🇺🇸 Donald Trump: "I knew Michael Jackson very well, and he was a special guy. He spent a lot of time with my kids Donald and Eric."
"He just loved children genuinely, he was never a child molester."
In Support of Healthcare Delivery and Human Dignity
Today, I visited the Mother of Christ Specialist Hospital, Enugu State, which was recently affected by a devastating fire incident. During the visit, I inspected the damaged sections of the hospital, including the children’s ward, and made a donation of ₦10 million to support the ongoing renovation efforts.
I commend the Reverend Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the hospital management for their commitment to healthcare delivery and service to humanity. Their sacrifice and dedication, often carried out with little recognition, remain invaluable to our society.
Healthcare and education are among the most critical needs of any nation. No meaningful development can occur where these sectors are neglected. It is, therefore, imperative that we continue to support institutions and individuals working tirelessly to provide quality healthcare and educational services to our people.
I encourage the management not to relent in their noble mission despite the challenges they face. As a society, we must collectively invest in and strengthen facilities for healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
I have just received the sad news of the death of one of our Obidient family members from Edo State, Comrade Benedict Inaede.
On behalf of my family and the Obidient Movement family, I sincerely condole with his immediate family and the entire Obidient family. His death is a painful and irreplaceable loss to us all.
May Almighty God, who has called him home, grant him eternal rest and grant his family and all of us the fortitude to bear this profound loss.
May we continue to remember his family in prayers for God Almighty's continued blessings. -PO
Accountable Borrowing: The South Africa Example.
I have consistently maintained that borrowing, in itself, is not a bad thing. Every nation borrows. The critical issue is not the act of borrowing, but what the borrowed funds are used for and whether citizens can clearly see and measure the impact of such borrowing in their daily lives.
There is a lot to learn in the open and transparent manner in which South Africa handled its recently secured a $1 billion loan from the New Development Bank, with a clearly defined purpose. Publicly announcing the targeted purpose of the loan for all to know and monitor, upgrading water supply systems, modernising sanitation infrastructure, improving electricity distribution, and strengthening waste management services across eight major metropolitan cities, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
This is indeed what accountable borrowing should look like; the purpose is clear, the projects are identifiable, and the expected benefits to citizens are measurable. Such investments directly improve living conditions, enhance productivity, and stimulate economic growth.
In Nigeria, however, the opposite is the case: public debt has risen dramatically under the current administration, and its deployment is shrouded in secrecy from the people who will indeed pay back the loan. Today, our total public debt has increased from about ₦87 trillion in 2023 to nearly ₦200 trillion.
Yet, despite this unprecedented accumulation of debt, Nigerians are often left without a clear and detailed account of how these borrowings are being deployed to improve critical sectors such as education, healthcare, power, security, and infrastructure.
Borrowing must never become an end in itself. Every loan obtained in the name of the Nigerian people must be tied to specific, productive investments capable of generating economic value, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and improving the welfare of citizens.
Good governance demands transparency and accountability. The government must be able to clearly explain what was borrowed, where it was invested, and what measurable outcomes have been achieved. The ordinary Nigerian should be able to see and feel the benefits of every debt incurred on their behalf.
At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with rising costs of living, unemployment, insecurity, and declining purchasing power, fiscal discipline and prudent management of public resources are no longer optional; they are imperative.
Every borrowing decision should answer one simple question: How does this improve the life of the ordinary Nigerian? If that question cannot be convincingly answered, then we risk merely transferring today's burdens to future generations.
A New Nigeria is POssible. - PO
BRICS bank approves $1 billion lifeline for South Africa’s struggling cities | Business Insider Africa https://t.co/VN0C0Xo8zp
Returning from Katsina tonight, I was overwhelmed by the joyful and energetic reception from the good people of Bichi, Kano State.
Thank you for the tremendous love. - RMK
Happy Birthday to a dogged soldier in faith, Anthony Cardinal Okogie.
Today, I joyfully join the Catholic community in Nigeria, in particular the Archdiocese of Lagos and the entire nation, in celebrating a true soldier of Christ and an exemplary leader, His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, Emeritus Archbishop of Lagos, on his Triple Milestones.
