Depressing visit to helpless citizens of a country of plenty.
Yesterday, after the funeral mass of Most Rev Obiora Akubeze in Benin City, I travelled to Enugu to meet nearly 1,000 kidney patients. It was one of the most disheartening visits I have had.
I encountered people facing the most difficult moments of their lives, helplessly, in a country of abundance, among them children.
Nigeria has over 25 million people with kidney disease. We have fewer than 200 kidney centres and barely 500 functioning dialysis machines, when we ideally need about 5,000 functioning dialysis machines. This is completely unacceptable.
I must commend the organiser of the charity project, Emmanuel Onyeka Okoh (Okwuluora), for his selfless humanitarian service to Nigerians who cannot help themselves. I assured him of my ongoing support, starting today with my initial donation to his work with the kidney patients.
The Federal Government, and Government at all levels must take the lead in actively investing in health to guarantee a healthier population for all.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
I received with sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah the news of the passing of Dr. Adamu Mohammed Fika, CFR, Zaura Kura of Fika, on Thursday, 6th August 2026.
On Friday, 7th August 2026, I joined his family, friends, and associates at his funeral to pay our final respects to a remarkable patriot and distinguished public servant.
As the pioneer Director-General and Clerk Designate of the National Assembly and later Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Dr. Fika played a defining role in laying the administrative foundation of our legislature.
I had the privilege of working with him
during the Third Republic, when I served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and I remember him as a calm, disciplined and highly professional administrator whose commitment to duty earned the respect of all.
Until his passing, he continued to serve the parliamentary community as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Council of Retired Clerks and Secretaries of the National Assembly, reflecting his lifelong dedication to the institution he helped to build.
On behalf of my family, the Kwankwasiyya Movement, members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC and our colleagues of the 1992–1993 National Assembly, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of the Fika Emirate, the Government and people of Yobe State, the leadership and staff of the National Assembly, and all Nigerians mourning this great loss.
May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, admit him into Aljannatul Firdaus, and grant his family and loved ones the strength and patience to bear this irreparable loss. - RMK
I commend the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for demonstrating courage and patriotism by drawing attention to the realities confronting our nation.
Their concerns regarding the rising cost of living, worsening insecurity, declining public confidence, and the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians are neither partisan nor isolated; they reflect the daily experiences of ordinary citizens across every region of our country.
Nigeria is blessed with abundant human and natural resources, yet millions of our people continue to struggle under the weight of economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, poor access to quality education and healthcare, and diminishing opportunities. These challenges demand urgent, sincere, and people-centred responses from those entrusted with leadership.
I encourage all well-meaning Nigerians to continue constructively engaging the Federal Government and other leaders at all levels whenever the opportunity arises, advocating for good governance, accountability, and policies that prioritise the security, welfare, and prosperity of our people.
It is through such collective commitment and responsible leadership that we can build a more peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria.
May Almighty Allah continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. - RMK
I was elated to receive a group of defectors from Madobi Local Government who have left the APC to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
I warmly welcomed them into our fold and assured them of fair and comfortable positions within our party.
We continue to grow stronger, free from major distractions. - RMK
Upon my arrival in Kano, I paid condolence visits to several bereaved families.
We first visited Kura Local Government Area to condole with the family of the late Sarkin Kura. We then proceeded to the family of the late Hajiya Goshi, and later visited Fagge to offer condolences to the family of Hon. Habibu Saleh Mailemo on the passing of his mother.
We pray to Almighty Allah to have mercy on the deceased, forgive their sins, and grant them the highest abode in Aljannatul Firdausi. Ameen. - RMK
I extend my warmest felicitations to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON, on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
May Almighty Allah preserve and strengthen him on the noble path of scholarship, justice, fairness, and unwavering devotion to his people and our dear nation, granting him continued divine guidance for many more years. - RMK
The Mission Hospital That Keeps Hope Alive
I left Enugu early this morning for Ogoja/Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State.
My first stop was the Catholic Maternity Hospital, Moniaya, Ogoja.
This decades-old facility remains virtually the only maternity hospital serving the entire Ogoja area.
Despite its age and the enormous responsibility it bears, it continues to provide care for thousands of women and newborns with limited resources.
Nigeria still ranks among the countries with the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world, despite having overtaken countries such as China and India, whose populations are several times larger than ours. This is not just a statistic; it represents mothers, babies, and families whose lives are forever changed by preventable tragedies.
The hospital also operates a Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre, providing vital healthcare services that are becoming increasingly rare.
To support their commendable work, I made a token donation of ₦10 million and assured them of my continued partnership.
I urge governments at all levels, the private sector, and well-meaning Nigerians to support institutions like this, run by voluntary and faith-based organisations. Investing in healthcare and education is investing in our future. -PO
The Fulfilment of Investing in Education
I was delighted to attend the maiden graduation ceremony of Millennium College of Nursing Sciences, Awka, an achievement that reflects the power of vision, commitment, and investment in human capital.
What gave me the greatest joy and fulfilment was learning from the Provost, Mrs Chisom C. Ezulike, that the initial support I provided served as the seed funding enabling the institution to commence operations seamlessly.
I was equally pleased to learn that my subsequent interventions significantly contributed to making today’s historic graduation possible. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing a small act of support blossom into an institution that is transforming lives and strengthening our healthcare system.
Nothing is more fulfilling than witnessing a modest investment in education grow into a thriving institution. Today, that same institution has graduated 116 pioneer students, who achieved a remarkable 100% success rate in the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria Professional Examination. This serves as yet another reminder that investments in education and healthcare are the most reliable investments in our nation's future.
I commend the pioneer graduating Class of 2025 and extend my congratulations to the Proprietor, management, faculty, benefactors, and everyone whose dedication and sacrifices have made this notable milestone possible.
Let us continue to invest in education, healthcare, and human capital development, for they remain the most assured paths to national progress and sustainable development.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
I was delighted to attend the graduation ceremony of Key Special Academy (KSA), Gwarinpa, Abuja.
In my capacity as Chairman, I presented admission letters to the graduating students who secured admission into Mewar International University. The Academy also honoured its outstanding students for their exceptional academic performance and exemplary conduct.
Special recognition awards were presented to the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) and to me for our dedication and significant contributions to the growth and success of the institution.
I urged the graduates to continue upholding the core values of excellence, discipline, and integrity, and to remain worthy ambassadors of Key Special Academy as they pursue greater heights in their academic and life journeys. - RMK
I spent the past weekend hosting and engaging in productive consultations with delegations of women, youth, students, and patriotic groups from the Northwest in Kaduna State.
The groups reaffirmed their unwavering support and loyalty to the NDC. I urged them to return to their communities and intensify grassroots mobilisation for the party. - RMK
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 one’s life has contributed, however modestly, to making another person’s 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. Raphael’s 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 ₦10 million to support the hospital’s 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.
On this auspicious day, I extend my warmest felicitations to my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
Throughout his remarkable life of service and leadership, Mr. Obi has consistently distinguished himself as a man of exceptional enterprise, deep conviction, and personal integrity. His humility and modesty remain exemplary in a world that often celebrates excess.
As our candidate on the presidential ticket of the NDC, he has been an outstanding ally and a principled voice whose dedication continues to inspire millions of Nigerians across the country.
I wish him robust health, continued strength, and greater impact as he presses on in his unwavering commitment to the progress and good of our nation.
Happy 65th Birthday, my dear brother, Peter Obi. - RMK