Valentine Ozigbo, a Nigerian business mogul, was honoured with the Democracy Personality of the Year 2021 at the Democracy Heroes Africa Award, held on Thursday, August 18, 2022 in Abuja.
Ozigbo, who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2021 Anambra election, dedicated his award to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, whom he referred to earlier in a powerful endorsement as “a phenomenal human, who has an abiding love for Nigeria and all Nigerians”.
Ozigbo, the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, during his acceptance speech, expressed appreciation to the God Almighty and the organisers of the awards for the recognition. He also stressed the importance of leadership in the destiny of Nigeria.
“Let me appreciate God Almighty for this honour. Let me thank the organisers and congratulate all the other award recipients,” Ozigbo said.
“I consider this a significant award because it is about democracy and leadership. Leadership has been the bane of Nigeria. We have not been able to do enough to catch up with the rest of the world because of leadership.
“As we gather today to celebrate leadership, it is heartwarming that you consider me worthy of this award.
“However, a few minutes ago, we watched a video about our heroes past. As the reel was rolling, I asked myself, where are our next heroes?
“Truly speaking, we did a lot in Anambra State. We inspired Nigerians. We ran the best campaign [during my governorship race in 2021]. We got the Anambra Man of the Year 2021 award in recognition of our contribution to elevating politics and our style of clean and inspirational politics.
“When it comes to the heroes of our time, a lot more needs to be done. Therefore, even as I accept this honour, I believe there is one man far more deserving of this award, given what he is already achieving.
“That man is His Excellency Peter Obi, and therefore, I dedicate this award to him, and this is why today, I announced my resignation from the PDP [Peoples Democratic Party] to join the Obi-dient Movement.
“There is a New Nigeria coming and the youths are here to take over. God bless you all. Thank you,” Ozigbo said to applause and loud cheers from the audience.
One of a few global Kaizen icons, Ozigbo arrived at the award ceremony just after a live television interview on Arise News where he announced his exit from the PDP and his endorsed the presidential candidacy of Mr Peter Obi, the candidate of the Labour Party for the 2023 election.
In a statement titled, “2023: A Watershed Moment for Nigeria”, Ozigbo presented what analysts have described as “the most powerful endorsement and convincing case for a Peter Obi Presidency”.
The 10th edition of the award ceremony, held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja on Thursday, August 18, 2022, is the brainchild of Nigerian entrepreneur Olufunsho Ajagbonna.
According to the organisers, the award aims to celebrate outstanding individuals who have displayed exemplary leadership qualities and contributed to the development of democracy in Nigeria.
Ozigbo, who is the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, commended the organisers of the award ceremony for their commitment to excellence and the promotion and celebration of democracy.
A natural crowd puller, Valentine Ozigbo is a business leader, philanthropist, and international sports promoter. While running for governorship, he renewed the hope of millions of Ndi Anambra with his Ka Anambra Chawapu message. His campaign was devoid of the mudslinging, name-calling, and character assassination synonymous with Nigerian politics.
Ozigbo’s rapid rise to political relevance and unique brand of politics has endeared him to the grassroots, with the multiple award-winning CEO widely being regarded as the new face of leadership in Anambra State.
Credit: Newsband