We give immense thanks to God as His Eminence marks his 90th Birthday Anniversary, 60th Priestly Ordination Anniversary, and 55th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary today, June 16, 2026.
Cardinal Okogie’s life has been a remarkable testament to inimitable faith, courage, and deep commitment to justice and the welfare of the common man. His fearless voice in defence of truth and good governance continues to inspire generations.
May the Almighty God grant him continued good health, peace, and abundant blessings as he continues to guide us with his wisdom.
Happy Birthday, Your Eminence! -PO
Celebrating Global Excellence in Our Youth.
I am immensely proud to see the official tweet from former U.S. President @BarackObama , celebrating the incredible brilliance of our own Njideka @AkunyiliCrosby . Her exceptional talent has brought our shared history to the global stage through the unveiling of the first joint portrait of President Obama and former First Lady @MichelleObama .
This monumental achievement is a powerful reminder to Nigerian youths of what is possible when talent is met with hard work and discipline. Njideka, who is also the daughter of our late Dr Chike and Prof. Dora Akunyili, embodies the very best of the excellent Nigerian spirit.
As the great philosopher Aristotle rightly noted, excellence is not an accident; it is a habit, the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution. Njideka's global success proves that true greatness comes from this consistent, daily dedication to one's craft.
I urge our young people to look up to
individuals like her as true role models. Success is not found in shortcuts, but in the relentless pursuit of excellence, honouring one's roots, and using your gifts to make a global impact. If we remain committed to merit and hard work, the new Nigeria we desire will be built by such exemplary minds.
With focused and hard-working youths, a new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
The Commendable Act of Nigerian Artists at the World Cup
Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup, as I previously stated, stems not from a lack of talent but from a conspicuous deficiency in political leadership that has failed to create an enabling environment for talent development.
This assertion is underscored by two notable occurrences during the tournament: the vibrant participation and impressive performances of Nigerian artists, and the presence of numerous Nigerians representing other nations on the field. These observations present a significant imperative for Nigeria’s political leaders to actively foster an environment in which the nation’s youth can fully realize their potential.
Furthermore, Davido’s impactful gesture in drawing global attention to Nigeria’s security challenges warrants commendation. He prominently displayed the names of schoolchildren who had been held captive for an extended period, advocating for their safe return. By utilizing his international platform, Davido effectively highlighted Nigeria’s security crisis, transcending mere entertainment. He appeared in a custom black leather jacket emblazoned with the message “BRING THEM HOME,” accented with green buttons bearing the names of 39 schoolchildren and 7 teachers recently abducted by bandits in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The pervasive insecurity in Nigeria merits international scrutiny, particularly given the government’s apparent inability to effectively address the situation. Nevertheless, the prospect of a revitalized Nigeria remains achievable. -PO
Barack and I were so honored to have @AkunyiliCrosby create our portrait for the Obama Presidential Center. Her artistic brilliance shines through — and the way she infused such life and joy into the piece is truly extraordinary. We love it, and we think everyone who visits the Center will too!
Coping with the systematic collapse of our institutions.
When the controversy surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, unfolded, I expressed a concern to a friend: that the greatest damage might not be immediate, but the message it sends about the sanctity and independence of our institutions to the world.
Strong economies are built on trust. Investors can manage security risks, policy risks, and even market risks. What they fear most is uncertainty in the rule of law and a judiciary that is perceived to be vulnerable to political pressure.
Today, many Nigerians have lost confidence in systems that should protect them. Businesses increasingly request that their contracts be governed by foreign jurisdictions because they have greater confidence in those institutions than in our own. That should concern every patriot.
We must never sacrifice our sacred institutions on the altar of politics. Nations rise when institutions are stronger than individuals. "The federal High Court Judgement ordering the de-registration of the ADC and other political parties is just one of those activities that further reduces the common man's trust in our legal systems" it should be reversed.
I pledge that we will restore the dignity, independence, and integrity of the Judiciary. The common man must have a voice. The business community must be protected from legal uncertainty and intimidation. Justice must be impartial, accessible, and respected by all.
