Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has marked his 64th birthday with a heartfelt message of gratitude, urging Nigerians and his supporters to channel goodwill and resources toward helping the poor and supporting health and educational institutions instead of celebrating him.
In a statement titled “Thank You All,” Obi expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of birthday wishes from across the globe, acknowledging the Obidient family, Nigerian youths, and members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for their gestures.
“From the bottom of my heart, 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.”
Obi, however, reiterated his long-standing stance of not celebrating birthdays personally, recalling how he redirected previous gestures towards public good.
“I recall vividly when I turned 50, during my time as Governor. Many institutions and individuals approached me with elaborate plans for the occasion,” he recounted.
He shared examples:
One institution offered to build him a ₦120 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,” he said.
Another group planned a ₦20 million party.
“I graciously asked them to consider using the funds to purchase desktop computers for schools. Their eventual donation of 200 desktops was distributed to schools across the state,” Obi explained.
An organisation also donated buses instead of holding a celebration, one of which went to the Old Rangers Association.
According to Obi, these acts reflect his consistent philosophy:
“On each birthday, I use the opportunity to redirect goodwill towards causes that uplift others.”
He noted that the current state of the nation, marked by “suffering and deprivation,” makes personal celebration unthinkable.
“As I turned 64 years old yesterday, I must confess that the current state of our nation makes the idea of personal merriment even more difficult to contemplate,” he said.
“This is why I have once again requested that all those who wish to celebrate me should instead channel their resources towards helping the poor or supporting our struggling health and educational institutions.”
Obi revealed that he spent his birthday in Rome at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, using the occasion to pray for Nigeria and its leaders.
“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,” he said.
“May we all find strength and grace to keep striving for a more just, compassionate, and equitable society.”
Obi concluded by thanking all well-wishers once again, reaffirming his commitment to support public institutions and uplift lives wherever possible.
