Onitsha (Anambra): Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, on Thursday, presented a cheque of N50 million to his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, for infrastructure development.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra, donated during a visit to the school, stating that it was to support educational development and improve learning conditions at the institution.
Some old students accompanied the former governor during the visit.
Obi noted that the gesture was also a way to show gratitude to the institution that had shaped the formative years of both himself and the other Old Boys who contributed to the donation.
“This school helped form the values I and many others still hold till today: the discipline, moral grounding, and academic excellence,” he said.
He said that supporting it through the donation was a way of giving back to the school.
He used the occasion to call on fellow alums of CKC and other schools to support their alma maters in whatever way they could.
Obi noted that the burden of educational development should not rest solely on the government.
He further used the occasion to address the recent comments made by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State regarding his visits to the state without prior notice.
“I am not afraid of visiting any state in Nigeria, particularly when the purpose is to support causes that contribute to nation building, such as education, health, and poverty alleviation,” Obi said.
He emphasised that his visit to Benin, which he would repeat if necessary, was solely to support the development of healthcare services.
He expressed disappointment that such an act had been politicised, adding that he had gone to Benin for the good of the people.
“If they have good doctors and nurses, life will be better for them. What I expect the governor to do is to complement efforts aimed at improving society,” he added.
In his remarks, the Archbishop of Onitsha, Rev. Valerian Okeke, who received the donation on behalf of the school, commended Obi and the other Old Boys for their commitment to education and nation-building.
Okeke offered them prayers and urged others to copy their example.
Also speaking at the event, the Senior Prefect of the school, Master Ejike Ekene, expressed gratitude to Obi and other Old Boys, describing the former governor as a role model and an inspiration to students.