What you thought was going to limit the rest of your life—the bad break, the disappointment, the mistake you made—that is not how your story ends. Beauty is coming, restoration is coming, healing is coming, favor is coming.
It’s repetitive thoughts that build the highways. Think of the roads you’re building in your brain. Think about how that’s impacting your future, your self-image, your confidence. Create the roadways to become what you think.
The battle is taking place in your mind. One reason the enemy works so hard in this area is because he knows your life is going to follow your thoughts. He would love for you to wire your brain for guilt, can’t do it, not good enough. It’s time to do some rewiring. No more giving life to the negative.
Today, my brother and Governor, Alex Otti @alexottiofr, and I, along with other faithful, joined the Catholic community in ABA, Abia state in celebrating the 2025 Chrism Mass, which was officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, at Christ The King Cathedral (CKC).
I would like to express my gratitude to the Bishop, who noted in his closing statement that compassion is more important than money and thanked the Governor for being compassionate to them during their time of need.
I thanked the Governor for his kind remarks about my prudence and the management of the state's resources and for his assertion of the importance of good leadership.
I always maintained that a competent leader with capacity, credibility, character, compassion, and commitment to do good can start building a new Nigeria that everybody will be proud of.
A New Nigeria is Possible. -PO
On Monday, April 14th, I had the privilege of visiting OLA College of Nursing Science, Jos — a remarkable institution deeply committed to shaping the future of healthcare in our nation. There, I met passionate young Nigerians, determined to become the lifesavers and healthcare professionals our country urgently needs.
In recognition of their efforts and to support the school’s ongoing development projects, I made a donation of N10 million. We must continue to invest in education and healthcare, as these remain the most critical indicators for improving our nation’s Human Development Index (HDI).
Although I couldn’t proceed with my planned trip to Benue State, I took the opportunity, on my way back, to stop by a private health institution doing commendable work — Paradise College of Health and Technology in Uke, Nasarawa State. The college is not only training health professionals but also serves as a shelter for orphans — a testament to the power of purposeful private initiatives.
I spent time speaking with both the students and the orphans, listening to their stories and their dreams, and encouraging them to continue working hard. I reminded them that education is not just a ladder for personal growth, but a national tool for lifting people out of poverty.
In my usual way of supporting causes that impact lives — especially those often forgotten — I gave my modest support of N2.5 million to the school and the orphans and assured them of my continued support.
We cannot build a prosperous nation without investing in its people. The path to development lies in improving healthcare, expanding access to quality education, and pulling as many Nigerians as possible out of poverty.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
I would like to sincerely thank the Northern Traditional Rulers for their courageous and timely emergency declaration of the security situation in the region. I cannot agree less with them that Enough is Enough regarding the persistent killings and insecurity plaguing our nation. Their collective voice, as reported, underscores the urgent need for decisive action to protect lives and restore peace in our communities.
I urge governments at all levels to work closely with these royal fathers who are closest to the people at the grassroots. Their commitment to addressing these challenges and offering counsel to regional governors reflects true leadership and a deep concern for the well-being of their communities.
The stance of the Northern Traditional Rulers serves as a clarion call to all stakeholders. We must unite, irrespective of political affiliations, to implement lasting solutions that address the root causes of our nation's challenges.
Let us work together to build a Nigeria where every citizen feels safe, valued, and empowered.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
I am deeply saddened and troubled by the tragic news of yet another senseless killing in Bassa, Plateau State, where over 50 innocent Nigerians have lost their lives. This heartbreaking incident comes barely a day after I visited Plateau—a land of courageous and resilient people who, for years, have continued to cry out for justice, peace, and protection.
To return from such a visit only to be confronted with another round of bloodshed is both painful and unacceptable. No nation can thrive when its citizens are slaughtered in their homes and communities without consequence.
What is happening in Plateau State is no longer isolated violence. As rightly pointed out by Governor Muftwang, this has become a deliberate, systematic pattern of coordinated attacks. It is imperative that the federal government urgently rises to its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property across Nigeria.
This is not the time for promises and press statements. It is time for concrete, strategic action. The people of Plateau need more than sympathy, they need security. The federal government must immediately deploy reinforced security operations and actionable intelligence to dismantle the criminal networks behind these atrocities.
