By Mo Hanif
Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has once again captured public attention — not with campaign rhetoric, but with an extraordinary display of generosity. According to figures sourced and verified by online civic trackers and netizens, Mr. Obi has donated over ₦530 million to various causes between January and July 2025 alone.
The donations, strictly monetary and excluding items such as laptops, vehicles, or relief materials, were distributed across a wide range of sectors with significant social impact.
Beneficiaries include nursing schools, health colleges, and vocational centres focusing on youth skill acquisition. Others are Almajiri schools aimed at addressing out-of-school children in northern Nigeria, microfinance institutions designed to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and community-based vigilante outfits helping to curb insecurity at the grassroots.
Social media users, who compiled and verified the public records of these donations, praised Mr. Obi for what many described as "silent impact" and “leadership by example.” A post that went viral on X (formerly Twitter) stated, “While others are buying luxury bulletproof cars, Peter Obi is busy empowering microfinance banks and nursing students in rural communities.”
Observers have described Obi's consistent philanthropic gestures as a continuation of the values he displayed during his time as governor, where he reportedly left billions in Anambra's coffers and prioritized education and healthcare.
Political analysts say the sheer scale of these interventions, within just six months, has elevated Obi’s reputation as a man of the people and a stark contrast to the spendthrift culture of many public officials.
Although Mr. Obi has yet to make any public statement on the donations, his media team says he remains committed to social investment, especially in health, education, and grassroots security—areas he considers essential for sustainable national development.
In a nation struggling with economic challenges, Obi’s philanthropic record has reignited conversations about leadership, accountability, and how public figures can use personal wealth for collective good.