If thru can give discount of N3000 why can't they just reduce fare altogether by 3000? Is this discount infinite?

sugadadi:

The emboldened is all I seek and will the the reason I'll buy this phone

the light situation is terrible

I agree with the position taken by everyone. The s17 is very good for its class.

THE YOUTH WILL HAVE A CHAMPION IN ME' - VALENTINE OZIGBO COMMENDS POLITICAL AWAKENING OF YOUNG ANAMBRA PEOPLE

Valentine Ozigbo, the frontrunner in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Anambra governorship election, has praised Nigerian youth for waking up to their civic responsibilities and expanding political participation.

Mr Ozigbo, who is the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, also promised that if he is elected governor of Anambra State come November 2021, he would be "a relentless champion of Anambra youth".

Ozigbo made this known while speaking at a youth and political parties' dialogue session organized by the Center for Strategic Leadership & Youth Orientation (CENSTLEYO) with the theme: "Hoputa Ezigbo Onyendu" (Choosing a good leader).

At the event held on Friday, April 30, 2021, at Oma Event Center, Awka, Ozigbo expressed his delight at seeing youths waking up and taking responsibility for their political future.

He also commended the youth for acknowledging their strengths and values and making conscious efforts to ensure that their voices are heard in the relevant quarters.

"I am gratified to see that the youths are waking up to their responsibility. They realize their strengths and values and are saying enough is enough," Ozigbo said.

"It's about our future. It's more about your future than our future because you have more years to live. If we take a critical look, we will find out that the youths are the more significant stakeholder in our society.

"So it a thing of joy to see that you have realized the innate value you have and defined the criteria for selecting your leaders," he added.

Ozigbo, one of Nigeria's most celebrated CEOs, stressed the importance of prioritizing leadership above politics. According to him, this is the only way to solve the numerous issues bedevilling our society.

The prominent philanthropist seized the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to partnering with the youths to actualise "an Anambra State they can all be proud of".

Responding to a question from one of the participants who harped the importance of youth in governance, the respected business leader said there was no need to preach to him as it amounted to "preaching to the converted". He declared that he had consistently made the youths a focal point of all his activities, even before his foray into politics.

"I am called the King of the Youth. This name was not given to me by chance. Even before politics, I have always taken youths as a priority," Ozigbo remarked.

"I founded a company, Feet 'N' Tricks International, which is currently the largest promoter of freestyle football in Africa. In addition, I am an Executive Producer for one of Nollywood's biggest movies, 'Merry Men'.

"Furthermore, I am an investor in technology, and I have been an active player in sectors where the youths hold sway.

"In the last seven years, hundreds of youths have benefitted from the activities of my foundation, which includes empowerment, business grants and mentorship I have provided.

"I have always partnered with the youths, and I don't think I'll stop when I become governor," Ozigbo submitted.

Ozigbo further explained the importance of the youths in the grand vision that he has for Anambra State.

"The world has gone digital. But, sadly, we have not caught up with the rest of the world. If we want to change that narrative, we have to look towards building a digital economy, creating an industrial hub in Anambra State, harnessing the technology potential of the state," he said.

"All these are avenues to engage, empower and let the youths take their proper place in leadership."

CENSTLEYO is a Non-Governmental Organization aimed at raising political awareness among Nigerian youths. Ozigbo was the only governorship aspirant who attended the forum.

ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP 2021: GROUP CALLS FOR INNOVATIVE AND INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE.

The League of Anambra Young Professionals (LAY-P), has listed qualities and expectations it has for the next Governor as Anambra prepares for the November 2021 Governorship Election. The group stated this in a statement issued at the end of its 3rd Annual Conference held virtually on the 3rd of May 2021 with the theme: Leadership in Contemporary Nigeria and the Anambra of our dreams. The group, made up of budding young entrepreneurs and business owners, academics, IT experts, medical practitioners, development and public policy consultants as well as media practitioners from all over Nigeria and abroad charged political parties to consider only credible candidates with the right pedigree and proven record of accomplishments in their private endeavour. While expressing what they consider to be very critical leadership qualities expected from the next Governor, the President of the League, Mr. Arthur Ibeneme also lent his voice to the growing calls for political parties to choose their candidates from Anambra South Senatorial District.

