Valentine Ozigbo, the leading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant, has pledged to ensure that Anambra State becomes economically competitive, not just in Nigeria, but in the global economy, if he is elected as governor of the state come November 6, 2021.
Mr Ozigbo made this declaration on Thursday, February 18, 2021 when he visited Anambra East Constituency as part of his on-going state-wide constituency tour.
“Our dear state, Anambra, has the human and material resources to be economically vibrant and competitive if only a competent, capable, and emotionally intelligent leader like me is elected to steer the affairs of the state,” Ozigbo said in his address to the party stakeholders and faithful.
According to the respected business leader and philanthropist, “Anambra State is not operating at its optimum potential.”
“The missing ingredient is an experienced leader who will challenge the status quo and adopt strategic, critical, and creative thinking in leading our state,” he continued.
“As someone with vast experience in different sectors of the economy and businesses, I can authoritatively state that we have comparative advantages over many states in Nigeria.
“We can compete effectively on all fronts. With strategic planning, effective policies, and synchronised execution, Anambra can become the envy of all other states in the country,” Mr. Ozigbo assured the audience.
Stressing his point further, Ozigbo said, “Anambra East, for instance, is a blessed agrarian society with the capacity to supply tons of food to the country. But, unfortunately, the farming system here is still at the peasant level and as a result, Anambra East is operating grossly below it’s potential.”
“I have a vision, and in that vision, we have moved away from peasant farming. We will be fully mechanised. And in my vision, our farmers largely control the entire production value chain.
“In my vision, my administration is not only a tax collector, but we are an active partner in making sure that businesses flourish in Anambra State.
“In my vision, my government is actively partnering with you to build your capacity, upscale your operations, backing up your finance needs, and opening new doors of possibilities for your businesses to thrive.”
Drawing from his history in transforming Transcorp Hilton to the prime business destination in Africa, Mr Ozigbo assured that he would bring the same “cutting-edge type of competitiveness to every sector, from technology to commerce and industries, to sports and entertainment, to healthcare and education, to hospitality and tourism, to finance”.
“I plan to create the right ecosystem for Anambra State to be attractive and trendy for investors to come in and do business in Anambra State,” he promised.
The visit to Anambra East was sponsored by Barrister Chinedu Idigo and Dr Ejike Nwene.
While addressing the gathering, one of the hosts, Barrister Idigo, who was represented by his personal assistant, Alpha Aniemeka, revealed that he decided to throw his full weight behind Ozigbo’s aspiration because he “saw a sincerity of purpose, a track record of excellence, and a man prepared and ready to challenge the status quo”.
He went on to urge the people of the constituency to insist on competence in choosing a leader. He urged them to do away with sentiments and reject all kind of inducements to sell their conscience.
Ozigbo, who is the founder of the Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, also distributed bags of rice and other souvenirs to the audience.
On his team for the visit were senior members of his campaign organisation, including Ejike Oguebego, a former state Chairman of the PDP; Ikechukwu Akaeze, a former Chairman of the PDP in Dunukofia Local Government Area; Barrister Martin Okechukwu Ngoesina, the coordinator of the VCO Organization in Oyi Local Government Area; Honourable Peter Umeonwuka; Innocent Ugwo, the leader of the Val Ozigbo Youth Movement; and Mrs Oby Mezi, the woman leader of VCO Youth Movement.
