Peter Obi marks 65th birthday with ₦10m hospital donation, urges service over celebration

Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has marked his 65th birthday with a call for greater commitment to service, saying birthdays should be occasions for reflection, thanksgiving and acts of compassion rather than elaborate celebrations.

In a statement released on Sunday to commemorate his birthday, Obi said Nigeria’s socio-economic realities make it inappropriate for excessive personal celebrations while millions of citizens continue to grapple with poverty, unemployment, poor healthcare and limited opportunities.

According to him, birthdays at his age should be moments of deep reflection on God’s blessings, an assessment of one’s life journey and a renewed commitment to serving humanity.

“Today, July 19, 2026, marks my 65th birthday. 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 said.

Obi noted that while citizens in countries with functional institutions and better living conditions may have reasons for elaborate celebrations, Nigeria’s challenges require a different approach.

“Our nation is blessed with enormous human and natural resources, yet millions of our people continue to struggle with challenges that demand our collective attention. We cannot afford to celebrate ourselves excessively while many around us are burdened by poverty, ill health, unemployment, and limited opportunities,” he stated.

The former governor disclosed that he began his birthday with a Mass of Thanksgiving in Onitsha before visiting St. Raphael’s Hospital in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, where he donated ₦10 million to support healthcare delivery.

He said the visit reinforced his belief that leadership is fundamentally about caring for people, particularly the vulnerable.

“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,” Obi said.

He stressed that hospitals and schools remain the most important investments any society can make because they preserve lives and shape the future.

Obi also announced plans to dedicate the rest of the month to visiting schools and hospitals, where he intends to make financial contributions as part of his birthday commemoration.

“I shall dedicate the end of the month to visiting one school or hospital as my modest way of commemorating my birthday. At each institution, I hope to make a modest contribution towards its work, however little, as a practical expression of my gratitude to God,” he said.

Reflecting on his years in business, the corporate world and public service, Obi said he had consistently encouraged those wishing to honour him with gifts or elaborate ceremonies to channel such resources into projects with lasting social impact.

According to him, that philosophy has led to the construction of schools, hostel blocks and other educational facilities that continue to benefit less privileged Nigerians.

He maintained that the true measure of life is not material wealth or public recognition but the positive impact one makes on others.

Obi prayed for God’s continued guidance and strength, while expressing hope for a more united, inclusive and compassionate Nigeria where citizens work together to build a better nation.