Grand Commander Cesq *

Reflecting on life and the sorrow of losing a beloved one. This morning, I attended the commendation service for my dear brother, Chief Okey Ezibe. He was a good man who sincerely cared about others, supported people during times of need, and freely devoted himself to improving the lives of those around him. His death is a painful reminder of our shared responsibility to one another through kindness, love, and service. As I reflected on his life and the sorrow of losing someone so dear, my thoughts returned to my visit yesterday to Yelewata in Benue State, where more than 270 Nigerians were reportedly killed in a single night. I found myself contemplating the unimaginable suffering of the families left behind: husbands mourning their wives, wives mourning their husbands, parents grieving the loss of their children, and children left without parents. I thought of homes suddenly deprived of the people who gave them purpose, families whose lives have been irrevocably changed, and communities struggling to grasp the scale of their loss. If the death of one person who meant so much to us can leave us overcome with grief, what must families endure when several loved ones are taken from them in one night? What does it mean for an entire community to lose more than 270 of its members? That is why we must never permit ourselves to become desensitised to tragedy. The loss of human life must never be reduced to a statistic, nor should the suffering of our fellow citizens become something we merely read about, briefly acknowledge with sympathy, and then leave behind. Every Nigerian life has value. Each life taken represents a devastated family, a future cut short, and a nation made poorer. We must create a country in which safeguarding human life is not only a constitutional obligation but also a fundamental standard by which governance and leadership are judged. May the soul of my dear brother, Chief Okey Ezibe, and the souls of all those who perished in Yelewata rest in perfect peace. May God give their families the strength and consolation to endure a loss that no family should ever be forced to bear. A nation must never lose the ability to feel the suffering of its people. -PO

Yesterday, I had the honor of visiting Benue State, traveling from Makurdi, the state capital, to Gboko, where I paid a courtesy call on the revered Tor Tiv. I am profoundly grateful to His Majesty for the gracious welcome and for the opportunity to discuss the development, peace, and welfare of our people. I particularly commend the Catholic Bishop of Gboko, Most Rev. Father William Avenya, for his steadfast dedication to education. During my visit to the College of Nursing Sciences established under his leadership, an institution I have supported since its inception, I pledged an additional ₦10 million to help strengthen its operations. Supporting education and healthcare is an investment in our collective future. We then proceeded to Yelwata, where we stood in solidarity with the people and families affected by the tragic massacre. The pain endured by these families, especially the children who lost their parents, is profoundly distressing. To address some of their immediate needs, I committed ₦5 million for the construction of a borehole to improve access to clean water, as well as ₦10 million to support the education of children orphaned by the massacre. No child should be forced to let the tragedy that has affected their family determine the course of their future. Although no financial contribution can restore the lives lost or remove the suffering endured by their loved ones, we have a responsibility to do everything within our power to renew hope, preserve dignity, and create opportunities for those affected. Education must continue to serve as a bridge to a brighter future for these children. The day concluded with a town hall meeting held as part of our continuing engagements across the country. I was joined by my elder brother and NDC Vice Presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as other candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Benue State. These engagements enable us to hear directly from our people, gain a clearer understanding of their concerns, and consider practical responses to the challenges facing our communities and nation. We are firmly of the view that leadership begins with listening and must ultimately be judged by the meaningful difference it makes in people's lives. I remain firmly persuaded that leadership exists to serve. We must increase our investment in education, healthcare, security, and human development. Our goal must be to build a country in which every Nigerian, regardless of personal circumstances or place of birth, can live with dignity and realize their full potential. I would like to express my appreciation to the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. Before my visit, I sent him a message, and he personally returned my call to assure me that I would receive a warm welcome in the state. This exemplifies the true essence of statesmanship: placing humanity and mutual respect above political differences. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Benue State for their warm reception and hospitality. May God continue to bless Benue State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A New Nigeria Is POssible! -PO