Anambra State has a basket full of politicians and aspiring political leaders but sadly, very few live up to the leadership ideals expected of them. In fact, many political leaders seem to severely lack some of the most important leadership qualities, such as integrity and accountability. They offer nothing but money and are only interested in personal gains. It is no coincidence that for many people, the word “politician” has such negative connotations. However, history and present times shows us that there are still a few who come close to the leadership ideals and who are good examples of effective political leadership. These are people who have distinguished private sector careers before venturing into public office. Contemporary leadership in this framework requires a focus on the long-term good of the State, above and ahead of any personal short-term gains.

The next Governor of Anambra State must have a combination of charisma and integrity, a good sense of fairness and responsibility as well as the ability to assess situations and make decisions based on what would be best for the greatest number of Anambra citizens. We need a Governor who will serve as an example of integrity and loyalty to the people he represents, mostly to the general public and to other political leaders. He must be someone with a warm personality, who can work with a range of other people, regardless of which community they come from, political party, opinion or faith, to achieve the greatest good for Ndị Anambra. He must be able to resist the various negative temptations and lures of the office and maintain a strong character at all times, with both conscience and charisma. The Governor must be willing to listen to the needs of the hoi polloi and to represent them faithfully. In the face of these perilous times, the Governor must be firm, brave and courageous, to stand up and say the truth that needs to be said, rather than pander to political correctness. Anambra needs a Governor who is willing to make difficult (and possibly unpopular) decisions for the greater good of our people.

The Anambra we want can only be created with leadership in the political framework of "stewardship and statesmanship" as opposed to just being a ‘hustler and politician.' This means having the integrity and willingness to stand up for what is right. It means being confident and a sense of pride in his identity as Igbo. It means having the capacity to articulate, and the right networks to execute transformational change in public service delivery especially in terms of multi-sectoral growth and security of lives and properties. With dwindling economic fortune amidst a never before seen insecurity challenges, Anambra State desperately needs an effective and innovative political leader who has a leadership style that focuses on strategic economic partnerships and building lasting institutions of government to drive government policies. We do not need leaders who will personalise government institutions and those who use manipulations to get what they want. We need leaders who can inspire, motivate and mobilise people to action.

While speaking on inclusive leadership, Mr Ibeneme made the case for Anambra South Senatorial District to produce the next Governor as it is the right thing to do at this point in time. Considering the political dynamics of the State and in the spirit of equity, fairness and inclusiveness, it is incumbent upon political parties to ensure that Anambra South which currently boasts of an array of eminently qualified aspirants be given a fair shot at the polls. He said, only political parties that are bent on self sabotage and deception will field a candidate from other Senatorial Districts. The reason for this is not far fetched. The typical Anambrarian has a sense of fairness in all his dealings and this is not limited to political expediency. Since the turn of democracy in 1999, every Senatorial District has produced a governor to serve the State for at least two terms except for Anambra South whose Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju, 1999-2003 served for a single term and was rightly rejected by majority of Ndi Anambra for poor performance. Since then the State has had democratically elected Governors as follows:
• Chris Ngige: 2003-2006 (Anambra Central)
• Peter Obi: 2006-2014 (Anambra Central)
• Willie Obiano: 2014-2022 (Anambra North).
From the foregoing, it is clear that Anambra Central has had more than its fair share and should not be entertained by any serious party until Anambra South has completed another term and perhaps given an opportunity to redeem themselves. It is proper and equitable to balance the equation.

