My Visit to the Nigerian Air Force Facility
Further to my message yesterday, I visited the Nigerian Air Force facility in Abuja today to formally sign the condolence register following the unfortunate aircraft crash.
The visit gave me another opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made daily by the men and women of our Armed Forces and other security agencies in the line of duty. These courageous Nigerians put their lives on the line to defend our nation and protect our people. We must never take their service and sacrifice for granted.
I extend my deepest condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
May God grant eternal rest to the departed and give their families the strength and fortitude to bear this painful loss.
May God continue to protect all those who serve our country. -PO
ON THE ANAMBRA DEBT QUESTION
I have remained silent over the past few days because I have been grieving the loss of my very dear elder brother and friend, Chief Okey Ezeibe. However, the time has come for me to address some of the matters that have occupied public discussion in recent days.
I respectfully urge everyone to concentrate on the existential challenges confronting Nigeria and the hardships endured by its citizens, rather than on the needless distractions that have become widespread in our politics.
I wish to assure the public that I have no disagreement with my dear elder brother, Governor Soludo, or with any governor in Nigeria. I am not seeking the office of governor in any state, and I will not seek that position again, even if the Constitution is amended.
Accordingly, I appeal to governors to support whichever presidential candidate they choose while also permitting and assisting other presidential candidates and contenders for other offices to campaign freely and without interruption in their states. Ultimately, voters should be allowed to determine whom they wish to serve them.
Regarding the multilateral funding inaccurately described as “debt owed by Peter Obi” in Anambra State, I wish to state unequivocally:
As Governor of Anambra State, I did not approach any financial institution to borrow funds or issue a bond on behalf of the state. Indeed, at his farewell ceremony, the then Director-General of the DMO, Abraham Nwankwo, appointed me chairman and declared that, during his 10 years in office, I was the only state governor who had not approached him for a loan facility.
When I left office, the Anambra State Government owed no unpaid salaries, gratuities, or pensions. Neither did it owe any contractor or supplier who had completed work that the government had verified and certified.
Regarding development financing from the World Bank, these are concessionary development-support funds secured by the Federal Government for states selected by it to address specific needs. Repayment is spread over 25 to 30 years.
The Anambra State Government must therefore differentiate among three separate figures: the total amount approved for the multiyear development program; the amount Anambra State actually drew during my tenure; and the funding balance outstanding when I handed over on 17 March 2014.
The government has combined these distinct categories, added them together, and described the resulting US$123.77 million as “loans left by Peter Obi.” That is an incorrect application of public-sector accounting.
The eight facilities identified were primarily World Bank and IFAD development programs negotiated by the Federal Government, with participating states receiving access to the funds through subsidiary arrangements. They were not conventional commercial loans that I personally secured during my tenure.
This does not suggest that Anambra had no repayment responsibilities; rather, each facility must be examined in light of its approval, effectiveness, drawdown, and repayment record.
The clearest contradiction appears in the government’s own figures. It states that the original facilities amounted to approximately US$123.77 million and that US$92.35 million remained outstanding in June 2026. However, the DMO’s published records showed Anambra’s total external debt at approximately US$18 million when I began my tenure in March 2006, about US$30 million in March 2014, when I left office, and approximately US$45.15 million as of 31 December 2014, nine months after my departure.
The Anambra State Government must therefore clarify how a state whose recorded external debt was about US$30 million in March 2014 and US$45.15 million in December 2014 could supposedly have inherited US$123.77 million from Peter Obi, who left office in March of that same year.
Today, as I conclude my four-day working visit to the United States, I leave encouraged by the people I met, the conversations we shared, and the enduring hope I saw for a better Nigeria.
During the visit, I had the opportunity to engage with prominent personalities and exchange views on issues of importance to Nigeria, the United States, and our people, especially the future of our vast youthful population.
One of the most fulfilling parts of the trip was meeting young Nigerian professionals — doctors, lawyers, engineers, technology professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and business leaders — who are excelling in their various fields while remaining deeply committed to a better Nigeria.
My message to them was simple: you are not outsiders to Nigeria’s future; you are an important part of it.
