Mr. Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election, has refused a proposal to name a spectacular hall at Shanahan College of Nursing Sciences in Nsukka after himself.
Speaking after Obi delivered a cheque for N20 million to help the institution’s ongoing infrastructure development, the school’s manager, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Caesar, informed the crowd that the hall where the ceremony was placed was entirely sponsored by Obi and will be named in his honour.
In a fast response, Obi denied the accolade, noting that he was building comparable structures in over 50 institutions across Nigeria and that it would be wrong if all of them were named after him.
He emphasised that his efforts in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation were driven by a strong desire to provide a brighter future for Nigerian children.
He also warned that generosity should not be motivated by a desire for recognition but by a sincere desire to assist humanity.
He said, “I do it to serve humanity. The reason God blesses us with resources is to use them to improve the lives of others and not for self-glorification.”.
The Labour Party chieftain also reiterated his passion for supporting medical and allied disciplines, stressing their critical role in society. He noted that the check presented was part of his commitment for the previous year and assured the school of his continued support this year. “I will return” was how he summed it up.
The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka, Most Rev. Godfrey Onah, who is currently leading a retreat for the clergy of the Diocese of Bamenda, Cameroon, spoke through his representative, Rev. Fr. Dr. Miletus Ossai.
Ossai, who is the Coordinator of the Diocesan Health Services, described Obi as a symbol of integrity and honour, applauding his commitment to human capital development, which he described as the most critical need for a thriving society.
