- Obi urged redirection of ₦20m party funds into education, resulting in 200 desktop computers for Anambra schools.
- He marked his 64th birthday in Rome, where he prayed for Nigeria and demanded a transformation in national leadership.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Mr Peter Obi, has said he once rejected a ₦120m house gift.
He said the offer came from an institution during his 50th birthday while he was serving as the governor of Anambra State.
Obi turned 64 on Saturday, July 19, and issued a statement on Sunday thanking those who celebrated him.
The former governor said he does not mark birthdays and prefers that such resources be used for public interest projects.
“I recall vividly when I turned 50 during my time as governor. One institution offered to build me a house in the village. When I asked for the cost, they said ₦120 million. I requested that the funds be used instead to build classrooms in three institutions across Agulu, Ekwulobia and Abatete. They obliged—and the impact was far-reaching,” the statement reads.
Obi disclosed that another group intended to throw a ₦20m birthday party for him, but he rejected the plan and advised them to invest the money in education.
He said the group later donated 200 desktop computers, which were distributed to schools across Anambra.
Obi noted that he marked his 64th birthday in Rome, where he prayed for Nigeria and called for a transformation in leadership.
He stated that his decision to redirect such gestures had become a consistent lifestyle over the years.
“In a similar spirit, an organisation that intended to celebrate me ended up donating buses to institutions in need, including the legendary Old Rangers Association,” Obi said.
“The scale of suffering and deprivation among our people makes the idea of personal merriment difficult to contemplate.”
“This is why I have again asked those who wish to celebrate me to channel their goodwill to support the poor or struggling institutions in health and education.”
“May we all find strength and grace to keep striving for a more just, compassionate, and equitable society.”
Obi’s modest lifestyle has sparked conversations over the years among Nigerians and observers.
On July 13, the former governor said he personally serves guests in his home and does not keep domestic staff.
He made the comment while reacting to viral photos and videos of him serving food during a charity event in Imo State.
In 2017, Obi said he owned only one wristwatch, which he had used for 17 years, and two pairs of black shoes.