Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has responded to a comment by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, stating that he must seek permission before visiting the state.
Speaking in Onitsha on Thursday during the presentation of a N50 million donation to his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), Mr Obi stated that he is not afraid to visit any part of Nigeria, especially when the purpose is to contribute to nation-building.
“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.
His response comes days after reports emerged that Governor Okpebholo took offence at Obi’s recent visit to Benin City, Edo State, for a healthcare initiative, claiming the former governor did not inform the state government beforehand.
The visit was reportedly politicised by some quarters.
Clarifying his mission to Edo, Obi said, “I went to Benin to invest in a better life for 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.”
Obi made the statements while presenting a N50 million cheque to CKC Onitsha in partnership with fellow old boys of the school.
The funds are meant for infrastructural upgrades and to improve learning conditions at the historic institution.
Founded in 1932, Christ the King College has produced a long list of prominent Nigerians, including Obi himself, former Anambra Governor Willie Obiano and former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili.
“This school helped form the values I and many others still hold dear today, discipline, moral grounding, and academic excellence. Supporting it is a way of giving back,” Obi said.
He also called on CKC alumni and graduates of other institutions across the country to support their former schools, stressing that educational development should not be the government’s responsibility alone.
Receiving the donation on behalf of CKC, the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, also an alumnus, commended Obi and his peers for their enduring support for education and national development.
He prayed for their continued success and urged others to emulate their generosity.
In an emotional moment, the school’s senior prefect, Ejike Ekene, described Obi as a “role model and an inspiration” to students, thanking him for his commitment to education and youth empowerment.
Obi reiterated his dedication to advancing health, education and poverty reduction across Nigeria, regardless of political affiliations or regional boundaries.
