By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Ex- Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has donated N20 million to Shanahan College of Nursing Sciences, Nsukka, to support the institution’s ongoing infrastructural development.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Obi declined the proposal to have a magnificent hall at the college named after him.
Obi presented a cheque of N20 million and explained that he was building similar structures in over 50 institutions across Nigeria, and it would be inappropriate if all of them were named after him. He emphasized that his contributions to education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation were motivated by a deep commitment to securing a better future for Nigerian children.
The hall where the event was held was being solely funded by Obi and that it would be named in his honour
The school’s manager, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Caesar, had informed the audience that the hall where the event was held was being solely funded by Obi and that it would be named in his honour. However, Obi swiftly responded, cautioning that philanthropy should not be driven by the desire for recognition but by the genuine urge to serve humanity.
Obi also reiterated his passion for supporting medical and allied disciplines, stressing their critical role in society. He noted that the cheque presented was part of his commitment for the previous year and assured the school of his continued support this year.
Philanthropy should not be driven by the desire for recognition but by the genuine urge to serve humanity
The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka, Most Rev. Godfrey Onah, described Obi as a symbol of integrity and honour, commending his commitment to human capital development, which he described as the most critical need for a thriving society