Nigeria’s Challenges Make Personal Merriment Difficult – Obi

Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has said the current state of the country makes it difficult to have personal merriments.

He stated this on his X handle while thanking Nigerians who celebrated his  64th birthday with him.

“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. The scale of suffering and deprivation among our people weighs heavily on the conscience. This is why I have once again requested that all those who wish to celebrate me should instead channel their resources towards helping the poor or supporting our struggling health and educational institutions.”

Obi, who thanked his supporters for their birthday wishes,  said while he deeply appreciates the gestures of celebration, “I must once again reiterate that I do not personally celebrate birthdays.

I recall vividly when I turned 50, during my time as Governor. Many institutions and individuals approached me with elaborate plans for the occasion.”

He revealed that one institution generously offered to build a house for him in the village.

“When I asked for the estimated cost, they said it would be ₦120 million. I humbly requested that the funds be redirected to build classrooms in three educational institutions at Agulu, Ekwulobia and Abatete. They obliged—and the impact was far-reaching.”

He said 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 however said another organisation  donated buses which were distributed to institutions in need, including one that went to the legendary Old Rangers Association.

“This has been my consistent approach over the years. On each birthday, I use the opportunity to redirect goodwill towards causes that uplift others.

On his part, Obi said he has chosen to renew his personal commitment to continue supporting the institutions of state in the best way he can, especially those that directly serve the people.