Obi Donates ₦10m to Anambra School, Says Education Key to Success

Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has donated ₦10 million to Francis Cardinal Arinze Secondary School, Nkwelle Ezunaka, in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, to support its educational development.

Mr Obi made the donation on Tuesday during a visit to the school, where he said Nigeria’s poorly structured system often prevents people’s talents and intellectual capacity from matching available opportunities.

Addressing students, he said education remains the most effective tool for personal success and national development, describing investment in education as a strategic necessity rather than charity.

Responding to a question from a student on how young people can succeed in a society where favouritism often overrides merit, Mr Obi said education empowers individuals to become job creators, not job seekers, even in a flawed system.

He acknowledged that Nigeria does not adequately support intellectual capacity but stressed that knowledge provides independence, relevance, and long-term success. Drawing from his experience, he said his achievements in business, governance, and politics were built on education.

Mr Obi noted that the global economy is increasingly knowledge-driven, with ideas, skills, and creativity now more valuable than material wealth. He blamed Nigeria’s slow development on poor investment in education and an overreliance on money rather than innovation.

He pledged continued support for education, describing it as the foundation for sustainable national growth.

Earlier, the school’s principal, Brother Emeka Maduka, praised Mr Obi for his consistent support for education and recalled his previous engagements with the institution.