Today, I attended the Commissioning of the Geometric Power facility, Aba Integrated Power Project, in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State. The project is a landmark one that hopes to catalyze development in the commercial city of Aba and its environs.
It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions.
But as you all now know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.
I feel incredibly fortunate, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only have dreamed of as a kid, that I now have the chance to fulfil another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red.
Mercedes has been a huge part of my life since I was 13 years old, so this decision has been the hardest I’ve ever had to make. I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve achieved together and I’m very grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone I have worked with over the years and of course Toto, for his friendship, guidance and leadership. Together we have won titles, broken records and become the most successful Driver-Team partnership in F1 history. And of course I cannot forget Niki who was a huge supporter and who I still miss everyday.
I must also share my huge appreciation to the whole of the Mercedes-Benz board and everyone at the company in Germany and around the world for supporting me over these 26 years.
But the time is right to make a change and take on a new challenge. I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined Mercedes in 2013. I know some people didn’t understand it at the time but I was right to make the move then and it's the feeling I have again now. I’m excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together.
However, right now, I’m not thinking about 2025. My focus is on the upcoming season and getting back out on track with Mercedes. I am more driven than ever, I am fitter and more focussed than than ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again. I am 100% committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high.
Thank you to all of you who have been on this journey with me, you have all lifted me up as I chase my dreams and I hope I can continue to make you proud. As always, sending you my love and positive energy.
It was truly a delightful and uplifting experience for me today, as I joined other Nigerians to watch Nigeria's National Team, the Super Eagles, live in Abidjan, Ivory Coast Capital, as they cruised to the semi-final of the ongoing AFCON tournament.
UMU ARO: Light will triumph over darkness! Prince Eberechukwu Oji, schooled in wisdom by the legendary Late Eze Kanu Oji, stands today not just as Eze Aro designate, but as a beacon of unity, peace, progress, and prosperity.
One of my priorities, when I took office, was to restore the accreditation of our College of Medicine and Health Sciences ABSU, which was revoked due to inadequate facilities and staff welfare. I witnessed the suffering of our students, lecturers, and patients, and I promised to never let it happen again. We invested massively in the renovation and upgrade of the infrastructure, equipment, and personnel of ABSUTH.
I am glad to announce that the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu has successfully regained full accreditation from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) after a period of suspension lasting almost three years. This is a remarkable achievement for our state and it affirms our commitment to deliver quality healthcare and education to our people.
With this accreditation, our medical students can now resume their training at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) Aba, with a higher admission quota and a valid accreditation to train house officers. I appreciate the MDCN team led by the Deputy Registrar, Dr. Nnaemeka Nwakanma, for their rigorous inspection and favourable verdict. I also commend the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, the Vice Chancellor ABSU, Professor Maxwell Ogbulu, the pioneer Provost, College of Medicine and Health Sciences ABSU, Professor Akpuaka; the Acting Chief Medical Director ABSUTH, Professor John Chikezie and the entire Abia State University Accreditation Committee for their diligent work and dedication.
We have also allocated 20% and 15% of our 2024 annual budget to education and health, respectively, to demonstrate our resolve to promote the well-being and security of our people. We believe that these are not favours, but obligations that we owe to our citizens. We will continue to do our best to provide quality service and governance to our state.
I congratulate our medical students, lecturers, and staff on this milestone, and I encourage them to make the best use of this opportunity to excel in their studies and careers.
Everyone at Manchester United sends our heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the passing of Lady Cathy.
Lady Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career.