OBIdient Youth United

16/03/2025

Building a New Nigeria: Engaging for Progress and Unity

Yesterday, as part of my commitment to the New Nigeria project, I visited Governor Bala Mohammed in Bauchi State to discuss the state of our nation and explore ways to move our people forward.

We had meaningful conversations about governance and the economic hardships currently facing Nigerians, especially in the North.

We reflected on the need for competent and inclusive leadership that transcends political, religious, and ethnic lines, prioritizes prudent resource management, and implements policies that will enhance the welfare of our citizens.

At this critical time, we must continue to engage, consult, and invest in initiatives that lift our people out of poverty and criminality while fostering a more productive and equitable society.

As always, my commitment remains steadfast in building a New Nigeria—one where good governance, transparency, and accountability drive national development.

This includes investing in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

I sincerely thank Governor Bala Mohammed for the warm reception, the insightful discussions, and his willingness to collaborate with us in working towards a better Nigeria.

A New Nigeria is becoming very POssible! – PO

09/03/2025

Following the sad news of the death of my dear elder brother, late Dr Doyin Okupe and my earlier tweet today, I visited his family this evening to offer my heartfelt condolences.

I assured them that we will stand by them during this difficult time. While no one can question God's will, we must continue to support and stand by one another, especially in time of grief.

Once again, may Almighty God grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss, and may the soul of Dr. Doyin Okupe rest in perfect peace. -PO

06/03/2025

Today in Abeokuta, Ogun State, I delightfully joined in the series of activities marking the 88th birthday of a revered elder statesman and father figure, President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Undoubtedly, President Obasanjo remains a deeply respected and admired Nigerian leader whose immense contributions to our nation's growth remain immeasurable and undiminished

At the time he became President in 1999, Nigeria's GDP was about $59Billion with a per capita of around $490, our foreign debt stock was about $32Billion and when he left office in 2007, our GDP was $278B, GDP per capita was $1800, and foreign debt reduced to $3.2B with a significant increase in our foreign reserves.

His true patriotism and bold sacrifices for a better Nigeria and Africa remain remarkable.

His commitment to the unity of our nation has remained exceptional.

May God grant him more healthy, fruitful, and happy years ahead, and continue to bless him always. -PO

09/02/2025

Driven by my firm conviction that what is imperatively required now is to learn from and strictly apply the successful lessons that other comparable nations have used to achieve progress, as I had expressly and severally tweeted earlier this year, I embarked on my first planned trip to Indonesia.

I arrived in Indonesia on the 2nd of February and spent five days—Monday to Friday—engaging in several hours of meetings with highly placed stakeholders on various issues of development.

These discussions covered critical areas such as security, education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

In 2004, Indonesia's per capita income was $1,136, while Nigeria's was $963. At that time, Indonesia's overall development, as measured by the Human Development Index (HDI), was categorized as medium, whereas Nigeria's was low.

By 2024, Indonesia's per capita income has risen to approximately $5,000, while Nigeria's remains around $1,000. Indonesia's HDI has improved from the medium to the high category, whereas Nigeria remains in the low category. For example, using health, the number one HDI indicator, Indonesia now has 98% health insurance coverage, whereas Nigeria has less than 10%.

From Monday to Wednesday, I will take the time to share snippets from my trip. I have already noted some key insights, which align with my firm belief that learning from proven models is the panacea for sustainable growth and development.

A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

29/01/2025

The future of democracy in our country took center stage yesterday as I joined other distinguished Nigerians at the National Dialogue on Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity, held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Abuja.

For democracy in Africa to thrive beyond its current fragile state, it must operate within its foundational tenets, going beyond ceremonial elections. This requires building critical institutions that command trust and deliver absolute respect for the people's will. Governance can only deliver tangible benefits when the will of the people prevails.

I most sincerely express my gratitude to the keynote speaker, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a distinguished African democrat who displayed exemplary statesmanship by conceding defeat to John Dramani Mahama before the final election results. His actions upheld democratic principles, reinforced Ghana's reputation for stability, and highlighted the respect for the people's will, which is essential for democratic growth.

With about 100 million Nigerians living in absolute poverty and 150 million in multidimensional poverty, democracy is fast losing its essence if it fails to address the fundamental needs of its citizens, particularly in critical areas such as health, education, and poverty alleviation.

We must confront the fundamental question: is democracy truly addressing the needs of Nigerians? Are we building institutions that uphold accountability, justice, and fairness? To achieve a functional democracy, we must prioritize strengthening independent institutions, fostering governance that delivers economic and social progress, encouraging active citizenship to hold leaders accountable, and empowering our youth as drivers of nation-building.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “As long as poverty, injustice, and inequality exist, none of us can truly rest.” Now is the time to deepen democracy and build a better future for all Nigerians.

