Ihiala, Anambra State — Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Sunday declined a proposal to name a newly built five-storey administrative block at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ihiala after him, insisting his donations are “acts of service, not for self-glorification.”
Obi, who donated ₦15 million to support the school’s infrastructure during a visit, drew immediate praise from management. The Administrator, Rev. Fr. Chidiebere Ughaerumba, announced plans to christen the near-completed building in Obi’s honour, citing his long-standing contributions to education and healthcare in the state.
But Obi instantly objected, saying he has consistently turned down chieftaincy titles, honorary degrees, street namings and national awards throughout and after his time in office.
“When I was governor, many wanted to honour me with titles and awards, but I always declined… Any day I want to be called ‘Doctor,’ I will go and earn it. Whatever I need, God has already given me,” he said.
Framing his philanthropy as a duty, Obi said he prioritises channeling funds to schools and hospitals rather than “lavish spending,” noting he had visited five schools this week alone, donating between ₦5 million and ₦15 million to each.
“It is better to use money to support education than to throw parties or buy new cars,” he added, describing education and healthcare as the two most critical sectors for national development.
Responding, the Bishop of Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas-Benson Okoye, commended Obi’s humility but stressed the institution does not require his permission to recognise him. He referenced precedents, including the Prof. Kenneth Dike Library in Awka named after the renowned historian during Obi’s tenure.
“Honouring good deeds is not vanity; it encourages others to serve with sincerity,” the Bishop said.
The episode underscores Obi’s well-known public posture of eschewing personal honours while maintaining an active philanthropic profile—particularly in education and health—across Anambra and beyond.
