Valentine Ozigbo, the frontrunner in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the Anambra governorship race, has hailed Nigerian children calling them the “custodians of our glorious future” as the nation marks 2021 Children’s Day.
Ozigbo, in a statement issued from his campaign office on Thursday, May 27, 2021, called for higher investment in education, technology, and primary healthcare, which, according to the respected business leader, directly impact the future and wellbeing of children of any country.
In the statement, Ozigbo, the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, noted that Nigeria has “a debt to pay into the future to secure the collective destiny of our country of which our children are the custodians”.
The business mogul declared that Nigerian children have limitless possibilities but require the right environment, education, investment, and nurturing to unleash such potential to the world. He also acknowledged the resilience and creativity of Nigerian children.
“Nigeria needs to do better for the sake of our children. The current state of our country is a cause for concern, and it is up to us, as leaders, to ensure that we produce successors with the right mindset,” Mr Ozigbo said in the statement.
“Nigeria has debt to pay into the future to secure the collective destiny of our nation of which our children are the custodians. Therefore, we must do everything we can to fix this country so our children do not inherit our dysfunction.
“The future of Anambra children, and indeed that of all Nigerian children, is the reason that I decided to step into the race for governor in my home state.
“I firmly believe that we need strong, purposeful, and transformational leadership to rescue Nigeria from its decline. We can create a Nigeria where our children will have a renewed sense of patriotism, commitment, and determination to win in the 21st century.
Ozigbo also provided a glimpse into his grand vision for Anambra which he detailed his Ka Anambra Chawapu Manifesto.
“The welfare of our children and youth take centre stage in my developmental strategy detailed in my manifesto,” Ozigbo revealed
“If elected governor of Anambra, I will ensure that the minimum budgetary allocation for education surpasses the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, recommendation of 26%.
“Education is one of the areas that I would be attracting indigenous investment through our community partnerships. We will upscale our entire educational system to ensure that they receive the training to unleash their limitless potential in the future.
“Our children deserve the best, and together, we will make sure we rise to the level of their creativity and brilliance,” he declared.
Valentine Ozigbo is the founder of the eponymous named Valentine Chineto Ozigbo, VCO, Foundation, one of the leading non-governmental organisations in Nigeria that focuses on youth development, women empowerment, leadership, and community building.
May 27 is traditionally set aside by Nigerians to celebrate children and is usually marked with state-sponsored schools’ events and children parties.
