By George Ozalla

Former Anambra State Governor and frontline presidential candidate under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has celebrated his elder brother, Dominic Ositadimma Obi, who turns 75 today, August 30, 2026, describing him as an exemplary human being and a man whose integrity, humility, contentment and sense of responsibility have remained worthy of emulation.

Obi, in a tribute to mark Dominic’s 75th birthday, said his elder brother deserved to be celebrated not simply because of their family relationship or his age, but because of the character he had displayed over the years.

Recalling his eight years as Governor of Anambra State, Obi said Dominic never visited his office or the Governor’s Lodge to seek favours, despite being his elder brother and having every opportunity to approach him.

He said Dominic, a planner and contractor who builds homes for people, never asked him for a government contract throughout his tenure as governor.

“Whenever we met, he would warmly embrace me and tell me that he was fine. He would then solemnly remind me to keep doing what I promised the people and never bring a bad name to the family and my community,” Obi said.

According to him, his brother would also remind him that whatever difficulties he was experiencing were not greater than those faced by many others, urging him to remain focused on his responsibility to society.

“He would tell me that whatever difficulties he was going through, many others were worse off, and that I should do my best for society,” Obi said.

The former governor said he later discovered that Dominic’s conduct was in keeping with a decision taken by members of the family before or during his tenure, when they resolved that none of them would use his position as governor to secure personal benefits.

“I later came to understand that this was not peculiar to him alone. My family members had actually held a meeting and resolved that none of them would take advantage of my position as Governor,” he said.

Obi said the family’s decision was guided by the desire to protect the reputation of the Obi family and their community in Agulu, rather than take advantage of his public office.

“They decided that whatever good name I was building for the Obi family and Agulu must be protected. The same principle extended to my children,” he added.

At 75, Obi said his elder brother remains concerned about the affairs of Nigeria and continues to offer prayers and words of encouragement whenever they speak.

He said Dominic regularly reminds him that any opportunity to serve Nigeria must be approached with honesty, integrity and a genuine concern for the people.

Obi described such counsel as part of the values his elder brother has lived by, stressing that Dominic’s life has provided a standard worthy of celebration within the family and beyond.

“Brother Dom, I thank God for the gift of your life and for the example you have set for our family. Your integrity, humility, contentment, and sense of responsibility are qualities worthy of celebration,” Obi said.

He thanked God for preserving his elder brother through the years and prayed for continued good health, abundant grace and blessings.

“May God Almighty, who has graciously been with you all these years, grant you good health, His abundant grace, and blessings,” he said.

Obi ended the tribute by wishing his elder brother a happy 75th birthday, saying, “Happy 75th birthday, my dearest brother.”