Dolly Parton: The Compassion That Came From Humble Beginnings.
There is something deeply moving about Dolly Parton that goes beyond her extraordinary music. For those of us who admire her, perhaps the most enduring part of her story is not the fame, the records, the awards or the wealth, but the person she remained after all of them.
Dolly Parton’s greatness, to me, goes far beyond her extraordinary music. It is in the person she remained despite the fame, wealth and success. She came from poverty in rural Tennessee, from a large, humble family with little materially but rich in love, faith, resilience and family values. She never seemed to forget those beginnings. Instead, she carried them into her music and her life.
That is why her songs resonate so deeply. She sang about love, heartbreak, hardship, loneliness, hope and the struggles of ordinary people—not merely as a performer, but as someone who understood them. Her music gave dignity to people who were often overlooked.
Her compassion seemed to flow naturally from her upbringing. Even at the height of her success, she retained a remarkable warmth, humility and generosity, particularly toward children, the poor and those in need.
I admire Dolly Parton not simply because she became a great musician, but because success never made her forget where she came from. She turned her humble beginnings into music (Coat of Many Colors) that comforted millions and a life that continues to inspire.
For me, that is her greatest song: the sound of a good heart that never forgot its roots.
May God Almighty, who made her such a compassionate soul, grant her soul eternal rest. -PO
Nigeria Has Everything It Needs to Prosper
Yesterday, I had the privilege of joining some presidential candidates and their representatives as a guest and panellist at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Our discussion focused on how to rebuild Nigeria and make it work for its resilient, hardworking, and long-suffering people.
I reiterated my long-held view that the poverty and hunger Nigerians face today are largely the result of years of mismanagement and corruption by leaders entrusted with our commonwealth.
With our vast human and natural resources, Nigeria has no business being associated with extreme poverty and hunger. We have no business importing food when we possess enormous agricultural potential.
With the right investment, policies, and political will, agriculture can become one of Nigeria’s greatest sources of wealth. Northern Nigeria’s vast farmland, in particular, can drive major economic transformation. If countries with fewer resources have transformed their agricultural sectors, Nigeria can feed itself, create millions of jobs, and export food to the world.
On fuel subsidy removal, I remain committed to the position I took in 2023: the subsidy system was riddled with corruption. My approach was to eliminate the corruption, establish the actual subsidy cost, and then carry out a carefully planned, phased removal.
Savings from subsidy removal should have been transparently invested in clearly defined, measurable development priorities, especially agriculture, healthcare, education, poverty reduction, and security. I remain convinced that subsidy removal must deliver real benefits to Nigerians; citizens should not bear higher energy costs while the savings remain unaccounted for or fail to improve their lives. Nigeria must focus its investments on what matters most: food security, healthcare, education, infrastructure, human capital, national security, and unity.
Nigeria has all it needs to prosper. What remains is competent, honest, and purposeful leadership that puts the common good above personal interests.
A New Nigeria is POssible, and Nigeria will be OK. -PO
Celebrating With Muslim Families
Dear brothers and sisters of the Muslim Ummah across Nigeria, On this blessed occasion of Maulud Nabi, I join millions of Muslims in Nigeria and around the world in celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
The life of the Holy Prophet remains an invaluable example of compassion, justice, humility, honesty, and service to humanity. His teachings continue to guide us toward peace, tolerance, and the pursuit of the common good.
As we commemorate this sacred day, I pray that Allah (SWT) grants us the wisdom to follow the noble path of the Prophet; a path of unity, fairness, and love for one another, regardless of tribe, religion, or region.
May this Maulud bring renewed hope, peace, and progress to our nation. May Allah bless Nigeria, protect our people, and guide our leaders to serve with sincerity and justice.
I wish the entire Muslim Ummah a joyful, peaceful, and spiritually uplifting Maulud Nabi. -PO
OSUN AND THE NEED TO SET NEW BOUNDARIES FOR POLITICAL CONDUCT IN OFF-CYCLE ELECTIONS
The outcome of the recent governorship election in Osun State demonstrates that, despite the challenges confronting our democracy, we possess the capacity to conduct elections in a manner that strengthens public confidence in our democratic institutions.
I therefore commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies, political parties and, most importantly, the people of Osun State for the peaceful conduct of the recent governorship election.
While we commend the electoral process itself, there are developments surrounding the election and, more importantly, an emerging trend in political conduct during off-cycle elections that raises concerns.
The growing practice whereby serving governors, senior political office holders, party leaders and other influential government functionaries, accompanied by large numbers of aides and heavy security details from outside a state, converge on states where elections are being conducted raises an issue that demands national attention.
