By Sunny A. David, Awka
There was a mild drama on Thursday at the Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ihiala, Anambra State, when former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, turned down the school’s plan to name a new administrative building after him.
Mr. Obi was at the institution to donate ₦15 million towards its development when the school’s Administrator, Rev. Fr. Chidiebere Ughaerumba, announced that the five-storey building under construction would be named in his honour. The Priest explained that the gesture was to appreciate Obi’s consistent support to the school and his longstanding commitment to education and healthcare.
However, the former Governor immediately objected to the proposal, insisting that his contributions were acts of service to humanity, not gestures that required personal recognition.
“Throughout my time in public office, I have always declined such honours whether chieftaincy titles, honorary degrees, or national awards because I believe service should not be tied to self glorification,” Obi said.
He recalled that during his tenure as Governor, several communities and organisations offered to name streets and projects after him, but he rejected them all.
“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,” he said.
Obi emphasized that he prefers to invest his resources in schools and hospitals rather than in personal luxuries. “Just this week alone, 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.
After presenting the ₦15 million cheque to the college, Obi reiterated his belief that education and healthcare remain the two most critical sectors for national development.
In his remarks, the Bishop of Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jonas-Benson Okoye, praised Obi for his humility but noted that the institution did not require his approval to honour him. The Bishop recalled that as governor, Obi named the Prof. Kenneth Dike Library in Awka after the renowned historian, emphasizing that recognising good deeds helps to inspire others.
“Honouring good deeds is not vanity; it encourages others to serve with sincerity,” the Bishop said.
Also in attendance were Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna and Prof. Patrick Obi, who both agreed with the Bishop, describing the proposed honour as well-deserved.
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