• Kwankwaso, ex-IPAC chair eulogise former gov

Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has marked his 65th birthday with a N10 million donation to St. Raphael’s Hospital, Umueri, in Anambra East Local Council Area, urging Nigerians to embrace service to humanity over personal celebration.

In a personal reflection released yesterday to commemorate his birthday, Obi said that 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.

MEANWHILE, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who is a former Kano State Governor and running mate to Obi, has described the ex-governor of Anambra State as an outstanding ally and a principled voice committed to Nigeria’s progress.

Kwankwaso stated this in a birthday message posted on his X platform yesterday to mark Obi’s 65th birthday.

He congratulated the former Anambra State governor, describing him as a man of exceptional enterprise, conviction and personal integrity.

“On this auspicious day, I extend my warmest felicitations to my brother, Peter Obi, on the occasion of his 65th birthday,” Kwankwaso wrote.

He said Obi had distinguished himself through years of service and leadership, adding that his humility and modesty remained admirable in a society where excess was often celebrated.

ALSO, the former National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Peter Ojonugwa Ameh, has felicitated with Obi on his 65th birthday, describing him as an incorruptible leader and enduring symbol of hope for Nigeria.

In a goodwill message released on Saturday, Ameh praised the NDC presidential candidate’s record of integrity, fiscal discipline and principled leadership, saying he has remained a shining example of ethical public service in a country where citizens are increasingly demanding transparency and accountability.

According to him, Obi’s unwavering commitment to honesty and prudent management of public resources has continued to inspire millions of Nigerians, particularly young people, to believe that the country can be transformed through responsible leadership.