The conduct witnessed around the recent elections in Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States was, in my view, unusual. It is not a practice that should become normal in a democratic society.
I recall that, as President, similar situations arose during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections. On those occasions, senior political leaders mobilised and descended upon the states. Upon being briefed, I ordered party leaders and senior government officials to leave the states immediately.
This trend is unwholesome. If left unchecked, it could threaten our fragile democracy and have serious long-term implications for democratic stability.
Political parties are entitled to campaign, mobilise their supporters and deploy their legitimate party structures. That is an essential part of democracy. However, there is a point at which political mobilisation, particularly when it involves the overwhelming presence of serving governors, senior public officials and powerful political actors from across the country on election day, can create an atmosphere of apprehension, intimidation, bullying and undue pressure.
We must ask ourselves whether the increasing deployment of political power and large-scale mobilisation by senior office holders on election day in states holding elections is consistent with the spirit of free, fair and peaceful democratic competition.
This hardly happens in other democratic countries.
We must not allow political competition to become a contest in which victory is perceived as something that must be achieved at all costs.
There is also the question of precedent. If the current trend becomes established, what happens when governors from opposing political parties begin to descend on every state holding a competitive election? What happens when each party seeks to match political power with political power, governmental influence with governmental influence, and mobilisation with counter-mobilisation?
Such a development would not strengthen our democracy. It would deepen political tensions and could make elections increasingly resemble battles for political survival rather than peaceful contests for the mandate of the people.
I therefore believe that this matter should not be treated as a partisan dispute concerning the Osun election. It is a broader national issue concerning the future of our electoral democracy.
Those of us who have occupied public office must recognise that our conduct carries a greater responsibility. The power and influence attached to public office should be used to strengthen democratic institutions, not to create apprehension among political opponents or citizens.
Believe the promise is coming and don’t be frustrated while you’re waiting. It’s through faith and patience that we inherit the promises. God’s timing is the best time.
A few days ago, I visited a large farmland, Mary Agro Farms in the Udi Area of Enugu State and donated N10m to support their innovative agricultural productivity. I was impressed by the progress they have made after starting just two years ago when I first visited and
Your Excellency, My Very dear Respected Elder Brother and leader, Alhaji @atiku Abubakar, Waziri Adamawa, I rejoice with you as you mark your 77th birthday today.
Before you marry anyone don't waste money on pre wedding shoots if you've not done basic tests like
-HIV, Hepatitis B, C etc
- Genotypes
-Sexually transmitted diseases
-Fertility tests
- Semen analysis
-Mental health assessment
Do these, know results and seek medical help and counseling if there are any concerns before marriage.
Some of these results have contributed to broken homes and divorces when done after marriage.
Today,
1. Eat 2 eggs
2. Sleep 6-9 hours
3. Eat at least 1 fruit
4. Take a walk in nature
5. Get 30 mins of sunlight
6. Climb stairs, avoid the lift
7. Drink 2-3 litres of water
8. Don't take things personally
9. Spend quality time with family or friends
Repost: for others.
On this special day, I extend my warmest wishes and heartfelt congratulations to my Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila ( @femigbaja ) , and the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu (@jidesanwoolu ) ; two patriots and exceptional public administrators who, in an interesting coincidence, arrived the world on the same date.
Thank you to all African Heads of State and government who attended and spoke at the event on the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA). AGIA will mobilize $10 billion for greening the infrastructure of Africa. A game changer for Africa! Let’s green Africa!💕🙏🏽
What we watch and listen to, the people we’re around, the thoughts we dwell on, that’s what feeds us. Whatever you feed is going to grow. Don’t feed the wrong thing.
God is strategic. He’s ordering your steps. Don’t worry, thinking you missed it, you’re too late, you didn’t obey, you should have done this. You can’t miss His sovereign will. It’s not up to you; it's up to God.
Life is like a movie. A movie makes you cry, laugh and shout. But it is what happens at the end that matters. Dont allow a sad scene in your life make you think your life is bad. You are wrong. Your life isn’t bad. Wait for your movie to end. It will end in praise!
#RenosNuggets
Today, I celebrate my boss, friend, colleague and brother, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua who departed this world 11 years ago.
As politicians, we shared a common vision of a peaceful, united and just nation.
God is drawing near to you even now. Let go of the shame and every negative label that people have put on you, and believe that He is the One Who desires to draw near to you, to heal your broken heart, and to fill your thirsty soul.
Water is so pure and innocent. Fire is so destructive and dangerous. Yet, if they fight, water wins all the time. Don’t underestimate gentle and kind people. The day you think you can dominate them with your harshness may be the day that you die
#FreeLeahSharibu#RenosNuggets