By TINA TIMOTHY

As he prepares to celebrate his 63rdbirthday on Friday, July 19, 2024, the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has appealed to his well-wishers who are already organizing events in his honour as well as those sending him gifts, to instead, donate the funds intended for his celebration, to care homes, schools and hospitals.

The former Anambra state governor, on his verified X handle @PeterObi, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, while appreciating God for granting him life, good health and the opportunity to contribute to the betterment of humanity, also urged political leaders to “utilize public resources for the greater good, and prioritize the needs of the poor and marginalized.”

He wrote: "On Friday, July 19th, I will be celebrating my 63rdbirthday. As usual, it is a time for personal reflection and thanksgiving to Almighty God, who has graciously granted me life, good health, and the opportunity to contribute to the betterment of humanity.

“I am humbled by the numerous well-wishers, both locally and internationally, who have already begun sending birthday wishes and organizing events in my honour.

“My appeal to my well-wishers and supporters, particularly in Nigeria and Africa, is to use this occasion to fervently pray for our nation and respective countries. Let us present ourselves, as political leaders, to God, so that He may touch our hearts to make sacrifices, utilize public resources for the greater good, and prioritize the needs of the poor and marginalized. Let us also provide better opportunities for our youth to thrive. To those organizing events and spending funds in celebration of my birthday, I kindly request that you redirect those resources towards supporting the needy, particularly those in hospitals and schools. Your contributions can help pay medical bills and school fees for the less privileged.”

Noting that he has personally redirected the resources he would have used for celebrations towards supporting critical areas such as health, education, and poverty alleviation, Obi further called on all to remain faithful to the nation, adding “that through these sacrifices, God Almighty will grant your heartfelt wishes for me and answer our prayers.”

“I also appeal that all gifts intended for my birthday be donated to care homes, schools, and hospitals, which will greatly benefit from your generosity. I have therefore personally, redirected the resources I would have used for celebrations towards supporting critical areas such as health, education, and poverty alleviation. I firmly believe that through these sacrifices, God Almighty will grant your heartfelt wishes for me and answer our prayers. Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers.

“I urge you all to remain faithful to Nigeria, our beloved country, and your respective nations.

“May God Almighty protect, bless, and prosper you and your families, and may He bless our dear nation,” Obi prayed.