Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has marked his 65th birthday with a call for reflection, service to humanity and renewed commitment to nation-building, saying the greatest celebration of life lies in positively impacting others.
In a personally signed message shared on his X account on Sunday, Obi said birthdays should become moments of gratitude to God, self-examination and recommitment to serving humanity, rather than occasions for elaborate celebrations.
The former Anambra State governor noted that while milestone birthdays may warrant grand celebrations in countries where citizens enjoy security, effective institutions and improved living conditions, Nigeria’s current socio-economic realities demand a different approach.
According to him, the nation’s abundant human and natural resources contrast sharply with the widespread poverty, unemployment, ill health and limited opportunities confronting millions of Nigerians.
“We cannot afford to celebrate ourselves excessively while many around us are burdened by poverty, ill health, unemployment and limited opportunities,” Obi stated.
He explained that he has always regarded birthdays as opportunities for thanksgiving, sober reflection and renewed dedication to public service.
Reflecting on his journey in business, the corporate sector and public office, Obi said he had consistently viewed every position of privilege as an opportunity to improve the lives of others rather than as a personal entitlement.
He disclosed that over the years, he had encouraged individuals and institutions wishing to honour him with expensive gifts or elaborate ceremonies to instead redirect those resources towards projects with lasting social impact.
According to him, that philosophy has resulted in the construction of schools, hostel blocks and other educational facilities, as well as support for initiatives benefiting less privileged members of society.
“The greatest honour anyone can receive is not found in gifts, ceremonies or public admiration, but in knowing that one’s life has contributed, however modestly, to making another person’s life better,” he said.
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Obi revealed that he began his birthday with a Mass of Thanksgiving in Onitsha, where he expressed gratitude to God for His protection, guidance and blessings over the past 65 years.
Following the church service, he visited St. Raphael’s Hospital in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, where he donated ₦10 million to support the hospital’s healthcare services.
He said the visit reinforced his conviction that birthdays should be occasions for service rather than self-indulgence, noting that many patients lacked the financial means to pay their medical bills despite deserving compassion, dignity and quality healthcare.
According to Obi, hospitals and schools remain among the most important investments any society can make because hospitals preserve lives while schools shape the future.
He also announced plans to dedicate the remainder of the month to visiting schools and hospitals, where he intends to make modest donations as part of commemorating his birthday.
Obi said he wanted the celebration to focus on humanity rather than himself, adding that his prayer at 65 is for God to grant him greater strength, wisdom and humility to continue serving.
He concluded by praying for Nigeria to become a more united, inclusive and compassionate nation where citizens work together to build a better future for coming generations.