Anglian bishops have praised the commitment of the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi towards human capital development and societal transformation.
The clergies include, Anglican bishop of Amichi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor, and his Nnewi Diocese counterpart, Rt. Rev Ndubuisi Obi were full of praise for the former Anambra State governor when he visited the schools in their diocese and donated N10 million each to their schools yesterday.
Obi first visited the College of Nursing Sciences, Amichi, Nnewi-South local government, which has a total of 620 students pursuing studies in basic Nursing, basic Midwifery, and National and Higher Diploma certificates in Nursing and donated the sum of N10 million in support of upgrading of the infrastructure. He later visited the Adon College of Health Technology, Nnewi, Nnewi -North local with a student population of 525 and donated another N10 million to the management of the institution.
In their separate speeches, the clergymen particularly commended Obi for still supporting public institutions and championing the transformation of society even after he left political offices more than a decade ago.
While receiving a cheque of N10 million for the College of Nursing Sciences, Amichi, the Anglican Bishop of Amichi, Most Rev. Dr Ephraim Ikeakor, described Obi as a “Special Species of Human Being.” He recounted Obi’s long-standing support for the Diocese, noting that his interventions have been pivotal in the growth of the hospital and affiliate schools. Bishop Ikeakor reflected on the hospital’s transformation from a bushy site to a thriving healthcare facility and credited Obi’s consistency and generosity as crucial to this progress. “Since the commencement of these facilities, Obi has owned the vision and has remained steadfast in his support,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Obi revealed that his ongoing visits to the school and hospital are inspired by the exemplary leadership of Bishop Ikeakor. He commended the Diocese’s dedication to human development and called on governments to collaborate with organisations of goodwill for the betterment of society. He also disclosed that the cheque was for the previous year’s intervention, promising to return for the 2025 support.
Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences, Dr Maria Maxwell, expressed her gratitude for Obi’s generosity, praising his consistent benevolence. She also lauded Bishop Ikeakor’s inspirational leadership, which she described as a blessing to the institution.
After making his donation to the management of Adon College of Technology, Obi also toured the diocese’s rehabilitation centre which has about 39 inmates recovering from substance abuse.
Obi praised the clergies for their efforts in managing their respective institutions saying that it is only through the commitment of people like them that humanity can be empowered, and, society transformed into a better place.
He specifically commended Bishop Ndubisi Obi for his thoughtfulness in establishing the rehabilitation facility and encouraged the inmates to take their rehabilitation seriously to enable them reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
Obi also visited the diocesan-owned school for children with special needs and pledged to support the Bishop in caring for them.
Bishop Ndubisi expressed profound gratitude to Obi, describing him as a “rare creature with a good heart and a beautiful spirit.” He commended Obi’s exceptional commitment to the Church and society, noting how rare it is for individuals at his level to remain so connected to the people and their needs.
On Mr Obi’s entourage included his Chief of Staff when he was Anambra State governor and currently deputy Vice-chancellor, Paul University, Awka, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, who described Obi’s philanthropic efforts as unparalleled acts of kindness. She prayed for God to continue blessing him and strengthening his resolve to serve humanity.
