Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has condemned the culture of personal aggrandisement and misuse of public funds among Nigerian leaders.
Speaking on his 64th birthday, Mr Obi shared how he once declined an offer of a multimillion-naira house, requesting instead that the funds be channelled towards public good.
“As I turned 64 years old yesterday, I must confess that the current state of our nation makes the idea of personal merriment even more difficult to contemplate,” Mr Obi said in a statement on Sunday. “The scale of suffering and deprivation among our people weighs heavily on the conscience. This is why I have once again asked all those who wish to celebrate me to instead channel their resources towards helping the poor or supporting our struggling health and educational institutions.”
Mr Obi, who noted that he does not celebrate birthdays, recalled rejecting elaborate gifts in the past and redirecting them for societal benefit.
“One institution generously offered to build a house for me in the village. When I asked for the estimated cost, they said it would be ₦120 million. I humbly requested that the funds be used to build classrooms in three educational institutions at Agulu, Ekwulobia, and Abatete. They obliged, and the impact was far-reaching.
“Another group had budgeted ₦20 million for a lavish party. I graciously asked them to consider using the funds to purchase desktop computers for schools. Their eventual donation of 200 desktops was distributed to schools across the state, enhancing learning for many students.”
He further shared that another organisation, originally planning to celebrate him, instead donated buses, including one to the legendary Old Rangers Association.
Mr Obi stressed the need for leaders to prioritise public welfare.
“I especially prayed for our beloved country, Nigeria, that God may touch the hearts of our leaders and awaken in them the realisation that public funds are meant for the public good. May we all find strength and grace to keep striving for a more just, compassionate, and equitable society,” he said.
