Do not place Adverts on my Birthday, Obi Begs Nigerians

Once again, the immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has called on Nigerians, as he has always done in the past, not to place adverts for him in the media as he turns 53 on the 19th of July, 2014. He made this appeal while answering questions from Journalists at the traditional marriage ceremony of Mr. Obinna Anyaegbu, the son of the popular Chisco Motors Ltd at Amichi.
Obi who was accompanied to the ceremony by two of his former Commissioners, Prof. Stella Okunna and Engr. Patrick Obi as well as Chief Okey Ezibe, argued that the condition of Nigeria today calls for sacrifice by all rather than engaging in what he called “Epicurean Indulgence”, whether under the pretence of celebrating birthdays or other unnecessary occasions.
“When I look around, I notice that Nigerians celebrate for the wrong reasons. As the Governor of Anambra State, I celebrated those that performed exceptionally in academics. In fact I gave N1 mIllion Naira each to all those that made first class in the State from 2003 till I left office. I celebrate feats in sports. I celebrate excellence everywhere, but not birthdays and related events that do not add value to our lives. Today, when you look around, you see Nigerians going to India for medical s, but if you relate to the people, you will see that some Nigerians do not even have money to visit ordinary patent medicine dealers. We have a lot of poor ones around us and I tried as much as I can to touch such lives, whether as a Governor or not. As I am about to turn 53, may I appeal to Nigerians, most of whom have already informed me of their intention to place adverts for me, that I do not need that. I am happier if they utilise money for advert to helping the poor among us and rebuilding schools in their communities.”
On what he would do that day, Obi said it would be a day of reflection for him, a day he would ask himself how much of what God has blessed him with he has deployed to advance the cause of humanity.
Speaking further, Obi who looked happy and fulfilled, said he used better part of his time now trying to raise money from organisations to assist the Church to institute micro credit for the poor through which Bishops give money to the poor on revolving scheme basis .
“So far, I have raised over 25 Million Naira, out of which I have given Millions of Naira to the Anglican Diocese of Ihiala, Amichi, Methodist Church in Anambra State as well as to Catholic Church.