To our judges, legal luminaries, senior advocates, and lawyers: this is your moment. Rise, defend the rule of law, take back your country!
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Reflecting on the Prison Exchange with Ethiopia
The news of the conclusion of the prisoners exchange between Nigeria and Ethiopia is refreshing.
Every life is precious, and ensuring the constitutional right to human dignity for all Nigerians - regardless of where they are or the circumstances they find themselves in - must remain a cornerstone of our national foreign policy.
I must therefore appreciate the efforts of our Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and their Ethiopian counterparts for finally concluding these protracted negotiations.
However, we must reflect deeply on this development. It is heartbreaking to learn that at least four Nigerian citizens lost their lives in custody while this diplomatic and administrative process dragged on over the past few years. My heart goes out to their families, who had to endure the ultimate pain of losing loved ones in a foreign land.
While we commend this humanitarian intervention, it serves as a reminder of a larger systemic crisis. The overwhelming majority of these citizens are young Nigerians. A significant number were arrested while transiting through Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport in search of green pastures. While we must continuously urge our citizens to remain law-abiding and respect the laws of host nations wherever they travel or reside, we must also ask ourselves a hard question: What drives our young and productive population into desperate circumstances across the globe?
Until we build a New Nigeria that offers genuine economic opportunities, a functional educational framework, and an environment where hard work is rewarded, we will continue to grapple with the tragic consequences of mass emigration and its associated vulnerabilities.
As these citizens are brought home to serve out their terms, our correctional facilities must be properly managed with a focus on genuine rehabilitation and societal reintegration. Let us use this moment not just for short-term relief, but as an urgent call to build a nation that protects, values, and empowers its citizens here at home.
With the right policies and leadership, a New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Beautiful piece, President and Mrs. Obama. Congratulations on unveiling this very personal portrait by the Nigerian talented Njideka Akunyili Crosby. It’s wonderful to see your shared journey and legacy celebrated in such a meaningful way, especially as it finds its home at the Obama Presidential Center this Juneteenth. Art like this has the power to connect us all.
Beautiful piece, President and Mrs. Obama. Congratulations on unveiling this very personal portrait by the Nigerian talented Njideka Akunyili Crosby. It’s wonderful to see your shared journey and legacy celebrated in such a meaningful way, especially as it finds its home at the Obama Presidential Center this Juneteenth. Art like this has the power to connect us all.
It was great joining Njideka Akunyili Crosby — a gifted Nigerian-born, Los Angeles-based artist — to unveil our first portrait together. This piece reflects so many chapters of Michelle and my story, and we’re thrilled that it will be on display in the Hope and Change lobby at the Obama Presidential Center starting this Juneteenth.
An Igbo woman painted the Obamas.
Her name is Njideka Akunyili Crosby.
One of the world's most celebrated contemporary artists, her portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama was unveiled at the Obama Presidential Library.
Njideka is the daughter of the late Dora Akunyili.
Sustainable Success Is Built on Competence, Integrity, Discipline and hardworking.
On Saturday, I had the privilege of interacting with young entrepreneurs, professionals, business leaders, and members of the emerging generation at the This Generation Conference hosted by Summit Bible Church in Abuja.
Our discussion focused on what it takes to thrive in the marketplace despite prevailing economic challenges. I shared insights from my years in business and public service, emphasizing that sustainable success is built on integrity, competence, discipline, and a commitment to creating value for society.
I reminded participants that no nation develops by consumption alone. Nations progress when their citizens are productive, innovative, and committed to excellence. Our young people must resist the temptation of shortcuts and instead embrace education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership.
The future of Nigeria depends largely on the quality of leadership and enterprise this generation is willing to build. We must move from a culture of sharing poverty to one of creating prosperity through production, innovation, and responsible governance.
I left encouraged by the energy, intelligence, and determination of the young people I met. Their questions, ideas, and aspirations reaffirmed my belief that Nigeria’s greatest resource remains her people.
Together, through hard work, integrity, and purposeful leadership, we can build the New Nigeria that is POssible. -PO