By Jude Michael
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has described Valentine’s Day as a time for love and service to humanity. He made this remark during his visit to the Daughters of Divine Love as part of his Valentine’s Day activities.
In his words, ‘While I have told my family and children that I love them, the greatest love is that which is expressed through sacrifice for humanity. I believe this is the true essence of Valentine’s Day.’
Obi visited the Daughters of Divine Love’s ongoing School of Nursing project in Emene, Enugu, reinforcing his belief that the day should be marked by selflessness, kindness, and support for those in need.
‘I am here to celebrate 2025 Valentine’s Day with people like you who serve God by serving humanity,’ he said.
He decried the increasing culture of self-interest and materialism in Nigeria, which, he said, had exacerbated poverty and hardship. He criticised what he termed the relentless pursuit of wealth at the expense of the common good, stressing that true national progress could only be achieved when both leaders and citizens embraced love through service, compassion, and shared prosperity. He encouraged Nigerians to demonstrate love in impactful ways, particularly by investing in education and healthcare, two critical pillars of national development.
During the visit, the highlight was Obi’s presentation of a ₦25 million cheque as an additional contribution to the institution’s ongoing infrastructural development, bringing his total donations to ₦100 million within the past year. He also inspected the construction progress of the nursing school, praising the sisters for their dedication.
Reaffirming his commitment to advancing education and healthcare in Nigeria, he assured them of his continued support until the facility was fully operational.
In response, the Superior General of the Congregation, Mother Mary Anastasia Dike, expressed deep appreciation for Obi’s generosity and presence on such a symbolic day. She described his visit as a genuine reflection of the love exemplified by St. Valentine and the kind of compassion that God called humanity to practice – one rooted in selflessness and care for others.
She assured Obi that the sisters held him in high regard and continually prayed for his success, asking God to bless his efforts towards a better Nigeria.
