By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

In celebration of his 65th birthday, Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, on Sunday commenced a weeklong donation exercise to educational and health institutions in Anambra State and beyond.

Obi kicked off the exercise with a visit to St. Raphael Hospital, Umueri, where he made a donation of N10million to the management of the hospital in commemoration.

While presenting a cheque to the proprietor of the hospital and Bishop of Niger West Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt Rev. Dr Johnson Nwaohalanma Ekwe, he observed that countries that funded their health and education sectors are better and more developed than those who did not.

Obi said: “I am here as you already know that it is my tradition to support the health and education sector. Today, to mark my birthday, I’m here to donate the sum of N10million to St. Raphael Hospital, Umueri.

“We are doing this to support what My Lord the Bishop of Niger West Diocese is doing in developing this place. You people know that when I was governor, I worked with the church, I supported them, and I want to say that I will always support them.

“Some of the hospitals we supported when we were governor were small hospitals, but today they have become university teaching hospitals. We are also hopeful that one day, St Raphael hospital and maternity will also become a teaching hospital.

“I’m passionate about developing the education and health sector, and it has been proven that countries that funded their education and health sectors very well are doing better.

“What the church is doing is what government should be doing, but because government has neglected its role, the church has stepped in and we will continue to support them.”

The presidential hopeful said that he would embark on a weeklong donation to health and educational institutions across the country as a way to give back to society as he marks his 65th birthday.

Meanwhile, aides and former members of Anambra executive council who served under Obi while he was governor held a thanksgiving mass at Madonna Assumpta Catholic Church, Agulu to appreciate God for his life.

It was however gathered that the group later visited a sickle cell home in Obi’s country home of Agulu to extend love, care, and support to the residents of the home, as a way of reaffirming his enduring commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable.