Today, I held meetings in London with some stakeholders in British politics and business community, including Lord Jonathan Marland, the Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC).
The discussion with Lord Marland held particular importance as it centred on prospective trade opportunities, economic advancement, and the promotion of small businesses throughout Nigeria.
It is clear that fostering a robust economy and generating employment, as evidenced by rapidly growing nations like China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, necessitates a concerted effort to prioritise support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
As I have consistently asserted, our micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) serve as the driving force behind economic growth, and it is imperative that we provide them with vigorous support to enhance development and create significant employment opportunities, particularly within the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
A New and revitalised Nigeria is POssible. -PO
My ongoing nationwide consultations with notable South East leaders ahead of the 2027 general election continued on Tuesday April 28, 2026. We visited Governor @seyimakinde of Oyo State in Ibadan.
Our meeting provided an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on critical issues concerning our nation, the direction of our democracy, and the urgent need to build a united, more inclusive, secure, and economically viable Nigeria. We exchanged views on governance, development priorities, and the role of responsible leadership in this crucial period of our national journey.
The consultations remain essential as we continue to listen, reflect, and work collectively towards a better future for all Nigerians.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Troubling Developments from the citadel of learning.
The reason Universities are regarded as an ivory tower is because its seen as centres for pure, isolated intellectual thought. It's therefore worrisome when they are increasingly pressured to operate outside this norm.
Today, I was scheduled to be at Obafemi Awolowo University at 9am prompt to deliver a keynote lecture, before proceeding to Ibadan for the opposition parties' political summit scheduled to commence at 12noon. The invitation was extended to me several months ago, and adequate preparations had been made. Regrettably, I received the news that the event would no longer be held in the University as planned.
While such occurrences may be dismissed in isolation, it is important to state clearly that this has now happened more than ten times. This is no longer incidental; it points to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians. My alma mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka was not excluded. The family of one of the renowned UNN Vice Chancellor late Professor Frank Ndili had planned an annual lecture on his behalf and the inaugural lecture was to be delivered, but on the scheduled date it was cancelled by the University authority.
These are not merely personal inconveniences; they raise deeper questions about the kind of environment we are nurturing in our country. Universities are meant to be centres of learning, open dialogue, and the free exchange of ideas. When platforms for constructive engagement are repeatedly constrained, it reflects a worrying shift away from these ideals.
This concern becomes even more pronounced when viewed against my engagements across the world, where I have been privileged to speak and interact freely with students and scholars in respected institutions. In the past 24 months, I have delivered lectures in notable universities globally including Oxford University, Cambridge University, Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Chicago University, University of Pennsylvania, Imperial College, to name a few. Those environments continue to demonstrate openness to dialogue, critical thinking, and shared learning, values that should equally define our own institutions.
We must ask ourselves: what kind of nation are we building if spaces meant for intellectual engagement are gradually shrinking? A country’s progress is anchored on its ability to encourage knowledge, debate, and the contest of ideas, not restrict them.
Nigeria must work towards becoming a place where ideas thrive, where knowledge is shared without fear, and where our institutions uphold the principles they were established to protect.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
We left Lagos for Ibadan by 6am for the opposition conference, but on the way, we ran into a large crowd of excited supporters. As always, Peter Obi stepped out to greet them.
Yesterday defenders of democracy, today's destroyers, What a shame.
What an irony of history, that the acclaimed defenders of democracy and human rights who claimed to have fought for democracy during the era of General Sani Abacha now find themselves worse than the man they opposed.
Today, General Sani Abacha, once presumed face of oppression, will be remembered as seemingly more democratic and more respectful of human rights than the so-called champions of activism from the NADECO days. Power indeed reveals character.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Leadership Without Compassion is Not Leadership
During his visit to Benue State in June 2025, Bola Ahmed Tinubu stopped at the Government House but did not go to the actual scene where innocent Nigerians lost their lives. Similarly, yesterday in Jos, his engagement ended at the airport instead of at the affected communities.
What happened in Plateau yesterday highlights a complete absence of leadership. True leadership requires presence, empathy, compassion, and a willingness to meet people where their pain truly lies. For citizens who have just lost loved ones, homes, and their sense of safety, being addressed from an airport tarmac is profoundly inadequate.
This approach exacerbates the sense of abandonment already felt by innocent Nigerians who have endured repeated cycles of violence without meaningful protection or justice. Plateau deserves more than distant words; it requires urgent action and a clear commitment to ending the insecurity that continues to claim innocent lives.
In such moments, leadership must not only be visible but also tangible—standing with victims, listening to survivors, and acknowledging the depth of their grief.
If we truly desire a better Nigeria, we must demand leadership that is present, responsive, and responsible at all times.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
ABUJA'S MASTER PLAN - Experience Abuja with AIVA
In 1976, Nigeria's military government under General Murtala Muhammed decided to move the capital from congested Lagos to a more central, ethnically neutral location.
#aiva#abuja#realestate#experienceabuja
Condolences to the El-Rufai Family
I have just received the sad news of the passing of the mother of my brother, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt, where she had been receiving treatment.
This is indeed a sombre moment for the El-Rufai family, as Mama’s passing marks the close of a significant chapter in their matriarchal lineage.
The loss of a mother is a profound turning point in anyone’s life, regardless of status or position.
My deepest sympathies go to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the entire family. May her soul rest in Aljannatul Firdaus. -PO
My Visit to Ehime General Hospital, Imo State
On Thursday, 26th March, I visited a General Hospital in Ehime Mbano, Imo state where I was warmly received by Most Rev. David Onuoha, Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri and Bishop of Okigwe South Diocese, alongside other clergy and members of the hospital management. His tireless commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare and professional training is truly commendable.
Now that the hospital has been officially handed over to the Diocese, I am confident the Church will manage it efficiently for the benefit of the community. To support this transition, I donated ₦10 million toward the ongoing renovation of the complex and the Diocese’s visionary plans to establish a nursing school on-site.
Such initiatives are vital to building a system that truly serves our people, and I call on the Government, and wealthy Nigerians to support these efforts, as the Church is currently bridging a significant gap by delivering essential services that are fundamentally the responsibility of the Government.
I remain firm in my conviction that investment in health and education is the most critical path to national development, as a healthy and educated population is the bedrock of a productive and prosperous nation.
With support for institutions working for the good of society, a new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Nigeria Bleeds
Arriving back from my visit to Kano this evening, I received disturbing news and images from Jos of a painful attack at the Angwa Rukuba area, Jos North, Plateau State.
The recurring loss of innocent lives in Plateau State reminds us, yet again, of the insecurity innocent citizens face in our nation without any protection. These continuous devastating headlines are a reminder of a nation that is steadily normalising the loss of its own people.
It is unacceptable that these attacks happen with such frequency, and even more unacceptable that there seems to be no decisive, sustained strategy to end them. No nation or leader normalises tragedy.
The safety of Nigerian lives must become non-negotiable, we cannot continue to mourn what should have been prevented. Enough is enough.
My heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and their memories never be forgotten. I pray that we get a country where the loss of lives is no longer a recurring reality.
We cannot continue like this. -PO
Today in Abuja, I joined family, friends, and associates in prayer for the repose of Haijiya Umma El-Rufai at the funeral of the late mother of my dear brother, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
I extend my sincere condolences to Mallam Nasir @elrufai and the entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you find strength in the memories you shared and comfort in the support of those around you.
I pray that Almighty Allah forgives her shortcomings, grants her eternal rest, and admits her into Aljannah Firdaus. May He also grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Moments like this remind us of our shared humanity, beyond politics, ethnicity, and religion, and the need to continue to build a society anchored on compassion, unity, and mutual respect.
May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. -PO
Yesterday, Monday 30th March, I returned to the North's Commercial nerve centre, Kano, on the invitation of my dear elder brother, Senator, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso @KwankwasoRM, whose decision to join our party marks yet another significant step in the collective effort to rescue and rebuild our democracy and dear nation, Nigeria.
As I have consistently maintained, this is the time for all opposition forces and well-meaning Nigerians to set aside their differences and work together in unity of purpose.
Nigeria is at a critical stage in its history, one that demands sacrifice, courage, and selflessness from all of us. The challenges we face, economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and declining public trust, require more than rhetoric. They require deliberate collaboration, disciplined leadership, and a shared commitment to national progress.
We must move beyond the politics of division, ethnicity, religion, and region, and embrace the politics of competence, character, capacity, compassion, and commitment to a better Nigeria. The task before us is not about winning elections alone; it is about rebuilding institutions, restoring confidence in governance, and securing a better future for our children.
I therefore call on all members of the opposition, and indeed every patriotic Nigerian, to see this moment as a defining one. A moment that calls for unity over division, service over self, and nation over personal interest.
A new Nigeria is POssible, but it will require all of us, working together, making sacrifices, and staying committed to the vision of a just, equitable, and prosperous nation. -PO
Yesterday, Abia State stood still to honour one of our greatest sons, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, a global evangelist, God’s General, and a man whose life touched millions.
At the State burial service in Umuahia, I reminded everyone that Papa Uma Ukpai did not die, he only transited. His works, his children, his legacy, they all speak louder than words.
The real challenge is for us. What will people say when it’s our turn? Papa lived a life of impact, of faith, of service. That’s why we celebrate him.
We thank God for the gift of Rev. Uma Ukpai to Abia, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, Africa, and the world. Truly, honour belongs to whom honour is due.
To his dear wife, Pastor Mrs. Philomena Ukpai, and the entire family, we say thank you for allowing us to honour him. We grieve, but not like those without hope. We know Papa rests in glory, awaiting that resurrection morning.
Good night, Daddy Uma Ukpai. Your legacy lives on.
Encouraging Growth and Learning at Paul University.
Yesterday, after visiting Ehime Mbano General Hospital in Imo state, I also went to Paul University, Awka, Anambra state capital where I donated ₦30 million to support its continued growth and development.
I have supported this University for over a decade now and I remain encouraged by the steady and visible progress recorded in the institution, as each visit reveals meaningful improvements in infrastructure and learning conditions. This affirms the importance of sustained investment in education as a driver of national development.
During my interaction with the students, I urged them to take their studies seriously, reminding them that education remains the most reliable pathway to personal growth and a better future.
I also had the privilege of joining some youth corps members to play football, a refreshing reminder of the energy and promise of our young people.
I commend the university’s management for their prudent use of resources and dedication to excellence, and I assure them of my continued support towards the overall goal of making a new Nigeria POssible. -PO
Yesterday, Saturday 28th March, I travelled to Aba, Abia State to honour the invitation of the representative of the people Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and to meet stakeholders of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC).
I thank Senator Abaribe and his team for the warm reception and I thank Governor Alex Otti for the good work he has done in Enyimba City.
I had a one-hour interview with Magic fm which is my first interview on the radio and TV this year. I thank the stakeholders of ADC for their warm welcome and the good interaction we had.
When I speak about moving the country from consumption to production Aba remains one of the cities that will contribute immensely to that as it remains a home for garment and shoe production. Both products, garments and shoe remains top and earn as much as we earn from oil for Bangladesh and Vietnam respectively and can do so for Nigeria if well managed and supported.
Our challenge remains Competent leadership with capacity, compassion, and commitment to the development of our country as it is in other comparable nations.
A New Nigeria Is POssible. -PO
Today, as part of my nationwide consultations, I visited Kaduna State, where I met with our party stakeholders and members, including Dr. Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani, a gubernatorial hopeful, and Senator Lawal Adamu, who represents Kaduna Central.
What I observed in them was not just political ambition but a sincere desire to serve the people and contribute to the rebuilding of our country.
Kaduna remains a very strategic state in Nigeria. It was once a symbol of our unity and coexistence, a major hub for industry, agriculture, and commerce, and it still holds that potential. With disciplined, competent, and people-oriented leadership, we can restore that lost glory for the benefit of all.
Equally important is the need to rekindle the spirit of unity and coexistence for which Kaduna was once known. A divided society cannot progress, but a united, just, and inclusive one will always find a path to peace and development.
During my interactions, I emphasized the need for our leaders to move away from the politics of money and to embrace the politics of competence, character, and measurable results.
This visit has strengthened my belief that with the right leadership and collective effort, we can build a Nigeria that works—one where every citizen, regardless of background, has a sense of belonging and opportunity.
I leave Kaduna feeling encouraged and hopeful that a New Nigeria is POssible. -PO