Vice Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that birthdays in Nigeria and other events that called for celebration ought to be marked in reflection, considering the state of the country.
Mr. Obi was speaking during the mass at RECODOT Centre for the handicapped, downtrodden and tramps at Ozubulu to commemorate his 60th birthday. He also visited two hospitals at Nnewi.
Bishop Martin Uzoukwu of Minna Diocese, who presided over the mass, with Rev. Fr. Theo Odukwe, advised the congregation to always seek the face of God.
Describing Mr. Peter Obi as ‘God’s special gift’ to humanity, he said his spectacular performance in Anambra State had continued to stand out after all manner of scrutinies.
He prayed God to, in His own way and at the fullest of time, allow him in a position of authority as to rebuild Nigeria and touch more lives.
Mr. Obi, who has customarily celebrated with the RECDOT people advised those in authority to visit such places that elicit critical self-examination.
“Such a visit”, Obi said, “besides reminding us of our humanity, should actually make those in authority to realize that such people need government’s attention more than any class of people.”
Speaking, the head of the centre, Dame Rose Mary Odunukwe, recalled the closeness of Obi’s family and RECDOT over the years and said that it required a man of faith to do for them what Obi does for them.
“Even the bus we use today was a donation from Obi’s wife”, she said while she prayed God to continue to guard and guide them.
As part of activities lined up for the celebration – visit to orphanages, hospitals and schools, Obi visited St. Felix Catholic Hospital, Nnewi and Diocesan Hospital, Nnewi where he donated N2 million ( a total of 4 million Naira) respectively to them.
While making the donation, Obi said it was borne out of his belief that the joy of birthdays shared with those that deserve and need the sharing was joy multiplied.
He appreciated the church owned hospitals for doing for society what government was supposed to be doing.
He explained that accumulated leadership failure in the country has resulted in the dearth of basic amenities in the nation.
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“We are the ones who should be thanking the church for providing some of these amenities that the government has failed to provide”, Mr. Obi said.
Obi, who came in with his wife, Mrs. Margaret Peter-Obi was also joined at mass by his entire EXCO led by Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, his former Commissioner for Economic Planning/ Budget and Chief of staff. Mr. Valentine Ozigbo was also there with his wife, among many others.