Valentine Ozigbo, a prominent Nigerian philanthropist, has hailed Nigerian mothers for their virtues of selflessness and unconditional love as the Catholic Women Organisation marks Mothering Sunday on April 18, 2021.
While speaking to journalists after attending the Mothering Sunday mass at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, Mr Ozigbo paid homage to mothers for their unique qualities.
“Indeed, the world would be a less kind, less peaceful, and less wholesome place if we did not have mothers, and we are so grateful for their unconditional love and care,” Ozigbo wrote in a statement Sunday.
Eulogising the mothers who have shaped his life, Ozigbo said, “In my family, my career, and my public life, God has particularly blessed me with wonderful women who have contributed immensely to my life to make it as amazing as it has been. Today, I wish to appreciate three mothers dear to my heart.”
“My life journey began with my dearest mother, Christiana Ozigbo, the grace and rock of our family. At God’s perfect time, He brought my darling wife, Ojiugo Ozigbo, the best mother anyone could pray for,” the respected business leader said.
“Ojiugo came with another exceptional gift, her mother, Comfort Agbaeze, my mother-in-love and a woman of substance and valour who has been a solid anchor and spiritual backbone for our family.
“I am forever grateful to these three women for standing by me and supporting me, and making my home the paradise it is,” he added.
Ozigbo celebrated mothers worldwide, especially the members of his campaign organisation for “their courage, resilience, and undying commitment to uplifting our families, communities, and churches”.
In a bid to make this year’s celebration special, the Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation celebrated mothers in Anambra as they visited 59 Catholic churches, 3 Pentecostal churches in the 21 local government areas, and the Amiyi Archdeaconry of the Anglican Communion, making donations including cash, wrappers, t-shirts, and exercise books. Some weeks back, the foundation carried out a similar appreciation of Anglican women in the southeastern state.
Ozigbo, who is a leading aspirant in the 2021 Anambra State governorship election, further praised the undeniable positive and uplifting role of women in society.
“I hold the firm conviction that if women are given their rightful place in our society and on the seat of power, we will be on the path to actualising our greatness,” Ozigbo asserted.
“This is why I anchor our Ka Anambra Chawapu Project on women and their children, the youth.”
Ozigbo was accompanied to the Mothering Sunday service by Chief Tony Offiah, the Director of Finance of the VCO Campaign Organization, whose mother, Bernadette Offiah, was one of the mothers who were honoured during the service.
Valentine Ozigbo is the founder of the eponymously named Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, one of Nigeria’s leading non-profit organisations which focuses on women and youth empowerment. Through its various programmes, it has touched the lives of over 100,000 people in Anambra State.
