Peter Obi and the Spirit of Selfless Service
Just for Humanity
Since 2017, Mr. Peter Obi has consistently honoured the annual World Sickle Cell Day commemoration at Agulu, either by attending in person or by delegating Prof. Stella Chinyere Okunna to represent him. In matters such as this, Prof. Okunna, emotional to a fault and deeply compassionate, is often the ideal emissary. This year, however, with His Excellency unavoidably out of town and Prof. Okunna occupied with academic examinations, I was asked to represent him at the event.
For Mr. Peter Obi, a day like this is far from ceremonial. It stands as a solemn reminder of the quiet, enduring courage of millions living with this inherited condition. It is a day not only to raise awareness, but also to renew our collective commitment to compassion, care, and sustained support for those affected.
His earnest hope is that this occasion will serve as a call to action for all of us – to advance public education and early screening, to challenge and eliminate stigma, and to build a more responsive healthcare system that will lay emphasis on genetic counselling and guarantees access to affordable, dignified care.
As I arrived at the venue, I encountered Mr. Valentine Ozigbo – always warm and graceful – just taking his leave. The Valentines, as we know, are defined by their quiet touch of humanity. Sir Paul Chukwuma was ably represented by his running mate, Chief Uzuegbunam Okagbue.
My good friend, Uzu spoke movingly of Sir Paul’s deep compassion for the less privileged. Beyond political aspirations, he expressed his commitment to encouraging Sir Paul in his philanthropic engagements. I was personally touched by the ambulance (pictured below) that Sir Paul generously donated to the home. While cutting the tape on behalf of Mr. Peter Obi, I paused to say a quiet prayer, as Mr. Obi himself would have done, asking God to bless all those who serve others with love.
I listened attentively to the stirring address delivered by Ms. Aisha Edmund, the visionary founder of the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home in Agulu. Her words, sincere and filled with purpose was deeply touchy. I was especially moved as she spoke of the unsung heroes – individuals and organisations whose quiet support sustains the home’s daily operations. It was profoundly touching to hear her mention, by name, local bakers who donate bread to the children every week. These simple, consistent gestures are powerful reminders of the quiet good still alive in our society.
For me, this is what true humanity looks like: service offered without spectacle, generosity given without the need for recognition, and love made visible through the everyday actions of ordinary people. In such moments, our common humanity is not only affirmed, it is beautifully redeemed.
Meanwhile, I am heading to Awka to join Mr. Fidel Okafor, who is representing our principal as the Special Guest of Honour at the Anambra Times Inaugural Roundtable and Rebranding Ceremony.
I will bring you warm greetings from the event and look forward to sharing reflections on this important engagement, where Prof. Godwin Onu will deliver the keynote address and Senator Victor Umeh will serve as the Chairman of the occasion
