By Muhammed Akindele
Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has donated ₦15 million to the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, for infrastructure development.
The visit, however, took an unexpected turn when the school’s management announced plans to name a new five-storey administrative building after him — a gesture Obi firmly rejected.
The Administrator of the institution, Rev. Fr. Chidiebere Ughaerumba, said the decision to name the building in Obi’s honour was in recognition of his consistent support for education and healthcare development in the state.
But responding immediately, Obi declined the offer, insisting that his contributions were purely acts of service to humanity and not meant for personal glorification.
“When I was governor, many wanted to honour me with titles and awards, but I always declined. Even local governments wanted to name streets after me, and I said no. Any day I want to be called ‘Doctor,’ I will go and earn it. Whatever I need, God has already given me,” he said.
The former governor explained that he preferred to use his personal resources to improve schools and hospitals rather than spend lavishly on personal comfort.
“Just this week, I have visited five schools and donated between ₦5 million and ₦15 million each. It is better to use money to support education than to throw parties or buy new cars,” Obi added.
He reiterated that education and healthcare remain his top priorities, describing them as the two most important sectors for national development.
Meanwhile, the Bishop of the Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas-Benson Okoye, commended Obi for his humility but noted that the institution did not need his approval to honour him.
The Bishop recalled that as governor, Obi named the Prof. Kenneth Dike Library in Awka after the renowned historian, saying that recognising good deeds serves to inspire others.
“Honouring good deeds is not vanity; it encourages others to serve with sincerity,” he said.
