Pat Utomi

A lover of humanity, a teacher and business man and most importantly a family man who believes passionately in Nigeria

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

In many ways the 4th of July reminds, as Juneteenth, and of June 12 in Nigeria of the Cry for freedom. When the time comes the true heroes of June 12 will be honored by the Nigerian people. Political connivence games of those who nearly sabotaged June 12 will be called out

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

At times of thinking freedom you remember great philosophers of all time who used music, like Fela and Bob Marley. Don’t gag me, jemwitemi, Fela sang. Power fears truth. If Nigeria needs any thing now it is those who can speak the truth. It is redemption song time

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

The idea of freedom resonates so much with me today because if there is anything we desperately need in Nigeria now it is freedom: from hunger, insecurity; abuse of power, desperation for power not minding that it despoils the peace of so many, from crippling corruption, hate etc

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

Its a good feeling to be in the US on a 4th of July weekend reflecting on the idea of Freedom as America celebrates Freedom 250. When I came in May I noted the similarity of my journey with that of 1976 when I came for the Bicentennial. This time it was about freedom

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

@officialABAT
Go and read why not; a book I wrote in 2019 and you will understand

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

Terrible as ongoing graft issues on phantom agencies and ghost spending may seem I see them as good because we may all become scandalized enough that we wake up and say enough is enough. Then ethnicity, religion and emotions will yield to reason, that Nigeria may rise up again

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

It is wake up time Nigeria. If the people do not rise now, press a reset knob and take back their country from the kind of people who now dominate the political class, real disaster which makes the frightening excesses of today seem like kindergarten rhymes, looms

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

Impunity and disregard of decent order has become our way. When Yaradua was dying people lied and governed in his name. They did the same with Buhari. They are doing so again. This is high treason. This is why I say nobody over 70 should run for office. I am 70

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

When I repeat that values shape human progress and that character matters I am simply saying that those who pretend antecedents do not predict how people will govern are either naive or hypocritical.We are where I said Nigeria was going. Said so in print and on TV, repeatedly.

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

Many I spoke to in the last 3 days are stunned by the impunity of fiscal rascality of those running Nigeria revealed by the IMF. I am scandalized that they are shocked. The trouble of Nigeria is not that bandits hijacked the state but that we watched it happen. Complicit elite

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

As President of the Catholic Bishops conference 20 years ago AB job showed himself a binding force for our nation while still a true pastor. Looking to see what Gov Makinde told me he has done to Loyola when I come today

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

Happy birthday to our spiritual Father AB Felix Alaba Job. Emeritus Archbishop of Ibadan. As children in Loyola we looked up to him as our Father. More than 20 years ago he still remembered and came to celebrate Mass marking my 50th birthday

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

Was asked a strange question today. What annoys you least of the many afflictions of Nigeria. Did the person mean annoys you most, I asked. No was the retort. Least. A long list of troubles were reeled out. Which one can you most tolerate. On reflection I thought a long essay

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

My anniversary reflection spoke to how Impossible became a daily miracle unbroken in 25 years of quality journalism. Ironically I returned to my 1st love, journalism, this week with two weekly television series; Patito’s Gang and Profiles in Enterprise- from nwaboi to tycoon

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

25 years ago today BusinessDay made its debut as a daily Business newspaper. My Chairman’s statement on the front page projected audacity and hope of a unique nature. Most gave the newspaper very little chance of being around 2 years after. I returned to that front page today

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

If Ilabere can be redeemed surely Mcpherson just by the Lagoon can be drained

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

Its pouring in torrents. Yesterday I woke up on a farm in Delta. It poured Cats and Dogs but the rain drained into the stream. Today I woke up in Lagos and my return from Mass required navigating the Sea of Bourdillon-Mcpherson. But it is an improvement. River Ilabere is gone

[Pat Utomi @UtomiPat]

The two shows will also debut on a new platform that will herald the arrival of C54 News b/casting Africa to the world from 54 African countries before the summer is over. Our time of being is beginning to get more interesting. May be rational public conversation can rescue us