The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has revealed that he once declined a ₦120 million house gift during his 50th birthday while serving as Anambra State governor, asking instead that the money be used to build classrooms.
“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,” he stated.
Obi, who turned 64 on Saturday, July 19, made this known in a message of gratitude to well-wishers on Sunday. He reiterated that he does not personally celebrate birthdays and prefers that any gestures meant for him be redirected to public benefit projects.
He also recounted how another group planned a ₦20 million birthday celebration in his honour, which he declined. Instead, they donated 200 desktop computers, which were distributed to schools across Anambra.
“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,” he added.
Obi said he spent this year’s birthday in Rome, praying for Nigeria and its leaders, calling for a change of heart. He reaffirmed his commitment to redirecting personal tributes into impactful public projects, especially in health and education.
“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.”
Obi, whose “modest lifestyle” often generates public discourse, has previously shared that he lives without domestic staff and serves his own guests at home. In 2017, he disclosed owning only one wristwatch he had worn for 17 years and two pairs of black shoes.