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Biography

Valentine Ozigbo is a distinguished Nigerian business leader, politician, and philanthropist with over
27 years of experience in corporate transformation, power, hospitality, energy, and banking.
Born on July 20, 1970, in Umuomaku, Orumba South LGA, Anambra State, Ozigbo's journey from rural
Nigeria to global business leadership is a testament to his exceptional abilities and dedication.

An academic achiever, Ozigbo holds a B.Sc. in Accounting and an MBA in Banking & Finance
from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated as the best in his faculty.
He later earned an M.Sc. in Finance from Lancaster University, UK, on a
prestigious Chevening Scholarship, graduating with distinction.

Mr. Valentine Chineto Ozigbo

Ozigbo's Illustrious Career Spans
Various Sectors.

He began in banking, rising to the position of General
Manager within 17 years.

His corporate pinnacle came as President and Group
CEO of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp),
one of Africa's largest conglomerates.

An academic achiever, Ozigbo holds a B.Sc. in Accounting and an MBA in Banking & Finance
from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated as the best in his faculty.
He later earned an M.Sc. in Finance from Lancaster University, UK, on a
prestigious Chevening Scholarship, graduating with distinction.

Under his leadership, Transcorp saw significant
growth across its power, hospitality, and energy sectors.

A champion of excellence and continuous
improvement, Ozigbo is recognized globally for his
implementation of Kaizen, a Japanese philosophy for management.

His leadership has earned him numerous awards,
including the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality CEO of
the Year in 2016 and Hospitality Personality of the Year in 2019.

Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation

He founded the Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, focusing on youth empowerment,
leadership development, and community building.

Sport Development

His passion for sports development is evident in his role as Chairman of Feet 'N' Tricks International,
promoting freestyle football across Africa.

Politics

In 2021, Ozigbo ventured into politics, running for the governorship of Anambra State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His "Ka Anambra Chawapu" (a better and brighter Anambra) campaign resonated widely,
establishing him as a significant political figure in South-East Nigeria.

Personal Life

Valentine Ozigbo is married to Ojiugo and they have four children. A devout Roman Catholic, he remains deeply connected to his roots and Igbo culture, embodying a blend of global expertise and local values.

Thirteen bullet points of anecdotes and
stories about Valentine Ozigbo:

Rural Roots:

Born in a small village, Ozigbo attended local schools where his father was a headmaster. This humble beginning instilled in him a deep connection to his roots and a drive to succeed.

First Job as a Teacher:

After graduating from secondary school with flying colors, Ozigbo's results were so impressive that his principal hired him to teach physics and mathematics while awaiting university admission..

Chevening Scholar:

Ozigbo's academic excellence earned him the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, fully funded by the UK government. This opportunity allowed him to study at Lancaster University, broadening his global perspective.

Banking Prodigy:

Just six months into his first banking job at Diamond Bank in 1995, Ozigbo was named Best Staff of the Year, foreshadowing his rapid rise in the industry.

Transcorp Transformation:

JAs CEO of Transcorp Hotels, Ozigbo led a $100 million renovation of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, elevating it to world-class standards and earning international recognition.

Kaizen Champion:

Ozigbo is renowned as a global champion of Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement. He implemented this approach across his business dealings, driving efficiency and innovation.

Sports Innovator:

Through Feet 'N' Tricks International, Ozigbo has helped make freestyle football the fastest-growing type of football in Africa, providing new opportunities for youth.

Unusual Praise Chair:

In 2018, Ozigbo chaired Unusual Praise, the largest Catholic gospel concert in Africa, showcasing his commitment to faith and community.

Political Debut:

Ozigbo's entry into politics in 2020 saw him build one of the most efficient political organizations in Nigeria in less than two years, demonstrating his leadership and organizational skills.

Anambra Man of the Year:

Despite coming second in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Ozigbo was named Anambra Man of the Year 2021, recognizing his impact and popularity.

Anambra Man of the Year:

Despite coming second in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Ozigbo was named Anambra Man of the Year 2021, recognizing his impact and popularity.

Global CEO Programme:

Ozigbo participated in the pioneer Global CEO Programme for Africa, a collaboration between Lagos Business School, SBS Business School Kenya, and IESE Business School New York, where he was elected the pioneer class president.

Accounting Champion:

As a student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ozigbo won all the awards in his faculty, graduating as the best student in Accounting.

