Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of goodwill and birthday wishes he received from across the globe as he marked his 64th birthday.
In a statement issued from Rome, Obi once again underscored his personal philosophy of eschewing lavish birthday celebrations in favour of redirecting resources to causes that uplift society.
“I sincerely thank everyone for the outpouring of goodwill and birthday wishes I received worldwide,” Obi said. “I remain deeply grateful to all who marked the day in one way or another – especially Nigerian youths, the Obidient family, and members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, known for their apostolate to the poor.”
Reiterating his long-standing stance on birthday celebrations, Obi noted that he has never celebrated birthdays in a personal or extravagant way. He recounted how, during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, institutions and individuals had made elaborate plans to mark his 50th birthday, but he redirected their goodwill towards community development.
“One institution offered to build me a house in my village, costing ₦120 million. I asked them instead to build classrooms in Agulu, Ekwulobia, and Abatete. They obliged – and the impact was far-reaching,” he said.
In another instance, a group had budgeted ₦20 million for a party, which was redirected to the donation of 200 desktop computers distributed to schools across the state. A similar gesture saw the provision of buses to various institutions, including the Old Rangers Association.
Obi explained that his approach remains the same: using the goodwill surrounding his birthdays to champion educational advancement, support for the underprivileged, and institutional strengthening.
Reflecting on the current state of the nation, Obi stated that the level of poverty and suffering in Nigeria makes personal celebration difficult. “This is why I have once again requested that all who wish to celebrate me should instead channel their resources toward helping the poor or supporting our struggling health and educational institutions.”
He further reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria and her people. “On my part, I have chosen this day to renew my personal commitment to continue supporting the institutions of state in the best way I can – especially those that directly serve the people.”
Obi prayed for Nigeria and Nigerians thus “Providentially, I was in Rome, at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, and my birthday coincided with this visit. I used this sacred opportunity, as I always do when I am in Nigeria, to remember you all in prayer. I especially prayed for our beloved country, Nigeria – that God may touch the hearts of our leaders, and awaken in them the realisation that public funds are meant for the public good.”
Concluding his message, Obi called on all Nigerians to remain steadfast in their pursuit of a more just, compassionate, and equitable society.
“May we all find strength and grace to keep striving,” he said.
