The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, says he once turned down a ₦120 million house gift during his tenure as governor of Anambra State, choosing instead to have classrooms built in its place.
Obi, who marked his 64th birthday on Saturday, July 19, made this known while expressing gratitude to Nigerians for their birthday wishes.
Though appreciative of the goodwill shown, he explained that he does not indulge in birthday celebrations and would rather see such gestures redirected to projects that serve the public good.
“I recall vividly when I turned 50 during my time as governor. One institution offered to build me a house in the village. When I asked for the cost, they said ₦120 million. I requested that the funds be used instead to build classrooms in three institutions across Agulu, Ekwulobia and Abatete. They obliged — and the impact was far-reaching,” he said.
Obi added that another group once planned a ₦20 million birthday celebration in his honour, which he also declined. Instead, he asked that the money be used to support education.
“They eventually donated 200 desktop computers, which we distributed to schools across Anambra,” he recalled.
In a similar instance, Obi said an organisation that had intended to host a birthday event ended up donating buses to educational institutions and the iconic Old Rangers Association.
Obi, who spent his birthday in Rome, said he used the moment to pray for Nigeria and its leaders, urging for more compassion and justice in governance.
“The scale of suffering and deprivation among our people makes the idea of personal merriment difficult to contemplate,” he said.
“This is why I have again asked those who wish to celebrate me to channel their goodwill to support the poor or struggling institutions in health and education.
“May we all find strength and grace to keep striving for a more just, compassionate, and equitable society.”
Obi’s lifestyle generates public interest
Obi’s lifestyle, often described as modest, has continued to generate public interest.
Recently, he shared that he has no domestic staff and personally serves guests in his home — a comment that followed the circulation of videos showing him serving food at a charity event in Imo State.
Back in 2017, Obi also revealed that he owned only one wristwatch, which he had used for 17 years, and just two pairs of black shoes.