The knowledge, experience, and innovation of Nigerians in the diaspora are enormous national assets. We must build a country that welcomes their contribution and gives every Nigerian a meaningful opportunity to participate in our national development.
I shared with them my vision of a New Nigeria — a country where the son or daughter of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody; where your background does not determine your destination, and where hard work, competence, and integrity matter more than connections.
We must move Nigeria from consumption to production. We must invest in education, healthcare, and our people, support enterprise, create productive jobs, and build an economy that gives our young people genuine reasons to believe in their future at home.
Our young people should not have to leave Nigeria before their talents are recognised or their dreams become possible.
I was also pleased to engage with diaspora media, including NoireTV Network and Adeola Talks, where I shared my thoughts on building a more productive, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.
It was a fulfilling visit, but the work continues.
I look forward to continuing these conversations with Nigerians at home and across the world. Wherever we may live, we all have a role to play in building the Nigeria we desire.
Our challenges are great, but our potential is greater. We have the people, the talent, and the resources to build a country where opportunity is not determined by who you know or where you come from, but by what you can contribute.
That is the Nigeria we must build together — a Nigeria that works for everyone.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
In the course of my engagements with Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, many of them have sought my opinion on investing in the ongoing Dangote Petroleum Refinery Initial Public Offering.
While encouraging them to buy, I must say that I remain very proud of the commitment and breakthrough of Alhaji Aliko Dangote's investment in the real sector of our country’s economy, across different sectors. This validates my position that we should move Nigeria from consumption to production.
I, therefore, encourage other Nigerian businesses to invest in the productive sectors of the Nigerian economy and also give fellow Nigerian citizens the opportunity to be part of the re-industrialization of the country by offering their shares to the public through public offerings. -PO
Yesterday, while in Washington, D.C., I had the privilege of meeting with a group of young Nigerian professionals — medical doctors and other healthcare professionals, educators, lawyers, engineers, technology experts, entrepreneurs and business leaders.
It was an engaging and encouraging conversation about Nigeria, the challenges before us, and the kind of country we must work together to build.
Our discussions centered largely on good governance and the urgent reforms Nigeria needs today. I reminded them that, important as our economic, political, and institutional reforms are, the most important reform Nigeria needs is the reform of leadership itself.
No nation can rise above the character, competence, capacity, and commitment of those entrusted with its leadership.
Nigeria is blessed.
We are not lacking in intelligent people. We are not lacking in natural resources. We are not lacking in hardworking and innovative young people. What we have lacked for far too long is leadership that genuinely puts the people first and treats public resources as a sacred trust.
We need leadership that strengthens our institutions, invests seriously in education and healthcare, supports businesses and entrepreneurs, creates jobs and opportunities for our young people, and gives every Nigerian a reason to believe that hard work can still lead to a better life.
Meeting these young Nigerians in Washington once again reminded me of the extraordinary talent our country has produced.
Across the world, Nigerians are making remarkable contributions in medicine, technology, engineering, law, education, business, and many other fields. Our diaspora should never be seen as people who have simply left Nigeria. They remain an important part of Nigeria and must be partners in rebuilding our country.
We must build a Nigeria where our young people do not have to leave their country in order to fulfil their dreams, and where those already abroad can confidently return, invest, contribute and participate in our national development.
That Nigeria is possible.
But it will not happen by accident.
It will require responsible and compassionate leadership, stronger institutions, prudent management of our resources, and, above all, citizens who refuse to give up on Nigeria.
I remain convinced that our greatest resource is not beneath our soil; it is our people.
If we get leadership right, we can get Nigeria right.
We must continue to believe. We must continue to work. And we must continue to demand a country that works for everyone.
A New Nigeria is POssible. - PO
The recent report that 97% of assessed Primary Healthcare Centres across 16 states failed to meet the national staffing standard is not merely a statistic; it can be extrapolated nationwide, where about 80% of PHCs are not functioning. It reflects a serious risk.
Health is the primary measure of development in any nation and forms the foundation of healthcare. A country cannot build a healthy, productive population if its Primary Healthcare Centres lack the necessary staff to care for the people.
