Peter Obi

Workers Are the Backbone of Every Nation On this Workers’ Day, I warmly salute workers across the world, especially Nigerian workers whose daily sacrifices continue to sustain our families, communities, institutions, and national economy, even in the face of severe hardship and uncertainty. It is deeply painful that those who wake up every day to teach, heal, build, farm, produce, transport, protect, and serve our nation are still denied the dignity and fair reward their labour deserves. In today’s Nigeria, the minimum wage can no longer guarantee even the most modest standard of living, as inflation, rising food prices, transportation costs, and economic hardship continue to erode the value of honest work. No nation can truly develop beyond the strength, productivity, and wellbeing of its workforce. The progress of any society rests on the quality of its human capital, the skill of its people, and the commitment of its workers. When workers suffer, the nation suffers. When workers are empowered, the nation prospers. But beyond their labour, workers also possess another powerful tool, their voice and their vote. Through democratic participation, they have the power to shape governance and determine the future direction of the nation. I therefore urge Nigerian workers to recognise the strength they hold collectively. They owe it to themselves, their children, and future generations to support and demand leadership built on competence, character, capacity, credibility, and compassion. By refusing to reward failure, corruption, ethnic division, and bad governance, they can help build a nation where hard work is respected and rewarded with dignity. A productive nation must be built on justice, fairness, and respect for labour. That is the Nigeria we must work together to achieve. With the support and participation of Nigerian workers, a New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

When Borrowing is Leprosy and cancerous. Mr. President, borrowing is not only a leprosy, but a killer cancer when it is borrowed for consumption and not production as it is in Nigeria today. Borrowing for consumption slowly eats away at the health, reputation, and autonomy of a nation. One of the major “leprosy” afflicting Nigeria today is not just debt, but debt without productivity. Debt that is not tied to measurable economic value. Debt that does not translate into jobs, growth, or improved living standards for the Nigerian people. No serious economy borrows recklessly. Nations borrow with discipline, with purpose, and with a clear plan for repayment through productive investment. Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 provides that “Any government in the Federation or its agencies and corporations desirous of borrowing shall, specify the purpose for which the borrowing is intended and present a cost-benefit analysis, detailing the economic and social benefits of the purpose to which the intended borrowing is to be applied” Cost-benefit analysis must show how the loan would be applied, how it will impact economic growth and improve the welfare of Nigerian citizens in measurable ways. Most of the borrowings by this government do not satisfy the requirements of law or the requirements of economic common sense. The humongous borrowing so far does not show how the projects for the loans enhance the productive capacity of the nation and the welfare of Nigerian citizens. These loans are also dangerous because they burden the capacity of the Nigerian state to improve the economy in the future, as we have one of the world’s highest debt servicing ratios. What matters is not debt-GDP as much as debt-debt servicing ratio because the latter constrains our capacity to finance the sectors that drive human development and economic growth. If the money is wrongly spent as we do in Nigeria currently, it becomes double jeopardy because you are using current revenue to service debts that did not add to revenue or improve capacity for more production in the future. A responsible government does not merely defend borrowing; it explains it, justifies it, and most importantly, ensures it works for the people. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Extrajudicial Killing in Effurun The extrajudicial killing of a young Nigerian Mr. Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State, by a police officer, is not only barbaric but also a grave violation of the rule of law. Over time, human society has moved away from an era when lives could be taken without consequence. Through the evolution of civilisation, a fundamental principle has emerged: no one should be punished or deprived of life without due process and a fair determination of guilt. Such acts inflict unimaginable trauma on the bereaved family and deepen public anxiety in an already distressed society. Nigerians are already traumatised by recurring reports of brutal killings by terror organisations across the country, and incidents of this nature - especially when involving state actors - only worsen that psychological burden and erode public confidence in safety and security. In light of this, while the law must take its full course, I commend the prompt response of the police authorities so far and express confidence that they will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion. Such responsiveness is necessary to reassure the public that justice will not be compromised. I therefore urge the police and all security agencies to sustain this approach by acting with transparency and accountability. Furthermore, recruitment processes must be more rigorous, ensuring that only individuals of sound judgment and the right frame of mind are entrusted with firearms. In the final analysis, these measures can restore public trust and uphold justice - both of which are indispensable to building a new Nigeria that is possible. -PO