He went further to state that equity delights in equality and that whoever comes into equity must come with clean hands. It is hypocritical for Ndigbo to be clamouring for a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction in the 2023 General elections while perpetuating the very same political injustice to a region right in their backyard. The Anambra South District has a set of highly qualified and capable aspirants seeking to govern the State. They should be given a shot at the office. Political parties must not encourage people who offer nothing but money to confuse them in the build up to their respective party primaries. Any party who violates this key tenets of equity will definitely fall short at the Gubernatorial Elections in November 2021.

Democracy as a system of social order is built on the quintessential principles of justice, equity, equality and fair opportunity for all and in the light of the above, the 2021 Anambra Governorship Election presents us with a veritable chance to right this wrong. The League therefore urged all political parties preparing for the Anambra Elections in clear and unambiguous terms to choose their Party Candidates who ticks the right leadership attributes amongst the pool of aspirants from Anambra South Senatorial District or consequently lose the main election in November.

Valentine Ozigbo, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) frontrunner in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, has reiterated his call for unity among his party's gubernatorial aspirants ahead of the November 6 election.

Mr Ozigbo, a Nigerian business mogul, made this solemn call on Monday, May 3, 2021 during a meeting of PDP Aguata Local Government Stakeholders hosted by Chief Andy Azike, a party stalwart at Achina.

While speaking during the meeting, Mr Ozigbo thanked everyone present for their presence despite their busy schedules. He also commended the PDP leadership for their efforts in keeping the party together.

" By my training and rich experience in the corporate world, I know that a team effort can only achieve victory. Therefore, I am grateful to everyone present here and for standing by the project," Ozigbo said.

" I commend the party leadership for their efforts in fostering unity within the PDP."

Ozigbo, the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, went on to appeal to his fellow aspirants to eschew the "politics of attrition and bitterness" and come together to form a solid and united body to win the November election.

" The goal of our party in the coming election is bigger than individual interests. As such, we must see ourselves as different parts of a whole," the respected business leader said.

" We have to let go of the politics of attrition and bitterness. A primary election is not war.

" I believe strongly in the power of collaboration. Therefore, I have reached out to as many aspirants as possible to maintain a cordial, friendly relationship during the race," Ozigbo revealed.

In his welcome speech, the host and convener of the meeting, Chief Andy Azike, thanked attendees for coming out and assured them the meeting would be productive.

" Today we have gathered like the brothers and sisters that we are, to drum support for one of us who has freely given us himself to serve as the next governor of Anambra State," Azike declared.

" I'm particularly interested in the candidacy of Mr Ozigbo, not only because he is from Aguata but because he is the most qualified aspirant I know that is coming out of Aguata and the South zone in general.

" We (Anambra South) have a very rare opportunity in our hands this time around, and we cannot sit and watch it slip away from us.

" Mr Ozigbo is young, exposed, intelligent and above all, a national player. He is already in himself a good product. All we need is a unified mind to work together and ensure he wins the ticket and subsequently become the next governor of Anambra State," Chief Azike concluded.

An Anambra PDP chieftain, Chief Tony Offiah (Akajiugo), spoke in support of Ozigbo's candidacy, saying, "Power is rotational, and now it has come to the people of the South. We, therefore, have no option but to grab this opportunity with our two hands."

" Mr Ozigbo is that best foot we must put forward if we must bring the victory home. I believe in his candidacy, and it is a good thing we are all here to drum support for him," Chief Offiah added.

Hon Tim Egboka, a former member of House of Assembly and a voice of authority in Aguata PDP forum also took time to reassure Ndị Aguata that Mr Valentine Ozigbo is the only one deserving of their votes.

" We cannot say this enough. It is our turn this time around to provide a credible and excellent candidate to fly our party's flag at the polls, and we must unanimously speak with one voice in the interest of the party and our dear state at large," the former lawmaker said.

" Whether by virtue of competence or by zoning, Mr Ozigbo is a candidate to beat in this election. We are proud of his achievements and very confident in his ability to represent us well".

Other notable person present at the stakeholders meeting include;

Hon Eucharia Azodo, the first female speaker in Nigeria and a two-time member of the Federal House of Reps, Dr Robert Umeozuru, Mr Ugochukwu Anakor, the Aguata co-ordinator for VCO Campaign Organisation.