Behind every understaffed PHC is a pregnant woman who might not receive timely care, and a child who could die from a preventable illness. That is why Nigeria is currently classified among the most challenging and poorest places to be born and to live.
Healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy. It is a basic responsibility of government. Progress is not best measured by flyovers, new bus stops, or airports that are rarely used. Instead, we should measure it by the number of lives saved, the number of operational health centres, the availability of qualified health workers, and the quality of care provided to ordinary Nigerians.
We cannot create a New Nigeria while allowing our people to die from issues that a functioning Primary Healthcare system should prevent. Our priorities must be clear: invest in our people, strengthen Primary Healthcare, recruit and retain essential health workers, and ensure every Nigerian, regardless of location or income, has access to quality, affordable healthcare.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
No Objection to Legitimate Scrutiny of My Certificates
My attention has been drawn to reports circulating on social media concerning a legal action by an individual or group seeking Certified True Copies (CTCs) of my Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, awarded to me in 1984 by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as other academic records and credentials relating to my admission into the University.
I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records.
I respectfully request that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, within the limits permitted by law, make available, upon legitimate request, my academic certificates, records, and other official documents relating to my admission and studies at the University. I equally have no objection to other educational institutions, within and outside Nigeria, which I attended, making my academic records available in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
I believe strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for those who seek the privilege of public office. Public scrutiny must, however, be fair, lawful, and applied consistently to everyone who seeks to lead our nation.
As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record. I am prepared to subject myself to the level of scrutiny that should reasonably be expected of anyone seeking the highest office in our country. Those who seek to lead must be willing to demonstrate, through both their words and actions, that they have nothing to conceal from the people they aspire to serve.
In that same spirit, I encourage every presidential candidate to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny. Doing so should not be regarded as an inconvenience or an attack. Rather, it is an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability, and rebuild the trust of Nigerians in those who seek to govern them.
Leadership must reflect the values we expect from the society we hope to build. If we desire a Nigeria founded on transparency, integrity, accountability, and respect for institutions, those values must begin with those who seek to lead it.
I therefore welcome the scrutiny of my academic background and remain committed to the principle that those who ask Nigerians for their trust must also be willing to earn that trust through openness and accountability.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Osun: While celebrating, let us also remember those who paid the ultimate price for democracy
Once again, I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke and the good people of Osun State on the outcome of the election and, more importantly, on safeguarding the democratic process. The people have spoken through the ballot, reaffirming the fundamental principle that power belongs to the people.
As we celebrate this success, let's not forget those who made the supreme sacrifice for our democracy during the Osun election. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives under different circumstances during the electoral period. I believe these families deserve our collective compassion, solidarity, and support. I therefore hope that the families of those who lost their loved ones will be identified and reached through visits, condolences, and appropriate compensation, irrespective of the political side to which they belonged.
Elections should be about the people, their choices, and their aspirations — not about the loss of precious lives. No political victory is worth the blood of a Nigerian.
My prayer is that our democracy will continue to mature to a point where elections no longer come at the cost of human lives, and where political differences can always be settled through issue-based campaigns and the rule of law.
May God comfort all the families who have lost loved ones and grant the departed eternal rest.
With the right conduct of elections, a New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Yesterday, I continued my trip to Kogi State. I travelled to Onugba Ukoh in Olomaboro Local Government Area. There, I visited Mater Spei Model Nursery and Primary School, a facility made possible by the generous support of international donors.
It was a privilege to lay the foundation stone for the planned Mater Spei Secondary, Technical, and Vocational School. This significant undertaking is designed to enable young people from the local and surrounding communities to pursue their education while simultaneously gaining the technical and vocational expertise necessary for them to become self-sufficient and contributing members of society.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the proprietor and management for their visionary leadership, foresight, and dedication to investing in the education of our youth. I also conveyed my commitment to supporting this commendable initiative.
The imperative for continuous and strategic investment in education across our nation cannot be stressed enough. In a context where approximately 20 million Nigerian children are not enrolled in school, every endeavour to broaden educational access warrants encouragement and backing.
