Labour Party leader and former Anambra governor, Peter Obi, has said he lives simply and personally does his own chores, including serving guests, because humility is part of who he is — not a performance for politics.
“As governor, I always served others whenever we had events. Even now, in private life, I do not have a househelp,” Obi said in a Sunday statement. “When guests visit my home, I serve them myself. I live simply, I sweep, I clean, because for me, humility is not a campaign strategy; it is a way of life.”
His remarks came days after a video showing him serving food at an event went viral. Obi clarified that the occasion was not about publicity but part of a private initiative called the Jubilee of Hope, aimed at encouraging the privileged to serve the less fortunate.
“My weekend activity of serving food at a special event has been generating interest… It’s sounding strange that I was seen serving food to people. Let me be clear, that event was not about me… True leadership is service, and those who have must never forget those who do not.”
He noted that the event featured other prominent Nigerians such as Cardinal Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, and Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, who all participated “quietly and sincerely.”
Obi stressed he neither posted about the event nor sought media attention. “When I attended the Jubilee of Hope in Imo State, it was a private service event… Unfortunately, some third parties, completely outside of my team, shared photos and videos.”
He concluded, “The Jubilee of Hope is designed for the rich to come down from their high places, even if just for a moment, and serve the poor — not as a show, but as a symbol of the society we must build. A society anchored on empathy, equity, and responsibility.”