Amid the rise of coups across Africa and the growing fragility of democracies globally, it is evident that democracy cannot thrive without trust, robust institutions, and a steadfast commitment to the welfare of the people.

Together, we can build a productive new Nigeria that is possible! -PO

27/01/2025

Investment naturally flows to places where the environment is conducive, much like a bee and honey relationship.

Though I have never—and will not—compare the United States of America, with its over $28 trillion GDP, to our country, Nigeria, with a GDP of about $250 billion, less than 1% of the USA GDP, I want to simply observe, and note where investment flows and why: to places with an inevitable, favourable environment.

A typical example, the $1.1 trillion investment in-flow into the USA this month, was because of desirable environments and intangible assets.

This was achieved without the President jetting around the world to attract such investments.

I have always maintained that with the right Leadership, prioritizing intangible assets, security, rule of law and resources allocated to productive sectors appropriately, that will unleash a productive society and allow entrepreneurship to thrive.

This, in turn, will attract investments comparable to those in other developing nations with large populations, just like ours.

For example, Indonesia, with a similar population of around 265 million—just 10-15% more than Nigeria’s 230 million—has invested in critical areas like healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. This focus has enabled them to achieve significant development and attract foreign investments.

Countries like Indonesia, with a nominal GDP of approximately $165 billion in the year 2000, now have a GDP of about $1.39 trillion in the year 2024—an increase of over 8 times.

Countries like India, with a nominal GDP of approximately $476 billion in the year 2000, now have a GDP of about $3.73 trillion in the year 2024—an increase of nearly 8 times.

Countries like Vietnam, with a nominal GDP of approximately $31 billion in the year 2000, now have a GDP of about $506 billion in the year 2024—an increase of over 16 times.

Our country Nigeria, with a nominal GDP of approximately $70 billion in the year 2000, now has a GDP of about $210 billion in the year 2024—an increase of over 3 times.

What we require at this stage is to learn from these comparable countries what they have done to achieve such growth and religiously apply those strategies.
Indonesia now attracting about 10 times the foreign direct investment than we do.

This is the kind of economic shift we should aim for by replicating the strategies of nations that have succeeded in similar circumstances.

For us in Nigeria, all hope is not as a new productive remains POssible. -PO

25/01/2025

Today, emotion took the greater part of me as I left Lagos this morning and headed to the site of the tragic petrol tanker explosion, the gravesite, and also the Sarkin Dikko place along the Dikko-Maje Road in Suleja, Niger State, where over 100 lives were lost, more than 50 injured, and many properties destroyed.

At the explosion site and the graveyard where 80 victims were buried, I felt the sorrow of a preventable tragedy.

I also met with some of the injured victims at the Hospital to offer support and encouragement.

These recurring disasters call for urgent safety measures: repairing roads, more enlightenment of tanker vehicle operators, investing in healthcare, and lifting people out of poverty to prevent such heartbreaking losses.

I also met with Sarkin Dikko and his council to extend my condolences and solidarity with the people of the Dikko community in Niger State.

Human lives are invaluable, and governance must prioritize their protection through proactive policies.

Together, we can ensure such tragedies become a thing of the past. -PO

24/01/2025

A man that always have the good of people in mind

27/12/2024

The handling of the case involving human rights lawyer runs foul of every Democratic norm that guarantees freedom of expression and innocence until found guilty before a law court.

It's curious that the Nigeria Police, who are struggling with a barrage of crimes all over the place, now indulge in civil cases on half complaints and rush to court at the speed of light.

Hearing that Dele Farotimi has been remanded in prison over an allegation of defamation is very disturbing. This development raises serious concerns about the state of justice and freedom of expression in our country, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of the alarming rise in criminal activities across the nation.

At a time when national efforts should be directed toward addressing pressing issues such as insecurity, corruption, and economic challenges, it is disheartening to see the focus shifted to cases that appear to stifle critical voices.

Matters of defamation are civil and should be treated as such, not turned into a tool for intimidation or the erosion of fundamental rights.

The strength of any democracy lies in its ability to tolerate differing opinions and uphold the rule of law without bias.

I once again call on the authorities to ensure that justice is served impartially and to prioritize the urgent task of combating the real threats plaguing our nation.

- PO

17/05/2023

02/05/2023

Nigeria need a new leadership by Mike ozekhome

01/05/2023

Former president of NBA urgent judiciary to attend to election petition be swearing in
Credit: Arisenews