Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Peter Obi speaking on Nigeria’s revenue challenges (Photo credit: Internet)
ONITSHA, Nigeria – Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has donated ₦10 million to St. Raphael’s Hospital in Umueri, Anambra State, to support healthcare delivery as he marked his 65th birthday, saying birthdays should be dedicated to service rather than personal celebration.
Obi announced the donation in a statement on Sunday after beginning his birthday with a Mass of Thanksgiving in Onitsha before visiting the rural hospital in Anambra East Local Government Area.
“In furtherance of my belief that birthdays should be occasions for service rather than self-indulgence, I donated the sum of ₦10 million to support the hospital’s work of providing quality healthcare to the people,” Obi said.
The former governor said interacting with patients at the hospital reinforced the need for compassionate leadership and greater investment in healthcare.
“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,” he added.
Obi described hospitals and schools as the most important investments any society can make, noting that while hospitals preserve lives, schools shape the future.
As part of his birthday activities, he announced plans to spend the remainder of the month visiting one school or hospital each day to make donations as a practical expression of gratitude to God.
“Rather than a celebration centred on me, I desire a celebration that places humanity at the centre,” he said.
“We cannot afford to celebrate ourselves excessively while many around us are burdened by poverty, ill health, unemployment, and limited opportunities,” he said.
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Korede Abdullah 
Hussaini Ibrahim