Valentine Ozigbo, a 2021 Anambra State governorship candidate and Special Adviser to the Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, was in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Sunday, November 20, 2022, to felicitate with two close associates – Prof Pat Utomi and Chief Francis Anyakwo – on their investiture as Papal Knights of St Gregory.
While speaking at a reception held at the prestigious Christ the King College, Mr Ozigbo expressed his gratitude to God for the life of his two friends. He celebrated the recognition and honour by His Holiness Pope Francis.
Ozigbo, a multiple award-winning global CEO, highlighted the significance of the Knighthood and the important roles knights play in the development of the church and the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Today, I am proud to be in the company of great men who I have come to admire for several reasons,” Ozigbo, who is the Special Adviser on Information Technology and Special Alliances to the Labour Party Presidential Candidate, remarked.
“Prof Pat Utomi is an elder statesman whom I respect. A mentor, a leader, and a trusted ally, he is an accomplished thought leader, academic, and business leader, and one of those who identified with the potential of the candidacy of His Excellency Peter Obi,” Ozigbo said.
“I have known Sir Francis Anyakwo and his lovely wife, Lady Florence Anyakwo, for several years. He is co in-law in whose house I first met my wife, and I am proud to be able to witness today’s celebration,” Ozigbo added.
Prof Pat Utomi is a Co-founder of Lagos Business School, now Pan Atlantic University, Founder of the Big Tent, a political action committee in support of Mr Peter Obi, a former Special Assistant to President Shehu Shagari in the Second Republic, and a former chairman of Platinum Bank Plc (now Keystone Bank Plc).
Sir Francis Anyakwo is the CEO of Prime Resources. In 2019, he single-handedly built a church, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Inland Town-Onitsha, Onitsha.
Several notable dignitaries were present at the celebration, including the His Grace, Most Reverend Rev Valerian Okeke, the Catholic Archbishop of the Onitsha Diocese, who officiated the investiture; His Excellency Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Senator Victor Umeh among others.
