Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has marked his 65th birthday with a ₦10 million donation to St. Raphael’s Hospital, Umueri, in Anambra East Local Government Area, urging Nigerians to embrace service to humanity over personal celebration.

In a personal reflection released on Sunday to commemorate his birthday, Obi said attaining the age of 65 called for gratitude to God, sober reflection and a renewed commitment to serving humanity rather than elaborate festivities.

According to him, while birthdays in countries with functional institutions and higher living standards may warrant grand celebrations, Nigeria’s prevailing socio-economic realities demand a different approach.

“Our nation is blessed with enormous human and natural resources, yet millions of our people continue to struggle with poverty, ill health, unemployment and limited opportunities. We cannot afford to celebrate ourselves excessively while many around us are burdened by hardship,” he said.

Obi said birthdays should serve as opportunities to reflect on how individuals can make meaningful contributions to society.

“The greatest celebration of life is not what we receive from others, but the lives we can touch positively,” he stated.

The former governor said this philosophy had guided his years in business, the corporate sector and public service, noting that he had consistently encouraged well-wishers to redirect resources meant for expensive gifts and ceremonies towards projects with lasting social impact.

According to him, such gestures over the years have resulted in the construction of schools, hostel blocks and support for educational institutions and other facilities that continue to benefit the less privileged.

Obi disclosed that he began his birthday with a Mass of Thanksgiving in Onitsha before proceeding to St. Raphael’s Hospital, Umueri, where he donated ₦10 million to support healthcare delivery in the rural community.

He said his visit to the hospital reinforced his belief that leadership is fundamentally about caring for the vulnerable.

“As I was conducted around the hospital and saw patients in their moments of vulnerability, I was reminded again of our shared humanity. Some of those receiving care may not even have the financial means to settle their hospital bills, yet they deserve compassion, dignity and access to quality healthcare,” Obi said.

Describing hospitals and schools as the greatest investments any society can make, Obi noted that while hospitals preserve lives, schools shape the future, adding that supporting both sectors remains an investment in humanity and national development.

He also announced plans to spend the rest of the month visiting schools and hospitals, where he intends to make donations as a practical expression of gratitude to God and his commitment to humanitarian service.