Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has addressed the public reactions following his recent act of serving food to attendees at an event in Imo State, asserting that true leadership must be rooted in humility and service.
Obi, who participated in the Jubilee of Hope event held over the past week, said the occasion was a private outreach designed to promote empathy, equity, and social responsibility among privileged Nigerians.
The event, which brought together religious, political, and business leaders, encouraged guests to personally serve food to underprivileged attendees as a gesture of solidarity and compassion.
Photos and videos showing Obi dressed casually and serving food went viral on social media, sparking a mix of admiration and criticism.
Some commenters praised the act as a display of humility, while others accused him of political theatrics. But Obi insists the gesture was not a publicity stunt.
Many world leaders have also been seen doing that. Then presidential candidate of the Republican Party in the US, Donald Trump served food at a MacDonald local restaurant while campaigning in 2024.
His predecessor during his first term, Barack Obama had also served food in restaurants while in office as president.
It was then a surprise to Obi while his case was seen to be different especially as he was not doing it for the first time.
Explained, he said, “My weekend activity of serving food at a special event has been generating interest, as expectedly, because leaders in our society have removed the service component in leadership.
“It’s sounding strange that I was seen serving food to people. Let me be clear—that event was not about me. It was called the Jubilee of Hope, and its purpose is straightforward: to remind us all that true leadership is service, and that those who have must never forget those who do not,” Obi said on Sunday.
Obi disclosed that he did not invite the press nor post about the event, adding that images and videos were shared by third parties unconnected to him.
“I did not post about it, nor did I invite media coverage. Unfortunately, some third parties, completely outside of my team, shared photos and videos. As expected, the usual naysayers and paid agents went to work trying to twist something sincere into something political.”
Obi stressed that the Jubilee of Hope initiative is a symbolic event designed to bring Nigeria’s elite closer to the grassroots, not for spectacle but for introspection.
“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,” he said.
He noted that he was not alone in serving food, pointing out that other respected figures also took part.
“Many well-meaning and distinguished Nigerians also participated—people like Cardinal Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, former Chairman of Seplat Plc, Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, and many others, quietly and sincerely. It wasn’t about the cameras; it was about conscience.”
Obi also drew attention to his personal lifestyle, insisting that humility is not a campaign strategy for him but a way of life.
“As Governor, I always served others whenever we had events. Even now, in [my] private life, I do not have a house help. 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.”
He explained that his extended presence at the event was due to personal requests from the poor attendees who wanted him to serve them directly.
“At the Jubilee of Hope, I stayed longer because many of the poor attendees requested that I serve them personally. I could not ignore them. That was the only reason. Otherwise, there was nothing special about what I did. Service is not special—it is expected.”
The former governor further stressed the need for societal values that prioritise dignity and compassion, urging public officials and citizens alike to make such gestures part of everyday culture.
“We cannot speak of building a New Nigeria while ignoring the hungry, the forgotten, and the poor. Events like this must not remain symbolic—they must become cultural,” he said.
“Let us work together to build a country where hope is not seasonal, and dignity is not a privilege, but a right.”
