Ihiala, Anambra State — November 6, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Thursday donated ₦15 million to the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital School of Nursing and Midwifery in Ihiala, Anambra State. During the visit, the institution’s administrator, Rev. Fr. Chidiebere Ughaerumba, announced that the school’s new five-storey administrative building would be named in Obi’s honour. However, Obi immediately declined the naming proposal, stating that his contributions were acts of service to humanity and not personal recognition.
Fr. Ughaerumba explained that the suggestion to name the building after Obi was in acknowledgment of his long-standing support for education and healthcare in the state. He said:
“Considering your continued support to us, when the school’s administrative building (a five-floor edifice) is completed, we will name it after you.
Obi, however, expressed his discomfort with the move. He said he had consistently rejected honours during his time in public service, including chieftaincy titles, honorary degrees and national awards. He emphasised that he believes service should not be tied to self-glorification. “When I was governor, many wanted to honour me with titles and awards, but I always declined. Even local governments wanted to name streets after me, and I said no,” he said.
In his remarks, Obi noted that education and healthcare are the two most critical sectors for national development. He said: “Just this week, I have visited five schools and donated between ₦5 million and ₦15 million each. It is better to use money to support education than to throw parties or buy new cars.”
The Bishop of the Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jonas-Benson Okoye, in attendance at the event, commended Obi’s humility while also noting that recognising contributors can inspire others. “Honouring good deeds is not vanity; it encourages others to serve with sincerity,” the Bishop said.
The School of Nursing and Midwifery, which already had a history of infrastructure challenges, welcomed Obi’s donation. The funds are intended to accelerate the completion of the administrative block and improve facilities for students and staff.
For Peter Obi the message was clear: philanthropy should centre on impact, not accolades; and healthcare and education must remain at the heart of humanitarian and developmental efforts.