VALENTINE Ozigbo, governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Tuesday, May 4, reiterated his belief that Anambra can be the most significant industrial hub in Africa if the state elects a visionary and transformation leader come November.
Ozigbo made the assertion when he took a tour of the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, IVM, factory in Nnewi, Anambra State. He purchased an IVM pick-up truck during the visit, demonstrating his belief in the Innoson and made-in-Nigeria products.
He declared that purchasing an Innoson vehicle shows that he “walks his talk” and “puts his money where his mouth is”.
While speaking during the visit, Ozigbo hailed Innocent Chukwuma, founder and CEO of the Innoson Group, as a pioneer who is taking steps to actualize the great possibilities in Nigeria and Africa.
According to the respected business leader, Chukwuma exemplifies how black people can change their story, adding that similar business ventures would see Nigeria implement import substitution and create employment for millions of Nigerians.
Ozigbo, who is the immediate past president and Group chief executive officer, CEO, of Transcorp Plc, also spoke on his grand vision for Anambra State. He highlighted his five-cluster development plan, which would see Nnewi and its environs be rapidly transformed into one of Africa’s biggest industrial hubs.
Valentine Ozigbo (in white) a frontline Anambra governorship aspirant tours the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) factory in Nnewi, Anambra State on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Photo Credit: Onyinye Omah
“Undoubtedly, there is greatness in Anambra. We are one of the most enterprising people in the world,” Ozigbo said.
“What we need to actualize our God-given potential is to upscale our competitiveness and be more strategic in setting our end goals. These require competent and transformational leadership.
“If we can draw from our rich reserves in terms of human capital and economic potentials, we will create the conditions for businesses to thrive and a thousand more Innosons will spring up all over Anambra.
“We now have a golden opportunity to get it right this time around. Ndi Anambra needs to choose our next leader rightly, and our lofty dreams will all come true.
“In our Ka Anambra Chawapu Manifesto, we detailed our plans to industrialize Anambra State and we have designated Nnewi to be the epicenter of this revolution,” Ozigbo said.
Ozigbo also emphasized that the DNA of his administration, if he is elected, will be to place Anambra first in every policy and action. “Buy Anambra, will be my government’s mantra,” he said.
In his reaction, Chief Innocent Chukwuma thanked Mr Ozigbo for his visit and patronage. The ace industrialist described Ozigbo as a “game-changer” and wished him well in his governorship aspiration.
“I have known you (Ozigbo) for a long time, from your time in banking. You are a game-changer,” Chief Chukwuma said. “I believe if you get this opportunity you seek, you will bring lasting change, and you can count on my support.”
A multiple-award-winning global CEO, Valentine Ozigbo is the Founder of the eponymously named non-profit charity Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, which has positively touched the lives of over 150,000 people in Anambra State.
