Obi to supporters: Thank you for celebrating me—redirects gifts to the poor

Obi

Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed heartfelt appreciation to supporters across Nigeria and beyond for the overwhelming show of love and goodwill as he marked his 64th birthday.

Obi’s birthday, celebrated on Saturday, July 19, was marked with community service and solidarity gatherings in various parts of the world, especially by members of the Obidient Movement and other well-wishers.

In a statement he issued on Sunday from Rome, Italy, Obi reiterated his lifelong philosophy of shunning extravagant personal celebrations in favour of causes that benefit the underprivileged and strengthen public institutions.

“I sincerely thank everyone for the outpouring of goodwill and birthday wishes I received worldwide. I remain deeply grateful to all who marked the day in one way or another — especially Nigerian youths, the Obidient family, and members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul,” Obi said.

Obi shared anecdotes from his time as governor, recounting how he redirected millions of naira intended for birthday gifts or celebrations into projects that benefitted communities.

“One institution offered to build me a house in my village, costing ₦120 million. I asked them to, instead, build classrooms in Agulu, Ekwulobia, and Abatete. They obliged—and the impact was far-reaching.”

He also recalled how a planned ₦20 million birthday party was converted into the donation of 200 desktop computers, which were distributed to schools across Anambra. Similarly, another celebration was transformed into the donation of buses to institutions including the Old Rangers Association.

“This has been my consistent approach—using birthdays to champion educational advancement, support for the underprivileged, and strengthen state-serving institutions,” he noted. Vanguard