.As ex-Anambra Gov kicks off weeklong 65th birthday activity
Jacob Ogodo Abakaliki and Pamela Eboh, Awka
In celebration of his 65th birthday, the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi on Sunday commenced a weeklong donation exercise to educational and health institutions in Anambra State and beyond.
Obi kicked off the exercise with a visit to St. Raphael Hospital, Umueri, where he made a donation of N10million to the management of the hospital for the commemoration.
While presenting a cheque to the proprietor of the hospital and Bishop of Niger West Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt Rev. Dr Johnson Nwaohalanma Ekwe, observed that countries that funded their health and education sectors are better and more developed than those who did not.
Obi said: “I am here as you already know that it is my tradition to support the health and education sector. Today, to mark my birthday, I’m here to donate the sum of N10million to St. Raphael Hospital, Umueri.
“We are doing this to support what My Lord the Bishop of Niger West Diocese, is doing in developing this place. You people know that when I was governor, I worked with the church, I supported them and I want to say that I will always support them.
“Some of the hospitals we supported when we were governor were small hospitals, but today they have become university teaching hospitals. We are also hopeful that one day, St Raphael hospital and maternity will also become a teaching hospital.
“I’m passionate about developing the education and health sector, and it has been proven that countries that funded their education and health sectors very well are doing better.
“What the church is doing is what government should be doing, but because government has neglected its role, the church has stepped in and we will continue to support them.”
The presidential hopeful said that he would embark on a weeklong donation to health and educational institutions across the country as a way to give back to society as he marks his 65th birthday.
Meanwhile, aides and former members of Anambra executive council who served under Obi while he was governor held a thanksgiving mass at Madonna Assumpta Catholic Church, Agulu to appreciate God for his life.
It was however gathered that the group later visited a sickle cell home in Obi’s contrry home of Agulu to extend love, care, and support to the residents of the home, as a way of reaffirming his enduring commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable.
Furthermore, Obi who is the Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has been described as a man whose track records speak him.
The NDC candidate for the 2027 Ebonyi Central Senatorial election, Prof Ifeanyi Odoh made this assertion during a town hall meeting in Abakaliki, where he formally announced that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had recognized him as the party’s candidate for the Ebonyi Central Senatorial District .
Prof. Odoh urged all their supporters, both at home and in the diaspora, to vote for the NDC in the 2027 general elections, noting that the task ahead is challenging, but with unity, strategy, intelligence and determination, they can overcome the obstacles before them and build a better future for the country.
He maintained that the Nigerian Senate offers enormous opportunities for development, lamenting that many lawmakers have failed to maximize its potential for the benefit of their constituents.
He said his background as a professor of geosciences would enable him to make meaningful contributions in the Senate, particularly in the areas of education, solid minerals, water resources, environmental management, healthcare, technology, and food security.
“The Senate is a place of enormous opportunities for anyone who understands how to utilize them. It is an opportunity we must stop wasting. As a geoscientist with specialization in geophysics, solid minerals, water resources, and environmental management, I possess knowledge that can positively influence national policies and attract development for our people.
“My expertise will be relevant in committees dealing with education, natural resources, the environment, and related sectors. I became a professor at the age of 38, and I believe my experience and professional background will enable me to contribute meaningfully to legislative debates and policymaking.
“I have extensive exposure beyond Ebonyi State. If elected, I will not be a silent senator. I will vigorously pursue policies that improve healthcare, education, security, agriculture, and the overall welfare of the people of Ebonyi Central and the state at large,” he said.
Odoh expressed confidence in his ability to represent the district effectively, citing his record as secretary to the Ebonyi State Government between 2015 and 2018.
According to him, his commitment to accountability led him to voluntarily invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate his stewardship after leaving office.
“I served as Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government from May 2015 to April 2018, and to the best of my knowledge, I remain the only public official in Nigeria who voluntarily invited the EFCC to investigate his tenure after leaving office.
“While in government, I treated everyone fairly. Whenever I had the opportunity to facilitate employment for qualified people, I did so at both the state and federal levels.
“Before joining the government, I worked at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. When I arrived in 2009, only about four people from my area were employed there. By the time I left to contest elections in 2015, that number had increased to 52.
“I am committed to the welfare of our people and guided by principles. The circumstances surrounding my exit from government in 2018 are well known. I remain grateful to the former governor who appointed me, but we parted ways because of differences in principles. I harbour no bitterness against anyone. I simply speak my mind, pursue my convictions, and remain focused on my goals,” he said.
“Our presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, is a man whose record speaks for itself. I urge all our supporters, both at home and in the diaspora, to vote for the NDC in the 2027 general elections.
“Nigeria has enormous potential, but many young people no longer see a future in the country. Today, many workers can barely survive on their salaries. Justice, fairness, and the rule of law are under serious threat, while insecurity continues to claim innocent lives.
“The task ahead is challenging, but with unity, strategy, intelligence, and determination, we can overcome the obstacles before us and build a better future for our country,” Odoh added.
For a better society
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