...Says agitations across the country as a result of injustice, failed leadership, corruption

Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) frontrunner in the race for Anambra governorship, has offered practical steps that governments in Nigeria should take in addressing the security challenges in the county.

In a statement issued from his campaign office in Awka on Saturday, May 1, 2021, the capital of Anambra State, Mr Ozigbo condemned the attacks on innocent Nigerians and called on the government to demonstrate responsibility by securing the lives and properties of every citizen.

Ozigbo, the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, declared the current security crisis as "an existential threat" and offered solutions towards restoring peace to the country.

"We are facing an existential threat. The value of human lives is fast eroding to nothingness. A once peaceful state like Anambra has now become a theatre of violent crimes," he said.

Mr Ozigbo recommended immediate steps that the government can take towards solving the security crisis.

"I have been calling for state policing and more community involvement in securing our local communities by way of vigilante groups for some time now. These are globally accepted templates with evidence-based results," the respected business leader declared.

"Recruiting the police from within the community helps to engender confidence and strengthen crime-fighting. It is about time we try novel solutions to solve this crisis."

Touching on the various agitations for self-determination in several regions of Nigeria, Ozigbo maintained that these were "a direct result of leadership failure, injustice, and unimaginable corruption by our political class". He also cited a weak educational system and a crumbling economy as factors contributing to the security crisis.

In his words, "We cannot continue to pretend as if we got here by accident. The crisis we are currently facing is a direct result of leadership failure, injustice, and unimaginable corruption by our political class."

"Nigeria needs a vibrant economy that will keep our youth employed. We need to educate all our children so that they will not become easy tools in the hands of warmongers, terrorists and those hellbent on destabilising our country," Ozigbo continued.

"Our economy and our educations system need emergency action, in the same measure as our security apparatus does. We need to provide world-class and universal education to all our children.

"We need to come up with rich impactful programmes that will engage our youth and empower them to channel their energies to production and value creation.

"Our economy needs to be re-engineered to create opportunities for our youth. Emphasis must go to small and medium enterprises with a view of pulling millions out of abject poverty in the shortest possible time.

"Government intervention in the economy must not be populist tokenism as we have seen in the past. Instead, we need robust action to kickstart economy to work again for everybody," he said.

Ozigbo called for unity in confronting the country's insecurity challenges, saying that matters of security and the lives of fellow Nigerians should not become a political sport.

"This is a matter that calls for all hands to be on deck for the sake of our country. Difficult times such as this calls for statesmanship, not brinkmanship," he declared.

"We must rise to the challenges of our time and unite behind a common vision for peace and progress. The lives of all Nigerian matter."

Valentine Ozigbo is one of Nigeria's most recognisable philanthropists who channels his charity work through his foundation, Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation. He resigned from his seat on the board of Transcorp Plc and those of its subsidiaries, Transcorp Hotels Plc and Transcorp Power Limited, to focus on his next chapter in public service.

The aspiration of Ozigbo to lead Anambra state is a mission that must be accomplished

Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) frontrunner in the 2021 governorship election in Anambra State, on Thursday, April, 29, 2021 joined the Okafor family to pay their last respects to late Mrs Elijah Nwanneka Okafor, who passed away at the age of 34.

The late Nwanneka Okafor was the wife to Hon. Prophet Elijah Uchenna Okafor, the PDP candidate for the 2019 Anambra State House of Assembly election for Oyi 1 Constituency.

Speaking at the burial ceremony held in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, Mr Ozigbo consoled the family and prayed for a peaceful repose of the soul of the departed.

Ozigbo, who is the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, regretted that the late Mrs. Okafor was taken away in her prime, but as believers, God’s decisions cannot be questioned, no matter how sad.


In his reaction, Hon. Elijah Okafor thanked Ozigbo for his kind words and for taking our time to grieve with him.

