The Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese in Anambra state, Rt Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor, has lauded, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 polls, Peter Obi for what he described as an uncommon commitment to public service and human development.
The Bishop spoke during Obi’s visit to the College of Nursing Sciences at the Diocesan Hospital, Amichi, where the former Anambra State governor donated N15 million to support ongoing infrastructural development.
Bishop Ikeakor noted that he had yet to encounter a politician whose concern for the people is as genuine and consistent as Obi’s.
He stressed that Obi’s philanthropic interventions are never tied to political ambition, saying, “Whether he is contesting election or not, he continues to support institutions that serve society. I have not seen a politician like him.”
The cleric recalled that Obi’s visits to the hospital had become a yearly tradition, adding that he often reached out himself to confirm the visit. According to him, such consistency reflects Obi’s sincerity and passion for community upliftment.
Speaking on behalf of the students, the Students’ Union Leader, Onyedika Otubaluonye, described Obi as a blessing to the school and the wider community. He recalled the ambulance donated by Obi, noting that the institution has continued to benefit from his benevolence.
Obi also visited Immaculata Girls’ Secondary School, Nnewi, where he received a warm welcome from the students. Miss Ilikandu Mmasichukwu, speaking on their behalf, said the school still enjoys the benefits of buses, computers, and generators donated during Obi’s tenure as governor.
While appreciating past interventions, she appealed for additional support, including a Coaster bus, a Hilux vehicle, laptops for WAEC CBT examinations, and solar power.
At St Felix Hospital, Nnewi, Obi again commended the commitment of the medical team and donated another N15 million to enhance healthcare services.
The manager of the hospital, Rev. Fr Peter Ugochukwu, who recalled that Obi had visited them in 2023, said they were very proud to see him again and to be associated with him.
He said plans were underway to acquire a permanent site, build a multi-specialty hospital, and establish a School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Responding, Obi reiterated his message on purposeful leadership, stating that society must celebrate leaders who serve humanity with sincerity.
Addressing the students of Immaculata Girls’ Secondary School, Obi encouraged them to take their education seriously, assuring them that education remains the most powerful tool for global relevance. “With education,” he said, “you can become another Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Prof Chinyere Okunna, or Chimamanda Adichie.” He promised to support the school’s requests.
At Saint Felix Catholic Specialist Hospital, Obi said he had come to contribute to efforts to strengthen the hospital so that it can continue serving God through serving humanity and encouraged the healthcare workers not to relent in their efforts to deliver quality care.
Credit: Leadership