Peter Obi, the acclaimed former Governor of Anambra State, marked his 64th birthday yesterday, July 20th, with a reiteration of his consistent philosophy: diverting personal celebrations to support the less fortunate and strengthen public institutions.
This year, his birthday coincided with a visit to the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs in Rome, where he offered prayers for Nigeria and its leaders.
In a statement released to acknowledge the global outpouring of goodwill, Obi expressed deep gratitude to well-wishers, specifically mentioning Nigerian youths, the #Obidient family, and the members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, renowned for their apostolate to the poor.
“From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely thank everyone for the outpouring of goodwill and birthday wishes I received worldwide,” Obi stated. “I remain deeply grateful to all who marked the day in one way or another.”
However, he promptly emphasized his personal stance against birthday festivities.
He vividly recounted his 50th birthday during his tenure as Governor, when an institution offered to build him a N120 million house in his village.
“I humbly requested that the funds be redirected to build classrooms in three educational institutions at Agulu, Ekwulobia, and Abatete. They obliged and the impact was far-reaching,” he revealed.
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In another instance, a group had budgeted N20 million for a lavish party, which Obi graciously requested they use to purchase desktop computers for schools.
Their eventual donation of 200 desktops significantly enhanced learning across the state.
Similarly, another organization’s celebratory intentions were redirected into the donation of buses to institutions in need, including the legendary Old Rangers Association.
This consistent approach, Obi noted, has defined his birthdays over the years. “On each birthday, I use the opportunity to redirect goodwill towards causes that uplift others,” he affirmed.
Reflecting on his 64th birthday, Obi confessed that the prevailing state of suffering and deprivation in Nigeria makes personal merriment difficult to contemplate.
“The scale of suffering and deprivation among our people weighs heavily on the conscience,” he said.
This profound concern led him to once again request that those wishing to celebrate him instead channel their resources towards helping the poor or supporting Nigeria’s struggling health and educational institutions.
Obi also renewed his personal commitment to supporting state institutions, particularly those directly serving the people.
His prayers in Rome were specifically for Nigeria, asking that God “touch the hearts of our leaders, and awaken in them the realisation that public funds are meant for the public good.”
He concluded his message with a call for collective effort: “May we all find strength and grace to keep striving for a more just, compassionate, and equitable society.”