Anambra at 31: Ozigbo urges Ndi Anambra to lead charge for a new Nigeria

Celebrates Bishop Okpaleke on his elevation as cardinal

As Anambra State celebrates 31st anniversary of its creation, Valentine Ozigbo, a gubernatorial candidate in the 2021 election, has encouraged Anambra people to play their part in the new wave of political awakening sweeping through the country.

Ozigbo, who gave the charge through a statement made available to journalists from Rome, Italy, on Saturday, August 27, 2022, expressed optimism for Anambra’s future, due to the state’s quality of human resources.

According to him, Anambra, like most parts of Nigeria, is suffering because of poor leadership, but expressed hope that the 2023 election would spark a revolution in Anambra’s political landscape.

“I am excited to join millions of Anambra people to celebrate the anniversary of the creation of the new Anambra. We have come a long way, and our future is in our hands,” Ozigbo said.

MEANWHILE, Ozigbo, has congratulated the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese and an indigene of Amesi community of the state, His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, on his creation as a cardinal by His Holiness, Pope Francis, at the consistory held on Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Okpaleke is one of 19 newly created cardinals and one of the two from Africa.

In a congratulatory statement, Ozigbo said: “I celebrate with Catholic faithful worldwide on this special occasion and congratulate Cardinal Okpaleke on his elevation to the status of a cardinal.

“Okpalaeke is an embodiment of grace, humility, and wisdom, and this elevation comes precisely 30 years of his priestly ordination.

“I honour what he represents, particularly for us in Amesi and the entire Anambra people. We are grateful to God for keeping him and granting us the grace to witness this solemn ceremony. May God Almighty take the glory,” Ozigbo prayed. Ozigbo will be the chairman of the grand reception of the new cardinal at the Ekwulobia Diocese on September 8, 2022.

Other notable Nigerians who witnessed the consistory are presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi; the Governor of Anambra, Prof. Charles Soludo, and his wife, Nonye Soludo; His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Archbishop emeritus of Abuja; Rev Valerian Okeke, the Metropolitan See of Onitsha; Ifeanyi Ubah, the Senator representing Anambra South; the LP’s senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, Victor Umeh; MD/CEO of VFD Group, Nonso Okpala; Ichie Sunday Ezeobiora; Chief Joseph Ezeokafor and others.