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Peter Obi Donates ₦15m to Ihiala School of Nursing, Declines Having Building Named After Him
Peter Obi donates ₦15 million to Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing, Ihiala, but declines plans to name a new building after him, saying his charity is service to humanity, not self-glorification.
A brief moment of drama played out at the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ihiala, Anambra State, when former governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi declined a proposal to have a new administrative building named in his honour.
During his visit to the institution, Obi donated ₦15 million to support ongoing infrastructure development. Moved by the gesture, the school’s Administrator, Rev. Fr. Chidiebere Ughaerumba, announced that the new five-storey administrative building, nearing completion, would be named after Obi in recognition of his consistent contributions to education and healthcare.
However, Obi immediately objected, saying his philanthropic acts were purely “service to humanity” and should not attract personal recognition.
“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. Any day I want to be called ‘Doctor,’ I will go and earn it. Whatever I need, God has already given me,” Obi said.
He explained that his motivation for giving was rooted in the desire to improve human capital development rather than seek personal glory.
“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,” he added.
The former governor emphasized that education and healthcare remain his top priorities, describing them as “the two most important sectors for national development.”
Fr. Ughaerumba praised Obi’s longstanding commitment to the institution, recalling his past interventions during and after his tenure as governor.
Also speaking, the Bishop of Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas-Benson Okoye, lauded Obi’s humility but noted that the institution did not necessarily need his consent to honour him.
“Honouring good deeds is not vanity; it encourages others to serve with sincerity. Even as governor, you named the Prof. Kenneth Dike Library after a great historian. Recognizing contributors inspires the next generation,” the Bishop said.
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