Nation Building: Valentine Ozigbo Stresses Collective Responsibility, Undying Hope
AWKA, Anambra State
— Valentine Ozigbo, a renowned philanthropist and globally celebrated business leader, reignited the spirit of the New Nigeria Movement during his impactful address at the 4th Convocation Ceremony of the Paul University, Ukwu Orji, Awka, on Friday, October 6, 2023.
Reflecting on the essence of the New Nigeria Movement in his lecture titled, ”Managing Private Universities in Nigeria, Prospects and Challenges”, Ozigbo, a 2021 Anambra Gubernatorial Candidate, said it “wasn’t merely a political campaign or a social cause.”
He elaborated, “It was a clarion call, a passionate plea, a youth-led revolution that captured our nation’s spirit and resonated across the globe”, while that championing change and nurturing home is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians.
Paul University also handed out 388 first degrees and diplomas. Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), was installed as the Chancellor and honoured Ozigbo with the Guest Lecturer Award. Ozigbo also donated N2 million to the institution.
Five notable Nigerians were awarded honourary doctorate degrees, namely, His Grace, Most Revd Maxwell S.C Aniekwenwa, who received it posthumously; HRM Igwe Sir Ben Emeka JP, Oke-Ebo II of Umueri; Ejezie Emeka Rollas, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria; Amaopusenibo Barr. Mike Epelle; and Dr Cyril Christopher Okechukwu.
Dignitaries in attendance at the event included Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party; Most Rev Prof Emmanuel Chukwuma, the Proprietor of the University; Most Rev Alexander Ibezim, Archbishop of the Province on the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Ven Prof Obiora Nwosu, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna and Prof Godwin Onu.
Ozigbo’s lecture explored the potential heights private institutions can achieve when there’s “a harmonious blend of vision, commitment, innovation, and community engagement”, as he called for the adoption of the global concept of Kaizen, continuous improvement.
Ozigbo’s heartfelt words came at a crucial time, as Nigeria awaits a significant Supreme Court judgment on the contested outcome of the February 2023 Presidential Election.
However, he was quick to remind attendees of the bigger picture. “Our journey does not end with a single verdict, nor does our commitment waver based on a solitary event,” he asserted.
Calling for unwavering hope paired with actionable efforts, Ozigbo noted, “Hope is the bedrock of change. But hope alone is not enough.” He further emphasised the long-term vision required, stating, “Creating the Nigeria we desire is not a sprint but a marathon.”
Drawing from the broader narrative of his speech, he reiterated, “For our private universities to rise and shine, to be the beacons of hope and knowledge we so desperately need, our nation must rise with them.”
Ozigbo concluded, “rebuilding Nigeria is not a task for the few; it is a mandate for us all.”
Other notable attendees were Engr Sir Chris Okoye, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, HRM Igwe Engr S. I. Okafor (Ogene Okpunor), HRM Igwe Arch Ngodi (Oguike Atani), HRM Igwe Cdr Omoja (Igwe Owele), HRM Igwe Nwakaibeye (Igwe Abacha), HRM Igwe J. C. Ajodo (Igwe Ukwala), HRM Nnam Oshimili (Igwe Akpo), and HRM Olubanasa (Ataoja), and several prominent scholars.
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