nations can compete with the best in the world.

Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup is not a consequence of a lack of talent. It is the result of years of poor administration, weak institutions, and leadership that has consistently failed to build sustainable systems.

This is the lesson for us as a nation: if we can get leadership right, strengthen our institutions, plan and execute properly, and reward talent over connections, Nigeria can become a global success story, not only in football but also in other areas.

A new Nigeria is POssible … and Nigeria will be OK. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

Celebrating a Life of Faith and Service in the Lord's vineyard

Yesterday, I travelled to Ibadan with Professor Pat Utomi to join family, friends, the clergy, and the faithful in celebrating the remarkable life of His Grace, Archbishop Alaba Job, on the occasion of his 88th birthday, 60 years of priestly ordination, and 55years of episcopal ordination.

The celebration reflects a lifetime devoted to God, selfless service, peace, justice, and the upliftment of humanity. His inspiring example reminds us that true leadership is measured by sacrifice, integrity, compassion, and a commitment to serving others. At a time when our nation yearns for principled and selfless leadership, His Grace’s life remains a beacon of hope and an enduring testament to what it truly means to serve God and humanity.
I congratulate His Grace, and pray that God Almighty continues to bless him with good health, wisdom and strength as he remains a source of inspiration to the church and our nation.

After the celebration, we passed through one of the secondary schools Professor Utomi attended, Loyola College, Ibadan, and within there we saw an INEC voter registration exercise going on, and we stopped. We used that occasion to thank those registering, and appeal to those who haven't to do so before the closing date.

We encouraged them to remain committed to the democratic process, and reminded them that voter registration is the first step towards building the New Nigeria we all desire. We told them that every registered voter represents hope for a nation where leadership is driven by competence, character, compassion, and a commitment to the common good.

A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

Grand Corruption: Nigeria’s Greatest Threat.

The recent report from the IMF consultation further raises concerns about the scale of grand corruption under the Tinubu government. The IMF now reveals that about N8.83 trillion in expenditure undertaken in 2025 is not reflected in the budget. This expenditure is not budgeted and is therefore not under legislative oversight or administrative scrutiny. This is horrible.

N8.83 trillion is as follows:

1.About 2% of our GDP.

2.Over 35% of Nigeria’s 2025 N23.96 trillion capital project budget. In fact, the amount is more than the actual released capital funding for 2025.

https://t.co/Hta3LViCB8 is more than the entire combined budget for education (N3.52 trillion) and health (N2.38 trillion).

If such an amount is properly used and accounted for, it could transform Nigeria’s public health and education sectors. It could create hundreds of cottage industries that can provide jobs for thousands of graduates and build a solid foundation for economic development. But we cannot account for it. This is not an isolated incident.

This is a pattern of grand corruption that has become part of this administration.
We have a lot to worry about regarding the state of corruption under President Tinubu. The sort of corruption that is ingrained in total disregard of elementary rules of public finance management poses a grave danger to national security and the stability of the Nigerian state. The capture of the Nigerian state and the plunder of its resources are actions that undermine the basis of state stability and deepen poverty and state failure.

This recent revelation proves that the APC government is grossly corrupt, incompetent, and insensitive. With the growing poverty and the urgent need for significant upgrades to social and physical infrastructure, a responsible and responsive government would ensure that N8.83 trillion is prudently utilised to address these gaps. But not the Tinubu administration.

A few days ago, I called on President Tinubu to resign from office for incompetence, lack of capacity, lack of compassion, and failure to improve on his campaign promises. Some people thought perhaps the call was excessive. But with the daily revelations of pervasive corruption in this administration and its total lack of commitment to the welfare and security of Nigerian citizens, the only reasonable action is for President Tinubu to resign from office. The collapse of elementary forms of due process under Tinubu and the increased evidence of rampant looting of Nigerian public finances reinforce the need for greater accountability. It is now time for Nigerian citizens to rise within the law and hold this administration to account.

A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO