The concerning building collapses in Anambra and Ogun States.
The collapse of structures housing, among others, some students of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Amaokpala, Anambra State, is deeply distressing. I am saddened by the tragic loss of two lives in this unfortunate incident. While I understand that the deceased were not students of the Polytechnic, I extend my heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. I also pray for the quick recovery of those who sustained injuries.
Coming barely days after the unfortunate similar incident at Amaokpala, the reported collapse of a building in Ogun State, with the loss of lives, is another painful reminder of the urgent need to prioritise the safety of our people.
I commend the Anambra State Government, the Ogun State Government, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie, emergency responders, security agencies, and all involved in the rescue and relief efforts for their swift and coordinated response. Their prompt actions helped prevent what could have been even greater tragedies.
These incidents call for deeper reflection and urgent action. Across our country, we must strengthen the enforcement of building regulations, ensure strict compliance with approved standards, and insist on regular structural integrity assessments to avoid preventable tragedies.
The safety and welfare of our citizens, especially our young people, must remain central to our development efforts. We must continue to invest not only in educational infrastructure but also in ensuring that every environment in which our people live and learn is safe and fit for purpose.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives, those who were injured, the students affected by the Amaokpala incident, and all impacted by these unfortunate events. May God grant eternal rest to the deceased, comfort their loved ones, and grant the injured a swift recovery.
I will continue to cherish and support our students, as they remain central to building the New Nigeria we aspire to. By investing in their education, safety, and well-being, we make that New Nigeria possible. -PO
A Birthday wish to Governor Charles Soludo
I warmly congratulate the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, on the occasion of his birthday.
Birthdays are moments to thank God for the gift of life and to reflect on the opportunities and responsibilities that come with each new year. As Governor Soludo marks another year today, I wish him good health, strength, wisdom, and God’s continued guidance.
May this new year of your life bring you peace, fulfilment, and abundant blessings.
Happy Birthday, my dear elder brother, Governor Charles Soludo. -PO
It is the right time for us all to wake up and go after any South African we sight in Nigeria... Enough is enough.... You can never kill any single American and American government will let you go free... Too much of killing Nigerians in South Africa. Too much 😭
VIDEO 🇳🇬 💔 : NIG 🇳🇬 Government please intervene ooh 😭😭
After denial statements from the South African Police, video from Bellville, Cape Town surfaces online allegedly showing South African Police officers strangling and suffocating Chika Ibe, a Nigerian from Abia State. Chika Ibe later died 😭
Nigerian Government needs to ask questions
My Visit to Ogoja
After visiting the Catholic Maternity Hospital in Ogoja, where I supported the hospital and its School of Midwifery, I stopped at the INEC Continuous Voter Registration Centre at St. Ben’s Demonstration Primary School, Ogoja. I observed the voter registration exercise and the orderly conduct of the citizens who came out to register.
Thereafter, I honoured the invitation of the Missionary Diocese of Ogoja, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), where the newly installed Bishop held his first Synod and unveiled a vision centred on expanding access to education and healthcare through the establishment of a school and a hospital.
In support of this noble mission, I made an initial contribution of ₦5 million. Investing in education, healthcare, and the welfare of the less privileged remains one of the most meaningful ways to build a productive, compassionate, and prosperous society.
I sincerely thank the Bishop and the Diocese for their commitment to serving humanity.
We thereafter proceeded through Okuku, Yala LGA where we greeted the people.
Together, through purposeful investments in people and institutions, we can build a better Nigeria.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
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
MY REMARKS ON THE ENUGU AIR RUNWAY EXCURSION AT BENIN AIRPORT
I received, with profound relief, the news of the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft during its landing at Benin Airport today.
First, I join all Nigerians in expressing heartfelt gratitude to God Almighty that all 68 passengers and crew members on board disembarked safely, with no injuries or casualties recorded. The safety of human lives must always remain our highest priority.
I commend the pilot, the flight crew, and the airport emergency response teams at Benin Airport for their swift and professional handling of the situation, which averted what could have been a major tragedy. Their calmness and decisiveness under pressure are deeply commendable.
While we celebrate this safe outcome, the incident serves as a sober reminder of the critical need for strict adherence to aviation safety protocols, rigorous routine maintenance, and continuous infrastructure upgrades across our airports nationwide.
I urge the relevant regulatory and investigative bodies—particularly the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB)—to conduct a thorough, transparent, and timely investigation into the root cause of this incident.
Learning from occurrences such as this is essential to strengthening public confidence in our aviation sector and ensuring that our skies remain consistently safe.
May God continue to guide and protect all travellers across our nation. – PO
Earlier today, I met with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Dr Richard Montgomery. We had a thoughtful discussion on the state of our democracy, the economy, the importance of strengthening our institutions, and the need to ensure that our elections remain free, fair, credible, and truly reflective of the will of the Nigerian people.
As Dr Montgomery prepares to conclude his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria next month, I thanked him for his service and for the role he has played in strengthening the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. His time in Nigeria has been marked by constructive engagement and support for our democratic and economic development.
I wished him well as he prepares for his next assignment and thanked him for the friendship and cooperation he has extended to Nigeria throughout his tenure. I look forward to seeing the strong relationship between our two countries continue to grow.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Why the voter registration exercise should be extended.
