By Johnson Adebowale
•Peller with some students of the Pacelli School for the Blind & Partially Sighted Children
In the face of Nigeria’s many challenges, former lawmaker and philanthropist, Shina Peller, is calling on Nigerians to maintain hope for a brighter future. This message came as he celebrated his 48th birthday in an extraordinary manner, dedicating the day to the students of the Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children in Surulere, Lagos.
For the past decade, Peller has upheld a heartfelt tradition of marking his birthday with these exceptional individuals, bringing joy and inspiration to young people who confront unique daily challenges. His consistent support and annual visits have endeared him to the school community, where he sponsors many pupils.
During the celebration, he spoke with passion about the importance of perseverance, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity. He highlighted the critical roles of education, skill development and self-confidence in empowering individuals to create better futures for themselves and their communities.
He said: “It is an absolute honour to be here with you again today on this special occasion of my 48th birthday celebration. I am filled with joy and gratitude to witness the warmth and love that fill this gathering as we celebrate my birthday together. For nearly a decade now, I have made it a tradition to mark my birthday with these wonderful and remarkable students.”
In his speech, Peller underscored the resilience, courage and determination of the students, whom he hailed as the “true stars” of the celebration. He urged them to work hard, remain focused and never lose sight of their goals, reminding them of their immense potential.
“In your smiles, in your laughter, and in the twinkle of your eyes, we find hope, strength and boundless potential. Each one of you is a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of diversity.
“No matter how tough the challenge may seem, never give up on your dreams. You must always believe in yourself that you can achieve greatness in life,” he said.
He emphasised that despite their visual impairments, the students’ potential is limitless. “Truly, you are faced with sight challenges, but you can see through your minds, strive for excellence, and reach for the stars despite your challenges. Eyes are just for sight; minds are for vision,” he stated, encouraging the students to keep pursuing their aspirations.
The celebration extended beyond speeches. Peller engaged with the students, listening to their stories, dreams and aspirations, and rewarding them with gifts to ensure each child felt valued and inspired. His presence and words served as a beacon of hope and encouragement, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the next generation.
As he concluded, he offered a heartfelt prayer: “I pray that God grants you the required strength, wisdom and knowledge for you to excel in life beyond human imagination. Amen!”
For him, the annual celebration is more than just a birthday; it is a testament to his dedication to uplifting those around him and a reminder to all Nigerians to keep hope alive.
Rev. Sr. Agnes Chinyere Onwudiwe, Principal of Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children, praised Peller for being a source of joy and happiness to the pupils. She commended his continuous efforts to uplift and motivate the students to pursue their dreams despite their physical challenges.
Onwudiwe called on other wealthy and influential Nigerians to emulate Peller by helping the needy and contributing to the development of society.