Education serves as the bedrock upon which we can construct a nation characterised by productivity, innovation, and prosperity. It is the platform from which an individual from humble beginnings can achieve prominence, irrespective of personal connections.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Osun: When the People Stand, Democracy Wins
I warmly congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and the good people of Osun State on this important democratic victory. They - Osun people - have spoken with courage and clarity, reaffirming that the power to choose their leaders belongs to the people. Through his commitment to the people, compassion for their needs, and the strength of his work and achievements in office, Governor @AAdeleke_01 has earned their renewed confidence and been entrusted once again with their mandate.
I particularly commend the courageous youths of Osun who rose to the occasion and peacefully defended their democratic mandate. Their vigilance and determination demonstrate that when citizens stand firmly to protect their votes, the forces of good can overcome the forces of darkness.
The lesson from Osun is clear: democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, conscious of their civic responsibility, and determined to ensure that their votes count. Every genuine vote must be respected, and every lawful mandate must be protected.
This is also a clarion call as we approach 2027. Nigerians must remain informed, participate actively, vote, and protect their votes. The Nigerian people are the ones experiencing hunger, deprivation, insecurity, and hardship; therefore, they are also the ones with the power, through their votes, to bring about the change that will end these conditions.
I urge all political actors to place the interests of the people above partisan considerations and to embrace peace, unity, and the rule of law. Elections should never be battles of violence, but contests of ideas, competence, character, and service.
May the Osun experience strengthen our confidence in the democratic process and inspire Nigerians everywhere to remain vigilant and committed to building a just, secure, prosperous, and truly people-centred nation.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
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
In Honour of the Late Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze
I arrived in Benin City yesterday to attend the Vigil Mass for the repose of the soul of His Grace, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, at the Holy Cross Catholic Cathedral, Benin City.
Today, I also participated in the Funeral Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City, as we gathered to honour a shepherd who sincerely dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity, with a deep concern for building a better society and improving the lives of the people he served.
We celebrate the life of service of our Lord Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, his commitment to the Church, his pastoral leadership, and his strong dedication to the people. His life reminds us that true service is rooted in faith, compassion, sacrifice, and a genuine desire to make society better.
May his life of faith and service continue to inspire us, and may the good Lord grant him eternal rest in perfect peace. Amen. -PO
My Salute to the young on International Youth Day.
Today, as we celebrate International Youth Day, I salute the courage, creativity, energy, and enormous potential of our young people. They are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are the greatest asset of our country today.
Yesterday, while travelling to Bauchi, I was reminded once again of what our youths are capable of. The two captains who flew us were young men of 20 and 28 years respectively, while the crew members were also in their 20s. Their competence, confidence, and professionalism were a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to excellence when young people are allowed to learn, work, and lead.
Across football, technology, medicine, aviation, entrepreneurship, academia, the creative industries, and countless other fields, our young people continue to demonstrate that Nigeria has no shortage of talent. What we lack is the deliberate investment and enabling environment to help that talent flourish.
We must therefore invest more in quality education, skills, healthcare, technology, sports, and decent employment. We must create a country where a young Nigerian does not have to leave Nigeria to fulfil his or her potential.
Our youths are not a burden to be managed. They are our greatest national asset and the builders of the Nigeria we desire.
On this International Youth Day, I celebrate our young people and reaffirm my commitment to a Nigeria where every young person has the opportunity to learn, work, create, lead, and prosper.
With the support and active participation of the youth, a new Nigeria is possible.
Happy International Youth Day! -PO
A Wife’s Tears, A Nation’s Conscience: Let Justice Have a Heart.
I woke this morning in America and was deeply moved by an emotional viral video of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, prompting deep reflection on our nation’s future.
Regardless of the allegations against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai or any other citizen, justice must be transparent and fair, with reasonable bail conditions that should not be seen as punitive before trial. In a democracy governed by the rule of law, institutions exist to protect every citizen's rights, regardless of their background.
We must resist any hint of selective justice that erodes public trust and threatens national unity. Those tasked with enforcing our laws must act professionally and strictly follow due process.
Let us strive for a Nigeria where the law is paramount, and where every citizen is guaranteed dignity and justice. This is the foundation of the New Nigeria we envisage. -PO