The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has disclosed how he once turned down an offer to build a house worth ₦120 million for him.
According to Obi, who personally made the disclosure in a post via his account on Sunday, the offer came during his 50th birthday, when he was the governor of Anambra.
He, however, stated that he requested that instead of using the funds to build a house for him in the village, the amount should be used to build classrooms in three institutions across Agulu, Ekwulobia and Abatete, which the donors agreed to and did.
Naijaonpoint reports Peter Obi revealed this in his statement while appreciating all the gestures towards the celebration of his 64th birthday. The former Governor turned 64 years on Saturday, July 19.
He noted that while he does not personally celebrate birthdays, he appreciates those who choose to celebrate him and prefers that resources meant for him be redirected to projects that benefit the public.
“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 read.
Obi also recalled that another group planned a ₦20 million birthday party for him, but he declined and urged the group to invest the money in education.
He said the group also obliged and used the funds to purchase 200 desktop computers, which were distributed to schools across Anambra.
The former presidential candidate submitted that redirecting such gestures has been a way of life for him, and he requested that the same be done for his 64th birthday as well.
“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.
“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,” he said.