As his 64th birthday sparked nationwide goodwill, Mr. Peter Obi has once again reminded Nigerians that he does not mark birthdays with fanfare—choosing instead to use the occasion to amplify the values of service, compassion, and responsibility to the vulnerable.
In a moving personal note titled “Thank You All”, the former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader said he was deeply touched by the outpouring of love from Nigerians, especially from members of the Obidient Movement, youth groups, the Catholic faithful, and charitable organizations across the country.
“I thank you all sincerely for the messages, the love, the prayers, and most of all, the kind deeds done in my name. It is humbling,” Obi wrote. “But I must remind everyone: I do not celebrate birthdays. I believe we must focus our energies on helping our people, especially the poor, the sick, and the forgotten.”
Obi recalled how past attempts to throw him birthday parties ended in more meaningful ways. One group offered him ₦120 million; he turned it down and instead recommended they build classroom blocks. Another offered ₦20 million for a party; he advised them to buy 200 computers for schools. From school buses to food drives, his followers have grown used to this pattern: “celebrate by serving.”
Across Nigeria, his birthday this year was marked not by parties but by acts of kindness—from youth-led medical outreaches to book donations, feeding schemes, and peaceful rallies promoting good governance.
From Rome, where he spent the day praying at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, Obi prayed for Nigeria, her leaders, and the soul of a nation he believes still holds promise.
“Leadership is not about self-celebration. It is about sacrifice and service,” Obi noted. “I remain committed to building a Nigeria where every child can dream again, where the poor are protected, and where public resources are used for public good.”
To his supporters, Obi offered one final gift of guidance: “Let every birthday wish become a seed of kindness planted in the life of someone in need. That is the Nigeria we must build.”