Valentine Ozigbo, the flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State, has reiterated his commitment to make Ekwusigo Local Government Area an industrial hub.
Mr Ozigbo made the promise on Thursday, September 23, 2021, at St Matthew’s Catholic Church Field, Ozubulu, when the PDP Local Government Campaign tour made a stop in Ekwusigo LGA.
The epoch-making rally saw both natives and non-indigenes endorsing Ozigbo’s candidacy, pledging to contribute towards his emergence as the state’s next governor.
On arrival at the venue of the campaign rally, the host community welcomed Ozigbo and his campaign train with a 21-gun salute and loud cheers from the jubilant supporters and party faithful.
While addressing the excited crowd, Ozigbo thanked the people of Ekwusigo for the confidence reposed in him and promised not to fail them if elected governor.
“What makes me happy about Ekwusigo and its people is that you understand our vision as contained in our Ka Anambra Chawapu Manifesto,” the respected business mogul said.
“I urge you to translate this understanding into votes come November 6 governorship election.
“If you support me to become governor, you’ll be proud at what Anambra will become under my administration.
“Our manifesto stated how we intend to develop the state using the ‘cluster approach’, which will see Ekwusigo become an industrial hub as part of our plans for the Nnewi cluster.
“My assurance is that Ekwusigo will benefit maximally under our government. Therefore, we are counting on your prayers and support,” Ozigbo said.
In a powerful speech, a former Commissioner for Information in the state, Chief Joe-Martins Uzodike, said PDP would take over Anambra because the state has collapsed under APGA.
“Almost two years ago, Ozigbo left his comfort zone and decided to serve Anambra State as governor. He left Transcorp because of the deplorable condition of Anambra State under the present government,” Chief Uzodike said.
“Eight years ago, when we were in government during Peter Obi’s regime, Anambra always took the first position in virtually every sector. Schools, hospitals, roads were at their best. That is no longer the case.
“Anambra schools that used to take first positions in external or national examinations have come down to the 13th position today, which is worrisome.
“Anambra will not vote APGA again. Somebody who did not do well cannot convince us to vote whoever he wants as successor.
“So, we must support Ozigbo to win so that he shall work for Anambra State,” Chief Uzodike concluded.
In his address, Amb Oseloka Obaze, the PDP governorship candidate in the 2017 election, expressed the need for PDP to return to power, having been out for 16 years.
According to him, “For the past 16 years, PDP has been out of power. Since then, members of our party have been suffering. In the past eight years, the suffering became more severe, affecting every stratum of Anambra State. November 6 presents us with another opportunity to right the wrong by voting PDP and its candidate, Valentine Ozigbo, into power; to ensure good governance for the benefit of all.
“So, I charge all of us to come out with full determination to take over Anambra State. But we must be ready to vote massively for PDP, defend our votes, and ultimately make our votes count.”
The Director for Artisans, Unions, and CSOs for the PDP Gubernatorial Campaign Council, Lady Juliet Anaeme, who is a prominent politician in Ekwusigo LGA, reiterated that the council area would vote massively for PDP.
“Almost all the candidates contesting the governorship election in Anambra have approached me in one way or the other, soliciting my support and the support of Ekwusigo people. But each time they came, I would tell each person to give me his CV,” Lady Anaeme, aka Ada Ozubolu said.
“When Ozigbo sent me a text about his aspiration and the need for the support of Ekwusigo people, I told him to forward his CV. When I saw his CV and antecedents, I became convinced that we’ve got a well-equipped person for the state’s development.
“So, we’re going to throw our weight behind Ozigbo and PDP,” Anaeme assured.
While making her remarks, Barr Chidi Onyemelukwe, the Director for Women Affairs for the PDP Gubernatorial Campaign Council, urged the people to beware of those who plan to grab power through undemocratic processes.
“PDP must get to the Anambra Government House come March 17, 2022. Anambra people want PDP to take over. Therefore, we must work hard and make sacrifices to be there,” she added.
The event was attended by several directors and members of the PDP Governorship Campaign Organisation, PDP members and indigenes of Ekwusigo LGA and beyond.
Valentine Ozigbo is the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, a position he resigned from in March 2020. In April 2021, he stepped down from the boards of Transcorp Plc to dedicate the next chapter of his life public service.
Ozigbo boasts 27 years of experience in banking, finance, hospitality, agribusiness, oil and gas, energy, sports promotion and entertainment. According to analysts, these experiences make Ozigbo the frontrunner in the forthcoming Anambra guber race.
