PETER OBI MARKS 65TH BIRTHDAY WITH FREE MEDICAL SURGERIES FOR 65 CHILDREN

Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has commemorated his 65th birthday by sponsoring free surgical procedures for 65 children in Lagos.

Obi disclosed the development after attending a final follow-up clinic and appreciation programme at Mother Mary Hospital in Isolo, Lagos, where the children who benefited from the medical intervention received post-surgery care. He said the initiative was designed to mark his birthday by supporting children in need rather than focusing solely on personal celebrations.

According to Obi, all 65 children successfully underwent surgery under the care of a medical team led by Dr Folaseye Adebayo. He expressed gratitude to God for the successful outcome of the procedures and commended the medical professionals who contributed their expertise to the exercise.

The surgeries included adenotonsillectomy, a procedure used to remove enlarged or chronically infected tonsils and adenoids. Such conditions can affect children's ability to breathe properly and may contribute to recurrent infections as well as sleep-related health problems.

Obi said the medical outreach was particularly meaningful because of the testimonies shared by parents of the beneficiaries. He noted that listening to families describe improvements in their children's health and quality of life reinforced the importance of using personal milestones as opportunities to make a positive impact on other people's lives.

The former governor also praised Dr Adebayo and the entire medical team for carrying out the procedures, while appreciating the management of Mother Mary Hospital, the parents and others who supported the initiative.

For Obi, the birthday intervention reflects his long-standing view that personal celebrations can be transformed into opportunities to assist people facing difficult circumstances. Rather than concentrating entirely on festivities, he said milestones should provide an opportunity to reflect on how individuals can contribute meaningfully to society.

The 65 surgeries formed part of the activities surrounding Obi's 65th birthday, which fell on July 19, 2026. Earlier on his birthday, he had also visited St Raphael's Hospital in Umueri, Anambra State, where he donated ₦10 million to support healthcare delivery at the facility.

Obi's birthday activities have therefore centred largely on healthcare and service to others. He has repeatedly argued that Nigeria's present circumstances require greater attention to the needs of vulnerable citizens, particularly those who may struggle to afford essential medical treatment.

The successful completion of the surgeries has also highlighted the importance of access to specialised healthcare for children. For families unable to readily afford surgical procedures, the intervention provided an opportunity for their children to receive treatment and follow-up care without bearing the full financial burden.

Obi thanked everyone involved in the programme and described the recovery of the 65 children as one of the most significant aspects of his birthday celebration. He said the experience reinforced his belief that the most meaningful way to celebrate a personal milestone is by improving the lives of others.

The initiative has also drawn attention to the wider challenges facing Nigeria's healthcare system, where the cost of specialised treatment can place significant pressure on families. By supporting the procedures, the organisers were able to provide medical intervention to children whose conditions required surgical attention.

Obi concluded his message by expressing appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the initiative and emphasising his belief that birthdays should serve as moments for gratitude, reflection and giving back to society.