Immediate past governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who clocks 53 on July 19, has appealed to his friends and well wishers to consider the situation in the country and not celebrate his birthday with any form of advertisement but rather to pray for him.

Speaking yesterday during a social outing at Amichi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Obi argued that the situation in Nigeria called for more sacrifice, rather than engaging in what he referred to as “epicurean indulgence,” whether under the pretence of celebrating birthdays or any other guise.

His words: “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 try 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, many of whom have already informed me of their intention to place adverts for me, that I do not need that. I will be happier if they utilise money for such adverts to help the poor among us.

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

Obi disclosed that he has already raised over N25 million and has disbursed same to some Catholic, Anglican and Methodist Dioceses in the state, adding that he will double his efforts because such gestures guarantee genuine happiness.

The former governor revealed that he is using a greater part of his time to raise money from organisations through grants to Bishops to assist the Church to institute micro credit for the poor in form of revolving loan schemes.

•Photo shows Ex-Governor Peter Obi.

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