EKWULOBIA, Nigeri
St Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral, Ekwulobia, Aguata LGA, stood still on Sunday, July 20, 2025, as Valentine Ozigbo, a transformational business leader, humanitarian, and political trailblazer, marked his 55th birthday in a ceremony defined by reverence, grace, and gratitude.
The milestone celebration began with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass officiated by His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese supported by Most Rev Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, with many other priests and religious in attendance.
Friends, family, community leaders, and political associates gathered under the sacred dome to honour a man whose journey has inspired many across the nation.
In a profoundly moving reflection, Mr Ozigbo said: “Today, my heart overflows with gratitude as I mark 55 years of God’s unwavering faithfulness. I was born in the quiet village of Amesi, but grace has carried me far. Everything I have become is proof of God’s mercy.”
The ceremony continued with a vibrant reception held at the church premises. The air shimmered with music, laughter, and heartfelt tributes to a man who has left an indelible mark on business, philanthropy, and politics.
Ozigbo, who rose to the top of Corporate Nigeria as the President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, before resigning in 2020 to dedicate himself to public service, thanked God for guiding him through every chapter of his life—through success and loss, applause and criticism, clarity and uncertainty.
He paid special tribute to his wife, Mrs. Ojiugo Ozigbo, who he described as “the greatest gift God gave me” and praising her as a “quiet force of strength, love, and balance.” Their marriage of 23 years, he said, is a legacy of resilience, faith, and shared purpose.
Ozigbo, a multiple-award-winning global CEO, honoured his late father, Chief Andrew Ozigbo, and his late brother, Engr. Collins Ozigbo, describing their lives as a source of enduring light in his journey.
He also expressed deep gratitude and affection for his mother, Ezinne Christiana Ozigbo, whose counsel, prayers, and faith, he said, remain his moral compass.
He also appreciated his siblings and many mentors he has passed through over the years from Rev Fr Elias Anyaorah, Dr. Jonah Ezikpe, Dr. Pascal Dozie, Alh Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Mr. Francis Atuche, and Mr. Peter Obi.
To Nigeria’s young people, Ozigbo offered a powerful charge: “I admire your courage. I believe in your fire. The path is hard, but your morning will come. With God, no night lasts forever.”
The event, compered by Richmond Osuji, featured musical performances by top gospel artistes, including Dr. Jude Nnam, Prince Gozie Okeke, Evang. James Arum, Blessing Udoeze, Blessed Modesta, Urch Raymond, Favour Glee, the AMEMUSO Choir, the Onye Army Band, and DJ Young.
As the sun set over Ekwulobia, the celebration of Ozigbo’s 55th birthday left more than memories—it left a renewed call to grace, service, and collective hope.
Dignitaries who attended the grand event included Chief Joseph Ezeokafor (Jezco Group) and his wife; Chief Sr. Dr. Dan Chukwudozie (Dozzy); Dr. Tony Offiah, who proposed the toast; Igwe Ralph Okpaleke of Amesi; Igwe Stephen Ezenwugo of Uga; Igwe Peter Ezeamama of Enuwu Umuonyia; Igwe Joel Egwuonwu of Umuawulu; Igwe Damian Ezeani of Neni; Ichie Sunday Ezeobiora; Ichie Robert Umeozulu; and many other Ichies.
Other dignitaries in attendance were Engr. Oscar Ezechukwu, the President General of Amesi; his Vice President, Chief Afam Okpalauzuegbu; and his Secretary General, Mr. Paul Ezeofor; Isyaku Yusuf, the former Director of DSS in Anambra State; Barr. Don Amamgbo, the Senatorial Candidate of ADC, and his wife, Dr. May Amamgbo; Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, the Deputy Governorship Candidate of ADC; Chief Charles Onyeze, the governorship candidate of Accord Party; Chief Sly Ezeokenwa, the National Chairman of APGA; Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, the Mayor of Aguata LGA; Hon. Anayo
Okpaleke, the House of Assembly member representing Aguata 1 State Constituency; Benjamin Mayor Oyamendan, a good friend of the celebrant; Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo, an APC stalwart; Mr. Chidi Orji, the Anambra State Secretary of APC; Dr. Valentine Oliobi, the Anambra State Publicity Secretary of APC; Mr. Ebere Onunkwo, the State Secretary of PDP; Chief Ejike Oguebego; Chief Jideofor Ezeofor, Chief Chike Ezechukwu and his wife, Mrs. Juliana Azuka (wife of late Hon Justice Azuka), Chief Kevin Chukwumobi, the owner of APAMS), Prof. Anthony Igwegbe, the leadership of Valiant Movement led by Bishop Ike Okoronkwo; and many other dignitaries.
The children and leadership of Sickle Cell home in Anambra were also present.
A man of vision and conviction, Ozigbo’s life continues to echo the scripture from Proverbs 4:18: “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
