Anambra 2021: Prominent Nigerians In Australia Organise For Valentine Ozigbo

As the race for the Anambra gubernatorial race heats up, a group of prominent Nigerians living in Australia have organised behind the candidacy of Valentine Ozigbo, one of the leading aspirants in the upcoming 2021 election.

On Wednesday, September 2, 2020, in Sydney, the largest city in Australia, a group of high profile indigenes of Anambra and other well-meaning Igbos met under the umbrella of Val’s Australia Support Team (VAST) and committed to supporting the gubernatorial candidacy of Mr Ozigbo.

Valentine Ozigbo is a gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP and he is the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc.

Okey Ozigbo, an elder brother to Valentine Ozigbo, represented the Nigerian business leader at the meeting. In his welcome address, Okey gave a moving introduction of his brother. He said that Val was not just a young brother to him, but also a reliable friend, a committed professional, and a natural leader who is qualified for the position of Anambra State governor.

In attendance at the meeting were high profile leaders of the Igbo community in Australia including respected clergymen represented by Rev Fr. (Dr) Gerry Nworie, professionals, businessmen and women of Anambra descent; and PDP stalwarts in the Diaspora, represented by Barrister Berthram Opara.

While speaking at the event, Sir Victor Ifejika, the President of Nzuko Ndi Igbo in New South Wales also described Mr Valentine Ozigbo as “a young and bright Anambra State gubernatorial aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party”.

Sir Ifejika went on to enumerate Val’s leadership resume. He affirmed that Mr Ozigbo “will be a blessing to Anambra State” considering the wealth of business skills, experience, and goodwill he will be bringing to the position if elected.

Silas Moneke, a respected community leader, offered wisdom urging that there would be significant benefits in forging a strong alliance with influential Igbo leaders in support of the gubernatorial candidacy of Mr Ozigbo.

Dr Emeka Soribe, who like Valentine Ozigbo is an alumnus of the University of Nigeria, presented a positive reflection on Val’s humble beginning in his rural hometown of Amesi. He commended Val for continuing to keep in touch with those he knew in his early years of life despite his high achievements in life. He said this quality was a mark of natural humility.

Mr Philip Anthony, a true son of the soil from Nnewi in Anambra State, declared that if Mr Valentine Ozigbo succeeds in his political aspirations, he would be a great asset to Anambra State and the Igbos.

Others who spoke at the event continued to provide positive feedback about Valentine Ozigbo’s record. His philanthropic endeavours in Nigeria in youth development, women empowerment, entrepreneurial development, and COVID-19 interventions were given high marks.

Other prominent personalities who attended the event were Barrister Berthram Opara, Mr Bart Unaeze, Mr Okey Ubaezuonu, Mr Tochukwu Nwosu, Mr Henry Chijioke Obiegbu, Mr Curtis Opara, Mr Tochukwu Chinonso, Ms Edith Davies, Mr John Anochie, and Mr Tony Ojilenyi.

The group commended Val for his down-to-earth personality, his passion for improving lives, and his proven track record of managing mega-businesses.

The Val’s Support Support Team endorsed Valentine Ozigbo’s pre-campaign strategies in networking, coalition building, and acknowledged that the respected Nigerian business leader had built an enormous credit in relationships over the years.

The meeting ended with a consensus that Mr Valentine Chineto Ozigbo is a brilliant young achiever whose candidacy is worthy of support.

Mr Okey Ozigbo and his wife, Nkiru Ozigbo hosted the august gathering at their residence in Sydney.