LAGOS, NIGERIA — Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has announced that he will not be celebrating his upcoming 62th birthday and called on his supporters and party faithful to mark his birthday with acts of charity.
Mr Obi, whose birthday comes up on July 19, 2023, in a series of heartfelt tweets that have gone viral, said he would forgo traditional festivities in favour of a more philanthropic approach.
“While I remain immensely grateful to God for His infinite mercies, I still maintain my decision of over 20 years, that I will not celebrate my birthdays in today’s Nigeria, with the current deplorable state of the nation,” Obi wrote.
Wednesday 19th July 2023, marks my 62nd Birthday. While I remain immensely grateful to God for His infinite mercies, I still maintain my decision of over 20 years, that I will not celebrate my birthdays in today's Nigeria, with the current deplorable state of the nation.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) July 17, 2023
This unusual birthday message has garnered 1.1 million views, 12,500 retweets, and 35,100 likes. With many Nigerians inspired by his words, the Labour Party veteran urged followers to extend their planned gifts for him towards those in need.
“Let me humbly and respectfully appeal to all those who desire to celebrate me with any kind of gifts, to look around them and extend such gifts to the people in need, especially in these difficult times,” Obi stated.
He also encouraged those willing to give to visit hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the aged and people with disabilities. He suggested the donors could also visit schools of basic studies in remote areas and support them with basic amenities.
“Those who wish to do more can visit various IDP camps in different parts of the country. I intend to do the same thing,” he stated, referring to the internally displaced persons’ camps scattered across Nigeria due to violence and insecurity.
Obi’s tweets did not shy away from discussing the genuine issues Nigeria is currently grappling with, including the violent attacks that claimed the lives of over 300 citizens in Mangu LGA in Plateau State and Benue State recently.
He expressed his vision of a New Nigeria, saying, “I want to celebrate in a New Nigeria where the lives and properties of citizens will be secure. I want to celebrate a productive Nigeria that can create opportunities for our youths. I want to celebrate in a Nigeria that works for all and which Nigerians can be proud of.”
As his birthday approaches, Obi’s actions are a powerful reminder of the challenges the country faces and the potential of collective action to foster change.
The politician ended his message with an optimistic note: “As Nigerians, we must always expand our imagination of the Possible, believing as we do that a New Nigeria is POssible.”