We cannot continue to mourn our fellow citizens daily while those responsible walk free. There must be justice—and it must be swift, transparent, and total. The perpetrators must be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Nigerians deserve to live in peace, with dignity and without fear, in every corner of this country. My heart goes out to the bereaved families, and I pray that the souls of the departed rest in peace. May God grant the people of Plateau strength in this time of profound grief. –PO
Mr. President, Domestic problems Beacons.
I am compelled at this time in our lives as a nation to call on our retreating President's attention to the security challenges at home, which entails that he immediately suspend his ongoing retreat in a foreign land and come home to address the overwhelming security situation across the country.
This urgent call has become necessary following the rising incidents of crimes and criminalities all over Nigeria with an apparent absence of governance.
In the 2 weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria, especially in Plateau and Zamfara states.
The repeated pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, further reflect a nation in distress.
In the North East, Borno state leaders are bemoaning the return of insurgency with troops and civilians being killed randomly. In the South East, the story is the same: killings and abduction.
Amid all these, the CEO of the troubling company called Nigeria is retreating far away land in France from the Company's headquarters.
The primary duty of any government is securing the lives and property of its citizens and one wonders the type of retreat going on in another country where peace has been secured by their leaders while blood continues to flow in our country
The fight for a better Nigeria is not about individuals; it is about ensuring that every citizen can see, feel, and benefit from the policies and decisions of those in power.
I, therefore like to urge Mr President to quickly suspend whatever he is doing in France and rush home to take responsibility by addressing these disturbing issues
That is the new Nigeria that the nation seeks.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Ordinarily, I would not have commented on this issue, as I have endured far worse situations in my political life since I declared for the presidency, and it continues to worsen as I strive to do things in a civilised and organized manner. The unfolding events demand that I have to start speaking out now.
On what transpired today during my planned visit to Benue State, I am not entirely sure that the state Governor, my dear younger brother, a Reverend Father I deeply respect, is aware of this situation. Having exhausted every possible means to reach him, I am compelled to use this available platform to ensure my message is conveyed.
On Thursday, the 10th of April, I had planned to visit Plateau and Benue State, respectively. Plateau on Sunday, the 13th of April 2025, and Benue on Monday, the 14th of April 2025. My trip included paying courtesy calls to the governors as well as visiting the IDP camps and schools of nursing in both states to give my support.
As is my practice, I reached out to the Plateau State government to inform them of my visit, which included spending the day with the victims at the IDP camp in Bokkos, a visit I wholeheartedly embraced to extend my support, care, and compassion to fellow Nigerians in need. And in his utmost hospitality, the Plateau State Governor graciously permitted.
In a similar vein, I tried repeatedly to contact the Benue State Governor directly without success. I then successfully contacted his ADC who told me that the governor was in a very important meeting and would call me before midnight on the same day.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get that call until Sunday evening when he sent me a message stating he had not been able to reach his principal since the day I called. I was disturbed by how an ADC would not have been able to reach his principal for 3 days.
However, because my visit to the governor was just for courtesy and respect, I decided to proceed with my trip to Makurdi.
Earlier today at 7am, I left Jos, and on reaching Akwanga at about 10am, my security team stopped and stated they received a press statement, purportedly from the Benue State Government, that appeared designed to stop my trip. Curiously while I was still talking with my security team on the issue, the Governors ADC sent the statement directly to me.
The letter refers exactly to my itinerary which I had earlier conveyed to the ADC directly and to the security operatives in Benue through my own security.
I am forced to remind them, and all concerned, that the purpose of this journey is to support good causes in areas of critical development: health and health education, education and caring for our people in need, and this is what I have done in my private life for years before getting into politics and even while in politics I have continued to do so.
Everyone knew then how I had to get permission from the then President, President Goodluck Jonathan, that I needed to visit Haiti during the earthquake.
I intended to visit a school being built by the bishop in Gboko, a Nursing school and an IDP camp, actions that reflect my genuine care for the welfare of our fellow citizens, and my continuous show of love, care and compassion to citizens who have been displaced.
May God help us as we rebuild our nation and aim to achieve a new Nigeria where we do not politicize everything but allow citizens to exist, and we all should live for the common good for less privileged Nigerians and those in need.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Yesterday, I travelled from Abuja to Jos, Plateau State, to condole with and show solidarity with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of Plateau State over the recent senseless killings in the Bokkos area of the State.
From the state capital, I traveled to Bokkos and spent time with the victims, the displaced children and others.
