By Favour Goodness
Valentine Ozigbo, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, has advanced his chances of winning the Nov. 6 poll after securing the endorsement of influential community leaders in Oraeri, his home stead in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
Loading ...Oraeri is one of the fourteen towns that make up Aguata Local Government Area and the indigenes are the priests of the Nri people, the head of the Igbo tribe.
According to history, Oraeri was the father of Amesi, Ozigbo’s hometown.
While endorsing Ozigbo, High Chief Okpala Nwafor Ezekafor, the Prime Minister of Oraeri, said, Offia Nri, the venue for the event is symbolic because of its spiritual significance to the Oraeri people.
According to Ezekafor, Ozigbo is a son of Oraeri, and it is only natural that Oraeri supports his governorship bid.
He also said the community is backing the multiple-award-winning global CEO because “he has the requisite experience to lead Anambra into a prosperous era”.
“Val Ozigbo is our son and has made us proud with his accomplishments in the private sector. His intimidating profile and well-crafted manifesto stand him out from among the other aspirants on the ballot,” Ezekafor said.
In his reaction, Ozigbo thanked the leaders for endorsing his candidacy and pledging to support his bid to change Anambra State’s fortunes positively.
“I am excited because I am have received the blessings of my fathers. This endorsement is evidence that Ndi Anambra have wholly accepted our Ka Anambra Chawapu vision,” Ozigbo said.
“As we embark on this historic march to Agu Awka, I assure Ndi Oraeri that I will make them proud, and Anambra will benefit from a compassionate, impactful, and visionary leadership.
“I also thank the Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council in Aguata Local Government Area, Chief OC Gaius Eze, for tirelessly working to ensure that our message gets to the grassroots,” Ozigbo, who is the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, added.
Chief Ezekafor proceeded to perform the traditional presentation of a staff of authority to Mr Ozigbo.
Chief Gaius Eze, who also addressed the audience, stated that he was honoured to be a part of the symbolic occasion, reassuring the gathering that Ozigbo would answer the prayers of Ndi Anambra.
Prominent Oraeri community leaders who were present at the event include Chief Cyprian Abanafor; Chief Lawrence Anasonye; Chief Dr Coleman Okafor; Chief Nayo Oguka; Chief Theophilius Iruka Onwubiko; Chief Raymond Edozie, and Chief Okechukwu Ezeugo.
Some directors and leaders of the Anambra PDP Governorship Campaign Organisation joined Ozigbo for the ceremony, including Hon Tim Egboka, Rt Hon Eucharia Azodo, Ichie Sunday Ezeobiora, Mr Robert Umeozulu, Chief Ugochukwu Anakor, and several others.
Ozigbo is widely regarded as the favourite to win the forthcoming guber poll after capturing the hearts of Ndi Anambra with his inspirational story and quick rise to political prominence.
