Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former governor of Anambra State, has called on Nigerians to avoid extravagant weddings. He made this appeal during the David and Goliath Conference, organized by Rev. Fr. John Oluoma at the Holy Trinity Event Centre in Maitama, Abuja, last Tuesday.
A Call for Financial Prudence
Obi, known for his reputation for frugality and fiscal discipline, advised Nigerians against spending huge sums on weddings that often lead to debt. In a 2022 interview, he famously described himself as frugal but not stingy, and his presidential campaign under the Labour Party was built on the mantra “we no dey give shishi.”
Personal Experience
Speaking at the conference, Obi revealed that he has been married for over 30 years without hosting a traditional wine-carrying or wedding ceremony. “Because the number was few. In each case, there were no more than a dozen. I do not see how we can carry the money, call people, entertain them, and then go home and start quarrelling,” he said.
He added that his wife wanted a ceremony, but he insisted, “No. We need this money at home. That’s what happens today. They go and do this wine carrying. Do this white wedding and start quarrelling because they are now owing for drinks.” As a trader, Obi noted that many people still owe him for drinks used at their weddings.
Marital Friction
Obi emphasized that excessive wedding spending causes marital friction. “They will quarrel because the man now becomes annoyed over little things. What is annoying him is the money he spent on wine carrying and the wedding,” he explained.
Advice on Birthday Celebrations
The presidential candidate also advised against lavish birthday parties, especially for children. “You have a child’s one-year or two-year celebration. That is not school fees. Use that money to pay their school fees,” he said. He recommended celebrating birthdays alone, if necessary, and attending Mass instead of hosting events.
Nigeria’s Power Challenges
Obi also addressed Nigeria’s persistent power problems, comparing the country unfavorably to Egypt. He noted that Egypt generated less than 20,000 megawatts in 2016 but expanded to over 45,000 megawatts by 2021, now exporting power to Europe. “It is not rocket science,” he said, adding that contractors working in both countries told him the issue is a Nigerian problem.
