Valentine Ozigbo, a Nigerian business mogul and philanthropist, has called for a more pragmatic approach to encouraging and entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths.
Ozigbo made this assertion at the Stanel Dome, Awka, on Friday, February 12, 2021, when he attended the first day of the “Access More with Stanel” event hosted by Stanley Uzochukwu, the Chairman/CEO of Stanel Group.
In a chat with journalists at the event, Ozigbo extolled Uzochukwu, for the youth-centred initiative, describing the Stanel chairman as “a young man who has not only done well for himself but is going ahead to create avenues for other young people to succeed”.
Ozigbo, who is the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, said Southeastern youths need exposure to platforms that “educate, inspire, and empower them to create economic growth for the region”.
“Business mentorship is one of those things that make Igbos stand out,” the respected business leader said.
“We have a long-standing Igba Boy tradition which provided the springboard for many successful businessmen in Igbo land. Igba Boy is a mentorship and empowerment platform, and it is uniquely Igbo.
“What Stanley has done with this event is laudable and should be encouraged. Hopefully, this initiative births many more Stanels in Anambra,” Ozigbo added.
Other dignitaries at the event include His Royal Majesty, Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha; a former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; a former governor of Abia State and current Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu; the Senator representing Anambra South in the National Assembly, Ifeanyi Ubah; the member representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo in the House of Representatives, Engineer Chris Azubogu; the member representing Idemili North/Idemili South in the House of Representatives, Obinna Chidoka; and the CEO/Group Managing Director of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe.
Others are a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Chukwuma Soludo; the founder, president, and chairman of Coscharis Group, Cosmas Maduka; the CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema; and a former presidential aspirant, Professor Pat Utomi.
“Access More with Stanel” is a three-day event scheduled to hold from Friday, February 12, 2021 to Sunday, February 14, 2021.
