The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Valentine Ozigbo, has urged the media to play a more active role in ensuring that the right leaders are elected in Nigeria.
Ozigbo gave the charge on Saturday, when he received an award of excellence from the Anambra State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the 2021 Anambra Media Parley held at the Don Ritz Hotel, Awka.
While presenting the award to Ozigbo, former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Stella Okunna, said Ozigbo deserved the honour because of his excellent leadership qualities.
“Ozigbo deserved this honour for the political leadership he has exhibited in many ways. May this be an inspiration to you and those who believe in you. This award should spur you to do more for Anambra, Nigeria and the world,” Professor Okunna said.
Ozigbo thanked the South East Chapter of the NUJ led by Emmanuel Ifesinachi, for the recognition in his brief remarks, urging them to take charge of the leadership selection process.
“There is nothing as important as closing the leadership gap in Nigeria. Most times, we lament about the problems of Nigeria, but we do not discuss the solutions. We need to change our mindset and take full responsibility,” Ozigbo, a multiple-award-winning global CEO, said.
“Let us focus on closing the leadership gap. Another election is before us, and we must ensure that we do not have another accident. I’m here to ask the media if they are ready to play their roles.
“Let us consciously orchestrate the emergence of our leaders and not always react to these issues when they happen. Let us explore what we can do to galvanise Nigerians to make the right decision,” Ozigbo added.
Valentine Ozigbo is the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, one of Africa’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, News Echo reports.
In the run-up to the November 6 Anambra guber election, Ozigbo built a healthy relationship with the media community, endearing himself to the fourth estate and strengthening his reputation as a new generation leader.