Anambra 2021: Ozigbo vows industrial revolution, purchases Innoson vehicle for campaign

Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) frontrunner for the Anambra governorship election, on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, reiterated his belief that Anambra can be the most significant industrial hub in Africa if the state elects a visionary and transformation leader come November.

He made the assertion when he took a tour of the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) factory in Nnewi, Anambra State. He purchased an IVM pick-up truck during the visit, demonstrating his belief in the Innoson and made-in-Nigeria products.

He declared that purchasing an Innoson vehicle shows that he “walks his talk” and “puts his money where his mouth is”.

While speaking during the visit, Ozigbo hailed the Founder and CEO of the Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, as a pioneer who is taking steps to actualise the great possibilities in Nigeria and Africa.

According to the respected business leader, Chief Chukwuma exemplifies how black people can change their story, adding that similar business ventures would see Nigeria implement import substitution and create employment for millions of Nigerians.

Ozigbo, who is the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, further spoke on his grand vision for Anambra State. He highlighted his 5-Cluster development plan, which would see Nnewi and its environs be rapidly transformed into one of Africa’s biggest industrial hub.

“Undoubtedly, there is greatness in Anambra. We are one of the most enterprising people in the world,” Ozigbo said.

“What we need to actualise our God-given potential is to upscale our competitiveness and be more strategic in setting our end goals. These require competent and transformational leadership.

“If we can draw from our rich reserves in terms of human capital and economic potentials, we will create the conditions for businesses to thrive and a thousand more Innosons will spring up all over Anambra.

“We now have a golden opportunity to get it right this time around. Ndi Anambra needs to choose our next leader rightly, and our lofty dreams will all come true.

“In our Ka Anambra Chawapu Manifesto, we detailed our plans to industrialise Anambra State and we have designated Nnewi to be the epi-centre of this revolution,” Ozigbo said.

Ozigbo also emphasised that the DNA of his administration, if he is elected, will be to place Anambra first in every policy and action. “Buy Anambra, will be my government’s mantra,” he said.

In his reaction, Chief Innocent Chukwuma thanked Mr Ozigbo for his visit and patronage. The ace industrialist described Ozigbo as a “game-changer” and wished him well in his governorship aspiration.

“I have known you (Ozigbo) for a long time, from your time in banking. You are a game-changer,” Chukwuma said. “I believe if you get this opportunity you seek, you will bring lasting change, and you can count on my support.”

A multiple-award-winning global CEO, Valentine Ozigbo is the Founder of the eponymously named non-profit charity Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, which has positively touched the lives of over 150,000 people in Anambra State.