Family Man:

Despite his busy career and public life, Ozigbo maintains a strong family focus. He has been married to Ojiugo for over 18 years, raising four children while balancing his professional and philanthropic pursuits.

Summary of VCO Foundation

The Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, established in 2015,
is a charitable organization founded by Valentine Ozigbo.
The foundation's mission is to empower Nigerian youth and drive positive change on a national scale,
focusing on economic empowerment, leadership development, and community building.

Learn More

Key areas of focus and notable programs

Sports-Youth Empowerment:

- African Freestyle Football Championship:
An annual event organized in partnership with Feet 'N' Tricks since 2018,
aimed at developing freestyle football talent in Africa.

- VCO 100KM Marathon: Hosted at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNIZIK),
promoting youth fitness and sportsmanship.

Entrepreneurial Development:

- Business Grants: Invested over ₦30 million in grants to
20 small businesses since 2015.

- Unusual Entrepreneur: A faith-based entrepreneurship program chaired by Ozigbo,
providing mentorship and support to aspiring entrepreneurs

Women Empowerment:

- COVID-19 Relief: Distributed stimulus packages, hand sanitizers,
and face masks to women traders during the pandemic.

- Collaboration with Catholic Women's Organization (CWO):
Supported various initiatives, including rice donations to widows.

Leadership:

- Youth Leadership Programmes: Hosted several leadership conferences, including the 2015
Carnival Leadership programme and the 2017 Youth Leadership programme focusing on IT.

- Akalabo 2018 Youth Leadership Programme: A comprehensive leadership
development initiative for young people.

Cultural Development:

- Mbem and Oja Voice Melody Competition: Promoted traditional Igbo music forms,
celebrating cultural heritage.

- Ogene Message Competition: Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic,
combining cultural preservation with public health awareness.

Tech:

- Technology Training Scholarships: Offered 50 scholarships
for technology training to youth.

Education:

- Patronage of N.A.U Department of Educational Management and Policy:
Supported educational initiatives at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

- DECAGON: Supported tech education initiatives,
though specific details are not provided.

Feature on Ka Anambra Chawapu

Entrepreneurial Development:

Ka Anambra Chawapu" (A Better and Brighter Anambra) is Valentine Ozigbo's visionary project aimed at
revitalizing Anambra State's economy and improving the lives of its citizens. Launched as part of his 2021 gubernatorial campaign,
this initiative embodies Ozigbo's commitment to harnessing Anambra's potential and creating a prosperous future for all.

At the heart of Ka Anambra Chawapu is a comprehensive plan to boost the state's economy through strategic partnerships,
increased productivity, and enhanced internally generated revenue. Ozigbo's extensive experience in the private sector
positions him uniquely to leverage business networks and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to thrive in Anambra.

Key aspects of the Ka Anambra Chawapu vision include:

1

Infrastructure Development: A cornerstone of the project is significant investment in critical infrastructure to boost the state's productivity and attractiveness to investors.

2

Aku Rue Uno Initiative: This flagship investment program aims to mobilize local and international investors, including the Anambra diaspora, to invest in key value chains crucial for the state's future resilience and global competitiveness.

3

Leveraging Anambra's Strengths: The project recognizes and seeks to build upon Anambra's foundation of skilled labor, entrepreneurial spirit, and access to natural resources.

4

Holistic Development: Ka Anambra Chawapu envisions progress across various sectors, from trade and agriculture to healthcare, education, and governance.

5

Inclusive Growth: The initiative aims to benefit all segments of Anambra society, from traders in Upper Iweka to farmers in Igbariam and professionals across the state.

6

Diaspora Engagement: Recognizing the potential of Anambra's global community, the project seeks to engage and leverage the skills and resources of Ndi Anambra in diaspora.

7

Youth Focus: With a strong emphasis on youth empowerment, the initiative aims to create opportunities and engage young people actively in the state's development.

Ozigbo's vision for Ka Anambra Chawapu is not just a political slogan but a call to collective
action. It invites all Anambra citizens to participate in building a
state where potentials are fully harnessed, resources are efficiently
used, people are safe, voices are heard, businesses thrive, and prosperity is shared.

While Ozigbo may not have won the 2021 gubernatorial election, the Ka Anambra Chawapu vision
continues to inspire and guide his efforts in contributing to the state's development.
It stands as a testament to his commitment to public service and his belief
in the immense potential of Anambra State and its people.