As we continue to encourage Nigerians to participate actively in our democracy, I respectfully appeal to INEC to consider extending the voter registration window to the latest practical date that still allows adequate time for the preparation of a credible voters’ register before the 2027 general elections.
Every day, more young Nigerians attain the age of 18 and become constitutionally eligible to vote. They are not just our future; they are stakeholders in our present. It would be unfortunate if many of them were denied the opportunity to exercise their civic responsibility simply because the registration process closed long before the elections.
Moreover, this position is legally supported by the High Court judgment delivered on 22 November 2022 in Anaja Salmat & 3 Others v. INEC (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1342/2022). In that decision, the Federal High Court held that voter registration should continue until 90 days before a general election to protect the constitutional voting rights of eligible Nigerians.
I appreciate the enormous responsibility placed on INEC to deliver free, fair, and credible elections. I also recognise the need for sufficient time to clean the register and make the necessary logistical preparations. However, our electoral process should, as much as possible, maximise participation rather than limit it.
A democracy is strengthened when every eligible citizen has the opportunity to be heard. I therefore urge INEC to adopt a registration timeline that protects the integrity of the process while ensuring that no eligible Nigerian, especially our young people, is unnecessarily disenfranchised. -PO
Strengthening Development Through Partnership
Yesterday, I met with the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Egloff, and we had a productive and engaging discussion on our country’s developmental journey, with particular emphasis on the critical sectors that drive development: education, healthcare, and lifting people out of poverty.
I expressed my gratitude for the invaluable contributions of the Swiss Confederation to Nigeria’s development, especially its support for critical economic, cultural, humanitarian, and peace-building initiatives, particularly in the North-East.
Building stronger partnerships founded on shared values and a commitment to human development remains essential to creating a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
My Condolences on the Jigawa Canoe Mishap
I am deeply saddened by the tragic news emerging from the Malamawa community in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State, where at least 40 women and children are feared dead following a devastating canoe mishap.
Losing such a significant number of citizens - especially women and children, who form the backbone of our families and the hope of our future - is a monumental tragedy for Jigawa State and our entire nation.
My heart goes out to the grieving families who are enduring this unimaginable pain. I pray that the Almighty grants them the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.
As we mourn, let us also address the systemic failures that contribute to these recurring disasters.
May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace, and may God comfort all those affected by this profound tragedy. -PO
A Birthday Made Brighter by the Bravery of Our Troops at FGGC Monguno, Borno
I wish to extend my profound appreciation and highest commendation to the gallant members of our Armed Forces who successfully thwarted a grave kidnapping attempt at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, Borno State, in the early hours of today, July 19, 2026, at about 1:30 a.m.
Their prompt, decisive, and courageous intervention prevented what could have been a devastating national tragedy and saved many innocent students from the trauma of abduction. This act of bravery underscores the remarkable capability, resilience, and patriotism that our security personnel demonstrate when properly supported and equipped.
Educational institutions must remain safe havens for learning and development, not targets for criminal elements. Every Nigerian child deserves the opportunity to pursue education without the fear of abduction or violence.
While we celebrate this successful operation, it also reminds us of the urgent need to move beyond a reactive security posture towards a more proactive, intelligence-driven approach. Our security agencies must be provided with the necessary resources, motivation, and modern technology to detect and prevent threats before they occur.
My sincere gratitude goes to our troops for their dedication, courage, and sacrifice. My thoughts are with the students, their families, and the entire FGGC Monguno community.
As I mark my birthday today, this successful rescue effort is a gift that gladdens my heart — a reminder that, despite our challenges, there are still men and women who stand daily in defence of our nation and its future.
We must continue to support them and remain united in our collective pursuit of a safer and more secure Nigeria. -PO
FIFA World Cup: A Gallant Finish
The FIFA World Cup concluded successfully today, with the best team emerging victorious.
This is yet another fitting birthday gift, further demonstrating that the youth have not only arrived but are proving that excellence, when given the opportunity, will always prevail.
Today, competence, capacity, character, and capability were on full display. It is a powerful reminder that when young people are properly nurtured, entrusted with responsibility, and given the opportunity to lead, they deliver outstanding results.
This is the spirit we must replicate across every sector of our national life. A New Nigeria is Possible, and it must be reflected in every endeavour that brings pride, progress, and honour to our nation. -PO
I shall dedicate the end of the month to visiting one school or hospital as my modest way of commemorating my birthday. At each institution, I hope to make a modest contribution towards its work, however little, as a practical expression of my gratitude to God. Rather than a celebration centred on me, I desire a celebration that places humanity at the centre.
My prayer is that God will continue to give me the strength, wisdom, and humility to serve. At 65, I am more convinced than ever that the true measure of a life is not the wealth accumulated or the honours received, but the positive difference made in the lives of others.
May God continue to bless Nigeria and guide us towards becoming a united, inclusive and compassionate nation, where we love one another and work together to build the country we are capable of becoming. -PO
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 occasion of the birthday of His Excellency, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, CON, we celebrate not only a statesman of uncommon integrity but also a leader whose life of service and compassion continues to impact positively on humanity. Mr. Obi’s journey in public service has been marked by discipline, transparency, and a commitment to human development, values that have distinguished him as one of Nigeria’s most exemplary leaders.
His unwavering commitment to education, healthcare, and philanthropy reflects a life dedicated to service and humanity. May this new year bring you greater strength and fulfillment.
Happy Birthday, Okwute!