Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential contender, has disclosed that he declined a ₦120 million home gift given to him on his 50th birthday while in government, opting instead to put the cash into public education projects. Marking his 64th birthday in a statement on July 21, 2025, Obi described this choice as part of his greater commitment to prioritize the well-being of Nigerians before personal luxury.
Obi claimed that during his stint as governor, an institution promised to construct him a magnificent mansion costing ₦120 million as a birthday present. Rather than accepting the present, he proposed that the money be put into establishing schools throughout three communities—Agulu, Ekwulobia, and Abatete. The college heeded his request, and the classrooms created continue to benefit students in those communities, increasing the effect of what would have been a private asset.
In addition to denying the property, Obi also turned down a ₦20 million birthday celebration that had been organized by another group. He recommended that the money instead be utilized to buy desktop computers for schools in Anambra State. This petition resulted in the gift of 200 computers, which were delivered to different schools around the state, increasing the learning environment for pupils. Such gestures demonstrate Obi’s idea of diverting resources into education and public service rather than personal celebration or money building.
Obi noted that he has never felt comfortable celebrating birthdays personally and instead wants that money designated for such festivities to be transferred to programs that bring enduring social benefits. He voiced displeasure over Nigeria’s widespread misery and deprivation and urged contemporary public authorities to take the same approach by prioritizing expenditures in healthcare, education, and other essential public services.
Beyond education, Obi mentioned that in a related instance, an organization intending to celebrate him contributed buses instead, which he then allocated to institutions in need, including one given to the Old Rangers Association, further illustrating his consistent practice of redirecting personal gifts to public uses.
In his message, Obi prayed for Nigeria, imploring God to touch the hearts of the country's leaders and instill in them an awareness that public money is intended for the general welfare. He underlined the need for a fair, caring, and egalitarian society, asking leaders to embrace policies that empower the majority rather than promote personal or political interests.
Obi’s attitude has provoked conversations throughout Nigeria, revealing opposing perspectives on leadership and governance. However, some detractors, notably Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have contested Obi’s record, stating that poverty rose under Obi’s governorship in Anambra, comparing it with the decrease in poverty in Lagos under Sanwo-Olu. The Lagos governor also challenged Obi's critiques of Nigeria overseas, stating that real patriotism requires favorably promoting the nation.
Security worries have marred the festivities of Obi’s birthday. Kaduna State police stopped a planned protest in celebration of his birthday owing to intelligence inputs indicating that the event would be hijacked by non-state actors, presenting a danger to public safety.
Obi’s actions surrounding the ₦120 million home gift and other birthday-related offerings emphasize his persistent message on responsible leadership and public service—a message that resonates with many Nigerians wanting accountability and good government. His approach represents a notion that leaders should forgo personal enrichment and instead dedicate resources to improve the lives of people via meaningful expenditures in education and health.
As Nigeria continues to battle with economic issues and social disparities, Obi’s example serves both as a criticism of established political practices and a demand for ethical leadership committed to the common good. His actions during his governorship represent a type of leadership that stresses social welfare above individual wealth, a perspective that continues to influence public conversation in Nigeria.
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