The presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (ADC) Peter Obi, marked his 65th birthday on Sunday with a N10m donation to a rural hospital in his home state of Anambra, saying birthdays should be “moments of deep reflection” rather than occasions for elaborate celebration.
Obi in a personal statement said, “At sixty-five, birthdays should naturally become moments of deep reflection – moments to look back with gratitude to Almighty God for His abundant graces, examine the journey so far, and ask how the remaining years can be devoted more meaningfully to the service of God and humanity.”
He argued that while nations “where basic human needs have largely been met” might reasonably mark such milestones with elaborate celebrations, Nigeria’s circumstances call for restraint.
“We cannot afford to celebrate ourselves excessively while many around us are burdened by poverty, ill health, unemployment, and limited opportunities,” he said, adding that such occasions should instead serve as “opportunities for sober reflection, thanksgiving, and a renewed commitment to service.”
Obi said he arrived at a simple conclusion during his reflection that, “The greatest celebration of life is not what we receive from others, but the lives we can touch positively.”
He said this conviction has “guided my approach throughout my years in business, in the corporate world, and as Governor of Anambra State,” explaining that he has often asked well-wishers to redirect gifts toward lasting projects.
“I have always believed that resources meant for personal comfort can often be transformed into instruments of hope for many,” he said.
He described his day’s activities in detail, saying he began with “a Mass of Thanksgiving in Onitsha, thanking God for His grace, protection, guidance, and the countless blessings He has bestowed upon me over the years,” before proceeding to St. Raphael’s Hospital, Umueri, 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 said.
Touring the facility, Obi said he was struck by the vulnerability of the patients he met.
“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 said, adding that the experience reminded him that “leadership, in its truest form, is about caring for people, especially those who cannot repay our kindness.”
He described hospitals and schools as central to national development noting, “A hospital preserves life; a school shapes the future. Supporting both is, therefore, not just an act of charity – it is an investment in humanity and in the future of our nation.”
He said he would extend the commemoration into the rest of the month, adding, “I shall dedicate the end of the month to visiting one school or hospital as my modest way of commemorating my birthday… Rather than a celebration centred on me, I desire a celebration that places humanity at the centre.”
Obi prayed for continued strength to serve, saying, “At 65, I am more convinced than ever that the true measure of a life is not the wealth accumulated or the honours received, but the positive difference made in the lives of others.
“May God continue to bless Nigeria and guide us towards becoming a united, inclusive and compassionate nation, where we love one another and work together to build the country we are capable of becoming.”
(The Whistler)