‘This Can Only Be The Grace Of God’ – Business Mogul Says, Thanks Organisers
Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) flagbearer in the Anambra governorship election of November 2021, has added another laurel to his cap as he wins the keenly contested prestigious Anambra Man of the Year 2021 Award organised by a coalition of institutions.
In a statement released on Thursday, December 23, 2021, the organisers have unveiled the Mr Ozigbo, a corporate czar, and Chief Dr Alex Okafar, an industrialist, as the winners of the ‘Anambra Man of the Year 2021’. According to them, “the duo came top in a rigorous voting process that featured about seven other equally prominent and successful nominees”.
In a statement issued from his campaign office in Awka on Friday, December 24, 2021, Ozigbo expressed delight and gratitude for the recognition and commended the organisers led by Chinedu Okafor of 100 Achievers Organisation, Mr Chikezie Chiedu, and Barrister Lizzy Anyaonu.
“When I got the call from Chinedu Okafor yesterday informing me that I had won the Anambra Man of the Year 2021, I was delighted at the news. This can only be the grace of God,” Ozigbo said.
“I am grateful to the Almighty God for his grace and mercies. Many thanks to Ndi Anambra for voting for me. I am thankful for this important seal of approval. I do not take it lightly.
“I commend the organisers of this award for their commitment to celebrating excellence, and I look forward to the event coming up on January 6th next year,” Ozigbo, a multiple-award-winning global CEO, said.
The Anambra Man of the Year 2021 was decided through an online voting process. Nine nominees were named for the award namely, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, Chief Dr Chika Okafor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Mr Peter Obi, Obinna Inyiegbu (Obi Cubana), Senator Chris Ngige, Engr. Emeka Okwuosa, Chinedu Okolie (Flavour), and Chief Peter Edochie.
Ozigbo and Okafor each scored 22.5% of the vote to clinch the title for the year. A popular nightclub and hotelier, Obi Cubana, came second with 18% of the votes. In third place was former Anambra Governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP in 2019, Mr Peter Obi with 11% of the votes, while Prof Soludo, the governor-elect of Anambra State, trailed at 4th position with 9% of the vote.
In a letter to Ozigbo, the organisers extolled the business leader’s virtues and commended his integrity, creativity, and magnanimity.
“We are pleased to inform you of your nomination as ANAMBRA MAN OF THE YEAR, 2021. You were massively voted for this award by Ndi Anambra based on your outstanding and exemplary conduct before, during, and after the November 6th Anambra governorship election,” the letter read in part.
“You came into the race with a spotless reputation, and your campaigns were devoid of mudslinging. You focused solely on issues of governance as it affects Anambra State.
“You have also shown a great spirit of sportsmanship by congratulating the winner of the election immediately the results were announced, a rare attribute of the political class.
“Indeed, you have shown that you are a breath of fresh air in Nigeria’s political firmament, and you should be celebrated for no one lights a candle and places it under a table,” the organisers wrote.
The awards event will hold in Awka next month, and it marks the 30th Anniversary of the creation of Anambra State.
