Former Governor Obi Raises Over N25 Million For The Poor Through Churches ;Appeals For No Adverts Nn His Birthday

Odogwuemekaodogwu.blogspot.com reports that for the second time running, 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 19^th of July, 2014.

Odogwuemekaodogwu.blogspot.com reports that Obi 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 wrong reasons. As the Governor of Anambra State, I celebrated excellence, 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 medicals, 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 adverts to helping the poor among us and rebuilding schools in their communities”,  Obi said

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. All I need from Nigerians, includimg journalists that day is to pray for me, for God to grant us all, especially president Goodluck Jonathan the wisdom to lead His people aright.

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 grants to Bishops for revolving scheme.

“So far, I have raised over 25 Million Naira and have also disbursed same to Some Catholic, Anglican and Methodist Dioceses in the State.  I will even double my efforts because such gestures guarantee us genuine happiness”, Obi said.