EFCC's Troubling Revelation on Our Students. The worrisome statement by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that 6 out of every 10 Nigerian university students are involved in “419” is deeply troubling and must not be taken lightly. Nigeria already has a very limited number of students in higher institutions, estimated at 2 to 2.5 million. If indeed about 60% of them, roughly 1.4 million young people, are involved in fraud, then we are not just facing a crime issue; we are confronting a serious moral and systemic failure. The question we must ask ourselves is: what has brought us to this level? Who are the role models these students are looking up to?. What values are they learning from society? We must understand that young people become what they consistently see. When a system appears to reward wrongdoing, when integrity is not upheld, and when those in leadership are associated with allegations of forgery and dishonesty without consequence, it sends a dangerous message. It suggests that hard work does not matter, and that results, by any means, are acceptable. These points clearly point to a collapse of moral values. As Socrates rightly said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” Nigeria must now examine itself. This is not about condemning our young people. It is about accepting that leadership sets the tone. If we do not demonstrate integrity at the top, we cannot expect it at the bottom. We must urgently rebuild our value system, enforce accountability without bias, and create an environment where honesty, hard work, and discipline are rewarded. That is the only sustainable path to securing the future of our nation. A new 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

A decaying Nation Crying for Leadership. What we have witnessed across our country in just the past 48 hours is not only tragic, it is utterly unacceptable and a damning indictment of our collective failure of leadership. From the reported killings in Katsina, Adamawa, Kaduna and Benue States, to the gruesome murder of an entire family in Plateau State, and the heartbreaking abduction of innocent children in Kogi State, one of the incidents involves children conveying their mother's dead body for burial. Nigeria is bleeding. We are fast becoming a nation where human life is treated as expendable, where citizens live in fear, and where the basic duty of government, to protect lives and property, is repeatedly neglected. 11 innocent Nigerians were killed in Katsina State. 7 more in Benue State. 23 in Adamawa State in just one day. An entire family was brutally murdered in Plateau State. 24 children were abducted from an orphanage in Kogi State, and 10 more children were taken in Kaduna State, all within 48 hours. These are not mere statistics; they are our fellow Nigerians, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, whose lives have been brutally cut short or violently disrupted. This cannot continue. A nation cannot develop under the weight of such persistent insecurity and human tragedy. The normalisation of these horrors is itself a crisis. We must ask, with all sense of urgency and responsibility: where is the leadership? Where is the coordination, the competence, and the compassion required to confront this menace decisively? My heart goes out to all the grieving families across these states. I pray for divine comfort for those who have lost loved ones and for the safe and immediate return of all abducted children. A New Nigeria is not just a slogan; it has become an urgent necessity. A New Nigeria is Possible. -PO

In continuation of my extensive consultations with Nigerian leaders, today, notable South East Leaders, and I visited our respected former President Goodluck Jonathan @GEJonathan on a consultation regarding the 2027 general elections and, more importantly, the future of our dear nation. Our discussions were frank, thoughtful, and anchored on the urgent need to reposition Nigeria on the path of unity, security, stability, productivity, and inclusive governance. At a time when our nation continues to grapple with economic hardship, rising insecurity, and deepening social divisions, it has become imperative that Leaders across regions come together to reflect, consult, and act in the overall interest of the Nigerian people. Nigeria today requires leadership that is guided not by personal ambition, but by competence, character, capacity, and compassion. The kind of leadership that understands that governance is not about sharing what is left, but about creating what is needed. We must move from a consumption-driven nation to a production-driven one, where our vast human and natural resources are effectively harnessed for the common good. The 2027 elections must therefore not just be seen as another political exercise, but as a critical opportunity to reset the trajectory of our country. It must be about the Nigerian child who deserves quality education, the struggling entrepreneur who needs a conducive environment to thrive, and the millions of citizens who simply desire a secure and functional nation. I remain convinced that through sincere dialogue, unity of purpose, and a firm commitment to doing what is right, Nigeria can and will rise again. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

The Transformative Power of Sport Sports have the unique power to forge identity and legacy. Iconic figures like Pelé and Plato - originally named Edson Arantes do Nascimento and Aristocles - carried names earned through athletic prowess rather than birth. This reveals a profound truth: sports are not merely entertainment; they are a crucible for character and excellence. With this in mind, I arrived early in Ibadan today and observed the ongoing clean-up exercise. I parked beside the Lekan Salami Stadium, where groups of young people were actively engaged in basketball, lawn tennis, handball, and judo. It was uplifting to witness their discipline and energy. Such scenes reflect progress and offer a powerful glimpse into the immense potential of our youth. I made it a point to stop and encourage them because sports are more than just a game - they are a lifeline as well as a critical sector that deserves greater investment and support. For these young men, sports serve as a powerful engine for social mobility and personal reinvention. By instilling relentless discipline and teamwork, the field becomes a space where they can transcend their circumstances, sharpen their resolve, and transform their raw potential into a lasting legacy of excellence. 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

