The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has called on governments at all levels to invest more in education and healthcare.
Obi made this appeal in his goodwill message at the traditional marriage ceremony of Mr Peter Uwaezu and Precious Ante, held on Sunday in Abuja.
Precious is the daughter of Mr Offong Ante, a prominent member of the Obidient Movement.
Represented by Dr Moses Paul, Secretary-General of the Obidient Movement, Obi emphasised that education and healthcare are critical to national development.
He stressed the need for government policies to prioritise education, healthcare, and the overall wellbeing of citizens, particularly the youth, women, and the less privileged.
Obi also urged Nigerians to focus on competence when electing leaders.
“I will continue to speak to Nigerians to never relent, to keep standing and insisting on what is right,” he said.
He described Ante as his birthday mate and a key stakeholder in the Obidient Movement, noting that his presence at the event was to honour him.
“He is a man of vision, purpose, and seriousness. I wish him long life, good health, and sound mind,” Obi said.
In his remarks, Ante thanked God for his 70th birthday, which coincided with his daughter’s traditional wedding.
“Today is my 70th birthday, and the same day my only daughter, Precious Ante, is being given out in marriage,” he said, expressing gratitude for the success of the ceremony.
His wife, Joyce, also expressed her joy, saying:
“This is the day I have been praying for – giving my daughter out in marriage on my husband’s 70th birthday. I am happy. My husband is a good man who provides for the family. I pray God will uphold him and grant him many more years.”
She advised the couple to love each other and put God first in all their endeavours.
The couple’s first son, Emmanuel, described their father as an incredible influence on his children.
The groom, Mr Peter Uwaezu, expressed gratitude to God for the joyous occasion.
“I pray the Lord grants us all our hearts’ desires,” he said.
(NAN)
