The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has donated ₦10 million to St. Raphael’s Hospital in Umueri, Anambra State, to support healthcare delivery as he marked his 65th birthday, saying birthdays should be occasions for service rather than self-indulgence.
Obi announced 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 said touring the hospital and meeting patients reminded him of the importance 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 said hospitals and schools remained “two of the greatest investments any society can make,” adding that while hospitals preserve lives, schools shape the future.
He announced 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 centred on me, I desire a celebration that places humanity at the centre,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s current realities, Obi said his birthday was an opportunity for sober reflection rather than elaborate festivities.
He said 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.
According to him, birthdays should remind leaders and citizens alike of their responsibility to contribute towards building a nation where future generations can genuinely celebrate.
Obi said he had consistently discouraged expensive birthday gifts and lavish ceremonies throughout his years in business and public service, urging well-wishers instead to channel such resources into projects with lasting social impact.
“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 said the approach had over the years resulted in the construction of schools, hostel blocks and other facilities benefiting the less privileged.
Obi added that reaching the milestone of 65 had further strengthened his conviction that service to humanity remained life’s greatest achievement.
“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,” he said.