What has happened in these communities is very saddening and utterly unacceptable.
Nigerians should not be killed or forced to flee their homes when we are not at war. Every life is precious, and no Nigerian, regardless of where they live should have to live in fear or uncertainty.
My deepest condolences go to the families and communities who have suffered tragic losses. No words can truly capture the pain and devastation that such senseless violence brings.
My heart is with the people of Bokkos, the displaced children, women, and entire communities, during this difficult time.
Earlier, the Obidient Movement had built a borehole to provide clean water for the IDP camp and the community, and we continued the support yesterday with the sum of 7.5 million naira to help in providing facilities for the displaced children, provide continuous education and on going needs of those affected.
Now, more than ever, leadership and compassion are essential. I stand in solidarity with Plateau State and remain committed to supporting all efforts toward peace, justice, and healing.
May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace, and may the people find strength, comfort, and unity as they rebuild their lives.
A new Nigeria is POssible!
-PO
Yesterday, As a guest speaker via Zoom at the top Rice University’s inaugural African Development Conference, themed "The Governance Revolution"- an event being held for the first time in the university’s 100-year history. I had the privilege of sharing my thoughts on the critical role of governance in Africa’s development.
I emphasized that everything begins with competent leadership—one that possesses the capacity and compassion to serve and is committed to the ideals of good governance within a measurable development paradigm.
We must invest in education to prepare the skilled workforce required for productivity, security of life and property and adherence to the rule of law must be upheld. The rule of law must be sacrosanct. We must fight corruption to its barest minimum and implement policies that support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
We must invest in education to prepare the skilled workforce required for productivity. Security of life and property and adherence to the rule of law must be upheld. Wet must fight corruption to its barest minimum and ensure that those who engage in corruption are punished.
We must engage MSME which remains the backbone for economic and job creation.
Comparable nations with large populations, like Indonesia and the Philippines, have demonstrated that with the right governance structures, such demographic strength can become an economic asset. We must do the same in Africa.
I sincerely thank the RAADE (Rice University Association for African Development) Board for organizing this important event focused on African development. The conference is both inspiring and commendable and reflects the power of youth in our society to shape the future of our continent.
A new Nigeria and Africa are POssible! -PO
Beyond Borders: Uniting for Medical Excellence
Yesterday, I honoured the invitation of ANAP Doctors in North America and the University of Nigeria Alumni for an event held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, where I served as the keynote speaker. The theme was: “Beyond Borders – Uniting for Medical Excellence, Strengthening Our Alumni, and Inspiring the Next Generation.”
I began by reminding everyone that the most critical measures of development are not physical infrastructure, such as road construction or buildings, but health, which is measured by the Human Development Index (HDI). This is why we say, “Health is wealth,” along with education and lifting people out of poverty.
Countries that have focused on these three pillars have experienced consistent, upward growth.
In Nigeria today, the healthcare system is in a very poor state. Over 70% of primary healthcare centres are non-functional, lacking both adequate facilities and manpower.
Currently, Nigeria has only about 10% of the doctor-to-population ratio recommended by global standards.
In contrast, countries like India, which once faced similar challenges, have made significant improvements. Despite having a population about seven times larger than Nigeria’s, India has achieved approximately 80% of the recommended doctor-to-population ratio and is actively expanding its network of medical colleges.
Comparable nations, including several in Africa, have invested heavily in healthcare and education, recognising their critical roles in national development. For example, South Africa, with a population of about 63 million, has allocated a healthcare budget for the 2024/2025 fiscal year that is more than twice Nigeria’s total healthcare budget for the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, despite Nigeria having a population of over 200 million.
We have borrowed heavily to support our healthcare system, securing several billions of dollars from multilateral agencies. However, these investments have not resulted in significant improvements.
For instance, from the World Bank alone, Nigeria has borrowed over $11 billion between 2023 and now for healthcare and medical education.
Our budgeting and borrowed funds should be directed towards the critical needs of healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. We must urgently realign our planning, budgeting, and expenditures to ensure that borrowed funds are channelled towards areas of critical need—such as healthcare, medical education, and access to quality care that will truly benefit the population and create a lasting, positive impact.
My sincere gratitude to the university alumni for organising the effort to raise $1 million for this noble initiative. I commend each of the alumni, professionals, and friends of UNCOMMA for their commitment and generosity in taking this bold step to give back.
A new Nigeria is POssible! —PO