Still in Bauchi State. Finally as part of my itinerary in Bauchi state on Thursday 23rd, 2026, after meeting with the state Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, visiting Madarasatu Intisharul Islam Qismu Tahfizul, Qur'an, Yelwa, Malikiya College of Nursing Sciences, Bauchi, I also visited Thomas Moore School of Health, Sciences and Technology, Bauchi. I had visited the institution in the past and donated 10 million naira, which, according to management, contributed immensely to modernising their laboratories. During my visit, I donated an additional 10 million naira to support scholarships. Health is No 1 critical for development and we must invest in the human infrastructure needed for that development. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Still in Bauchi State. As part of my itinerary in Bauchi state yesterday Thursday 23rd, 2026, after visiting, Madarasatu Intisharul Islam Qismu Tahfizul, Qur'an, Yelwa, I visited Malikiya College of Nursing Sciences, Bauchi. I had visited the institution in the past and donated 10 million naira which they used to set up their ICT computer centre, which I was impressed to see alongside their increased student intake. During my visit, I donated another 10million naira. Health is critical for development and we must invest in the human infrastructure needed for that development. A new Nigeria is POsssible. -PO

Yesterday, Thursday 23rd May, after meeting with His Excellency the Governor Bala of Bauchi State, I proceeded to Madarasatu Intisharu Islam Qismu in Bauchi, where I had visited in the past and supported them with the sum of 5million naira to provide chairs and other items for the school. On visiting yesterday, and seeing improvements that have been achieved and how enthusiastic the children are, I was glad and gave them another sum of 5million to support the scholarship of indigent students. We must invest in the lives of these children for our own future and for the progress of the country. A new Nigeria is POssible.-PO

Today, in continuation of our consultations and collaboration efforts, I was in Bauchi state with some notable Igbo Leaders where we had a very insightful discussion with Governor Bala Mohammed. The mission is aimed at a United, Secured, productive and progressive Nigeria that cares for all, especially the less privileged. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Elevation For More Service to Humanity. My dear younger brother, Distinguished Senator Tony Nwoye, congratulations on your emergence as the Senate Minority Whip. This elevation provides a greater platform for you to continue your service to humanity, particularly the poor and suffering Nigerians who look toward principled leadership for hope. Remain steadfast to the Unity of our dear country, the well-being of the people, and the progress of our nation towards a new Nigeria that is POssible. -PO

Today, Wednesday, I had the honour and privilege of hosting the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr. Gautier Mignot at my residence in Onitsha. It was an enriching meeting as we shared some useful conversations. -PO

Nigeria Must Prioritise Education or Risk Falling Further Behind. Yesterday, at Coal City University Enugu I delivered a lecture on 'Repositioning Nigeria’s education sector for national growth and global competitiveness' I also seized the opportunity to commend the Vice-Chancellor and the entire management of the University for their commitment to academic excellence and for providing a platform for meaningful national discourse. No nation rises above the quality of its education system. Nigeria’s current low Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.548 and persistent high unemployment are clear symptoms of chronic underinvestment in education and human capital development. The data is equally revealing. Nigeria allocates less than 10% of its budget to education, far below the 15–20% global benchmark. Youth unemployment and underemployment exceed 30%, while life expectancy remains among the lowest 50–55 years. Literacy levels hover below average 59% and 65%, all of which point to deep structural weaknesses in our development trajectory. In contrast, comparable countries such as Indonesia and Egypt, and South Africa have high HDI levels with HDI scores of 0.72–0.75. They all have higher life expectancy of above 65 years, higher literacy levels and higher per capita incomes of $3,500 above, while Nigeria is about $1000. This stronger progress was through sustained and deliberate investment in education, healthcare, and broader human capital development. The difference is not in talent, but in priority and policy consistency. We must move beyond rhetoric and confront these realities with urgency. I therefore called for a total review of Nigeria’s education funding model, stronger public-private partnerships, and more inclusive policies that recognise the role of both public and private institutions in educating Nigerian students. It is difficult to justify excluding private universities from intervention frameworks like TETFund when they are actively contributing to national capacity building. Education is not charity; it is the foundation of national growth and the gateway to global competitiveness. With sustained investment in education and a deliberate focus on human capital development, a new Nigeria is not only POssible - it is inevitable. -PO