Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, donated ₦10 million to St. Raphael’s Hospital in Umueri, Anambra State, to boost healthcare delivery on his 65th birthday.
Obi believes birthdays should be occasions for service rather than self-indulgence.
Obi disclosed making the donation in a statement on Sunday to mark his 65th birthday, explaining that he began the day with a Mass of Thanksgiving in Onitsha before visiting the rural hospital in Anambra East Local Government Area.
“In furtherance of my belief that birthdays should be occasions for service rather than self-indulgence, I donated the sum of ₦10 million to support the hospital’s work of providing quality healthcare to the people,” he wrote.
The former Anambra State governor stated that visiting the hospital and seeing patients reminded him of the value of compassionate leadership.
“As I was conducted around the hospital and saw patients in their moments of vulnerability, I was reminded again of our shared humanity. Some of those receiving care may not even have the financial means to settle their hospital bills, yet they deserve compassion, dignity, and access to quality healthcare,” he added.
Obi noted that hospitals and schools remained “two of the greatest investments any society can make,” adding that while hospitals preserve lives, schools shape the future.
He disclosed that he would spend the rest of the month visiting one school or hospital, where he would make donations as a practical expression of gratitude to God.
“Rather than a celebration centered on me, I desire a celebration that places humanity at the center,” he said.
Speaking on Nigeria’s current realities, Obi said his birthday was an opportunity for sober reflection rather than elaborate festivities.
He stated that although Nigeria was blessed with enormous human and natural resources, millions of citizens continued to struggle with poverty, unemployment, ill health, and limited opportunities.
“We cannot afford to celebrate ourselves excessively while many around us are burdened by poverty, ill health, unemployment, and limited opportunities,” he said.
Birthdays, he believes, should serve as a reminder to both leaders and citizens of their responsibility to contribute to the creation of a nation that future generations may truly celebrate.
Obi stated that throughout his career in business and public service, he has always rejected expensive birthday gifts and lavish ceremonies, instead pushing well-wishers to direct such resources into projects with long-term social benefit.
“Whenever people or institutions sought to celebrate me with expensive gifts or elaborate ceremonies, I encouraged them instead to redirect those resources towards projects that would have a lasting impact,” he added.
He stated that the approach had resulted in the creation of schools, hostel blocks, and other facilities for the underprivileged over the years.
Obi went on to say that attaining the age of 65 had confirmed his belief that serving humanity was still the pinnacle of human achievement.
“At 65, I am more convinced than ever that the true measure of a life is not the wealth accumulated or the honors received, but the positive difference made in the lives of others,” he said.
