Peter Obi turned 64 on Sunday. But there was no cake, no party, no private jet lounge full of dignitaries. Instead, he was in Rome, at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs—praying. For Nigeria, he says.
On that quiet day, he shared something bigger than a celebration: a story of how he’s spent his birthdays for years—by giving, not getting.
Obi was writing in gratitude to friends, associates and supporters for the outpouring of love and wishes on his birthday.
“I do not personally celebrate birthdays,” Obi said in a heartfelt message posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Yet, each year, people still try.
Fourteen years ago, as governor of Anambra State, he got an extravagant offer.
“One institution generously offered to build a house for me in the village,” he recalled. “When I asked for the estimated cost, they said it would be ₦120 million.”
Obi said he politely declined. Instead, he asked them to build classrooms in Agulu, Ekwulobia, and Abatete.
“They obliged — and the impact was far-reaching.”
That same year, another group came with ₦20 million to throw him a lavish birthday bash. Again, he steered them in another direction.
“I graciously asked them to consider using the funds to purchase desktop computers for schools,” he said.
They donated 200 desktops. The computers went to schools across Anambra, where students now use them to learn, explore, and build futures.
And he didn’t stop there.
“Another organisation—whose intention had originally been to celebrate me—ended up donating buses,” he said. One of those buses went to the Old Rangers Association.
‘Nigeria’s Pain Makes Celebration Difficult’
This year, Obi said the condition of Nigeria makes birthday celebrations feel wrong.
“The scale of suffering and deprivation among our people weighs heavily on the conscience,” he wrote.
Instead of gifts or parties, he asked well-wishers to help others.
“Please channel your resources towards helping the poor or supporting our struggling health and educational institutions,” he urged.
Obi’s words didn’t come across as lofty ideals, but as lived values. They are things he’s already done—again and again.
This year’s prayers, he said, were especially for Nigeria’s leaders.
“That God may touch the hearts of our leaders and awaken in them the realisation that public funds are meant for the public good.”
He ended with a solemn promise.
“I have chosen this day to renew my personal commitment to continue supporting the institutions of state… especially those that directly serve the people.”
Peter Obi’s message wasn’t just about birthdays. It was about mindset—how the culture of public life in Nigeria could be different.
“May we all find strength and grace to keep striving for a more just, compassionate, and equitable society.”
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