Ozigbo was accompanied on the condolence visit by some members of his campaign organization, including Chief Ejike Oguebego, the immediate past Chairman of the PDP in Anambra State.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=321103599377005&id=100044321025137

Noimentor:

Not many Nigerians will leave good paying jobs to run for elections. I wish you success

amen

More pictures

Today, I mark a significant milestone in my career as I step down from my seat on the Boards of Directors of Transcorp Hotels Plc and Transcorp Plc, having also just done the same on the Board of Transcorp Power Limited.

About ten years ago, I was on the way to the airport with my wife and children. We were jetting out to China for a family adventure when I received a phone call. It was my former boss at UBA Plc. He invited me to interview before the Board of Transcorp Plc and insisted that I immediately come over to the company's Ikoyi office.

My family went on to board the plane without me. Two hours later, I was seated before business tycoons like the now late oil magnate, High Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor, and other members of the Transcorp Board. I interviewed for the role of Transcorp's Executive Director of Finance. With 17 years of banking experience, most of it in international banking and a Masters of Science in Finance, I felt that the job was a perfect fit. But my fate, and my mentor, had a different plan. I must have impressed the Board so much that I ended up with a job offer as the Managing Director of Trancorp Hotels Plc. So the most exciting chapter of my career began.

As the first-ever MD/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc since its privatisation in 2005, I was responsible for transforming the hotel into the premier destination in Africa. Eight years later, when I left the hotel's helm, we had undergone a globally celebrated transformation and became the undisputed top business hotel on the continent. With several global hospitality awards, including the Seven Stars CEO of the Year awards, Transcorp Hilton Hotel had become iconic. Trancorp Hotels Plc remains the leader in the hospitality industry in Nigeria.

In January 2018, I was elevated to President and Group CEO of our parent company, Transcorp Plc. In March 2020, I stepped down from my position to dedicate the next chapter of my life to public service.

It was a rare privilege and honour to have been asked to remain on the Boards of Trancorp Plc,Transcorp Power Limited and Trancorp Hotels Plc. Today, I bow out from all these boards as my new adventure into public service enters a new critical phase.

The last decade has been a wonderful time of building, learning and growth, and I am grateful to the many phenomenal humans I met and worked with along the way. At Trancorp Plc, I encountered nothing but angels and made only friends, and I will forever cherish the memories we made together.

My Transcorp story would have never happened if God had not sent a particular special angel into my life. I met him in 2004 when he hired me to work in the then Standard Trust Bank (now UBA Plc). It has been an incredible 13 years of transformational business mentorship, and I am forever grateful to Mr Tony O. Elumelu CON, my leader and friend, for giving me a chance, bringing me into his universe, and for always believing in me.

Tony O. Elumelu is one of the greatest entrepreneurs, innovators, and thinkers to emerge from Africa. I am confident that he will continue to lead Transcorp Plc to new levels of rapid advancement and superior performance in the hospitality, power, energy, oil and gas, and technology industries. He has all it takes to rule the world; he has already changed the world seven times and counting.

I congratulate our newest Board members, Mr Victor Famuyibo and Mallam Ahmadu Hamman Sambo, and the two new additions to Transcorp's Executive Management Team, Engr. Vincent Ozoude and Mr Peter Ikenga join us as the Managing Directors/CEO of Trans-Afam Power Limited and Transcorp Energy Limited, respectively. I welcome them to the Transcorp family and pray their time in Transcorp is as wonderful as mine has been.

With the management of Transcorp Plc, Transcorp Hotels Plc and Transcorp Power Limited in the hands of Owen Omogiafo, Dupe Olusola and Chris Ezeafulukwe, with these two additions, I am confident that the Transcorp Group will surpass our ambitious goals.

My first project in my next chapter is to win the confidence and mandate of my people in Anambra State to lead them into a new era of peace, possibilities, and prosperity. The prospects are brilliant, and the future is even brighter.

Thank you, and God bless us all.
Valentine Ozigbo