Peter Obi marked his 64th birthday on Saturday, July 19, 2025, not with lavish parties or grand displays, but with a heartfelt plea to his supporters: give to the poor instead. Speaking from Rome, Italy, the former Labour Party presidential candidate reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to modesty and service over self-celebration.
His message resonated across social media, where the Obidient Movement and countless admirers shared videos of street outreaches, hospital visits, and donations made in his honour. From Lagos to London, New York to Nairobi, Obi’s birthday became a catalyst for acts of kindness and solidarity among citizens and diaspora Nigerians.
The former governor of Anambra State expressed gratitude for the outpouring of goodwill but was quick to redirect the spotlight. “Please, let us continue to show love to the poor and the vulnerable among us. That is the best birthday gift you can ever give me,” Obi wrote on his verified social media pages.
Reports from his supporters show that over 60 different communities organized service events on Saturday, offering food items, medical supplies, school kits, and free meals to underprivileged families, especially children and widows.
Obi specifically acknowledged the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic charity with which he has long been affiliated, thanking them for commemorating his birthday by extending care to underserved groups. He also saluted Nigerian youths and the Obidient Movement for championing the values he stands for—simplicity, transparency, and compassion.
Political observers see this gesture as another example of Obi’s distinct approach to leadership, contrasting sharply with the opulence often displayed by Nigerian politicians. His call to “reject extravagance and invest in people” continues to shape his brand as a symbol of servant-leadership.
As Nigeria battles deepening poverty and economic hardship, Obi’s message is gaining renewed relevance. “The strength of a nation lies not in how its leaders celebrate themselves, but in how they care for the least among them,” he stated. His 64th birthday, by all accounts, became a movement—not a moment.
