Like Obi Or Hate Him, He’s Nigeria’s Best Bet For Now -By Isaac Asabor

In a country crippled by greed, broken systems, and a widening gap between leaders and the led, Nigeria is in desperate need of a selfless and philanthropic leader, one who understands sacrifice, service, and social responsibility. Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, fits this profile. His ₦50 million donation to Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, his alma mater, is just the latest in a long string of selfless gestures that reflect the kind of leadership Nigeria urgently needs.

But this is not about one act of charity. It is about a pattern, consistent, verifiable, impactful, of giving back to society, of uplifting the downtrodden, and of stepping in where government has failed. Obi is not just talking about a new Nigeria; he is actively building it, one gesture at a time.

On July 23, 2025, Peter Obi returned to CKC to present a ₦50 million donation to support infrastructural improvement in the school. On his X handle, he wrote in appreciation of the school, thus:  “CKC helped shape the values guiding me: discipline, academic excellence, and moral grounding,” he said, adding that the gesture was his way of giving back to the school that helped build him. But this was not a publicity stunt, it is a continuation of a well-documented track record.

Since leaving office, Obi has consistently demonstrated his commitment to societal development through tangible actions. Here are a few recent examples. In August 2023, he donated ₦75 million to three healthcare institutions: Annunciation Specialist Hospital in Enugu, St. Charles Borromeo Hospital in Onitsha, and Iyienu Mission Hospital, Ogidi. Each hospital received ₦25 million for upgrading facilities and improving healthcare delivery.

He noted during the visits that health and education are two critical sectors that must not be left solely in the hands of government. His actions backed up his words, as always.

When devastating floods displaced thousands in Anambra State, Obi did not wait for political opportunity or media fanfare. He visited internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and donated food, mattresses, drugs, and cash. He empathized with the victims and called on government to do more, but also played his own part.

His ability to respond swiftly to human suffering shows he is deeply attuned to the pulse of the people, a rare trait in Nigerian politics.

Also worthy of being recalled in this context was his donation of ₦10 million to the Bishop Shanahan Specialist Hospital in Nsukka to improve healthcare delivery. In doing so, he emphasized that philanthropy should focus on critical sectors that enhance human capital development.

Earlier in 2023, Obi trended on social media for giving financial support to a retired Nigerian policeman who was seen begging on the streets. He tracked the man down and offered him financial aid to stabilize his life.

This was not a campaign stunt, it was a human response to suffering. Obi does not just see statistics; he sees people.

In fact, several testimonies have emerged from individuals and religious organizations confirming that Obi has paid tuition fees for indigent students across different states. In particular, he made donations to Catholic dioceses running mission schools, asking that the funds be used strictly for supporting the most financially vulnerable students.

On a visit to the School for the Blind in Jabi, Abuja, Obi donated funds and learning aids to improve their education and welfare. He called on leaders to pay more attention to vulnerable groups, especially persons living with disabilities.

Obi’s ₦50 million donation to CKC was more than symbolic. It reinforced a message he has long championed: “Education remains the most critical investment we can make for the future.” In a country where public schools are collapsing, where ASUU strikes have become a tragic norm, and where over 20 million children are out of school, this statement is a call to action, and Obi is leading the way.

It will also be recalled that as Anambra governor, Obi revolutionized education in the state by returning mission schools to their original owners and pumping over ₦6 billion into improving infrastructure. He distributed over 30,000 computers, including HP-branded laptops, to schools and ensured that students had access to quality learning materials. WAEC rankings later placed Anambra State consistently at the top during his tenure.

It must be said: Peter Obi’s philanthropic efforts are not just gestures of goodwill, they are a reflection of his values and disciplined financial philosophy. He is not giving because he is rich, but because he is prudent. Obi has often said, “You don’t need to steal to serve. You don’t need to embezzle to develop.” He lives modestly, flies economy, avoids convoys, and has even said publicly that his wristwatch is under ₦200,000.

At this juncture, it is germane to declare that whether anyone likes Obi or hates him that he is Nigeria’s best bet as the search for a credible and true leader continues. As governor, he left billions in reserves, a surplus in foreign savings, and no pension demands for himself. Nigeria needs a leader who can plug the leakages in the system, not open more holes in the treasury.

Obi’s statement urging alumni of various institutions to give back, and which goes thus: “Let us not wait for the government alone. In our own ways, we can rebuild the institutions that once built us”, is the type of mindset we need in Aso Rock. Governance, as he practices it, is not just about sitting in Abuja and making empty promises; it is about inspiring action across boardrooms, classrooms, churches, markets, and families. This collaborative spirit is what differentiates him from traditional politicians who talk reform but practice rent-seeking.

Peter Obi represents a paradigm shift, he is not just a political candidate but a moral force. In a country crying out for hope, empathy, and accountability, his track record, both in office and out, shows that he is the most prepared to lead Nigeria forward.

We need a president who gives without seeking headlines, who helps not just when the cameras are rolling, and who puts the nation first before self. Obi has done all these, consistently.

Obi’s ₦50 million gift to CKC is not an isolated event. It is a window into his soul as a leader. It proves that selfless, visionary, and philanthropic leadership is not just theoretical, it exists in Peter Obi. Nigeria stands at a crossroads: continue with the old order, or choose a new path rooted in accountability, empathy, and sacrifice.

A better Nigeria does not require a messiah, it requires a man of character, compassion, and capacity. Peter Obi is that man. And his actions, not just his words, prove it. A new Nigeria is not just possible. With Peter Obi, it is POssible.