Meet Our Founder
VALENTINE CHINETO OZIGBO
Valentine Chineto Ozigbo is a globally recognised business executive, award-winning CEO, political innovator, and nation-builder whose remarkable career spans over three decades across politics, banking, energy, hospitality, power, corporate transformation, and social impact. Revered for his intellect, integrity, and inspirational leadership, he has become one of Nigeria’s most compelling voices for national renewal, justice, unity, and democratic accountability.
Professional Career
Mr Ozigbo is the Immediate Past President & Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, one of Africa’s largest and most influential conglomerates. Prior to this role, he served for seven years as Managing Director/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, where he led the acclaimed $100 million transformation of the Transcorp Hilton Abuja. His leadership delivered exceptional operational standards and global recognition, earning multiple international honours, including:
- – Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality CEO of the Year (2016), awarded in Spain
- – Seven Stars Hospitality Personality of the Year (2019), awarded in Greece
Before joining Transcorp, Mr Ozigbo built a distinguished and versatile banking career across UBA, Diamond Bank, FSB International Bank, Continental Trust Bank, and Keystone Bank, rising to General Manager and Director of Global Transaction Banking.
A Chevening Scholar and academic laureate, he graduated with Distinction in MSc Finance from Lancaster University, where he was later honoured as a Distinguished Alumni. He holds an MBA and a BSc in Accounting (Best Graduating Faculty Student) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
He is a Fellow of:
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA)
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCIT)
The Institute of Credit Administration (FICA)
The Institute of Tourism Professionals (FITP)
He is also a Justice of the Peace (JP) and a member of the Institute of Directors (IoD).
POLITICAL & CIVIC LEADERSHIP
A natural crowd-puller and inspirational national figure, Valentine Ozigbo emerged in 2025 as one of Nigeria’s most influential political voices. After previously contesting the November 2021 governorship election as the PDP candidate, and actively supporting campaigns in Labour Party in 2022/2023, he joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in February 2025, where he quickly distinguished himself as a governorship hopeful with a transformational agenda.
His exemplary character, ethical conduct, and clarity of vision earned him the inaugural Seven Stars Leadership & Governance Excellence Medal (2025), awarded in Portugal.
In 2025, his principled exit from the Labour Party — sparked by internal sabotage, a breakdown of transparency, and structural dysfunction — transformed him into a national symbol of political courage. His bold move to the APC reshaped the political landscape and reinforced his reputation as one of the country’s most trusted advocates for democratic renewal.
Today, he stands as a leading statesman championing a new national consciousness, with key advocacy priorities including:
A reimagined Nigeria anchored on truth, equity, justice, and unity
Constitutional restructuring, including innovative models such as the Fatherland’s Orange Union framework
Judicial independence and strengthened rule of law
Electoral reforms — electronic voting, electronic transmission of results, and legalisation of independent candidacy
A united, secure, and prosperous Nigeria free from extremism, banditry, and impunity
His voice continues to galvanise Nigerians yearning for stability, fairness, accountability, and a nation built on strong institutions.
FOUNDER, THE VALIANT MOVEMENT (2025)
In February 2025, Mr Ozigbo founded The Valiant Movement, a nationwide civic renaissance platform rooted in the philosophy “Courage to Lead.”
The Movement promotes:
Ethical and visionary leadership
Active and responsible citizenship
Youth development and engagement
A values-driven push toward a restructured, secure, and globally competitive Nigeria.
It has quickly grown into one of the most dynamic grassroots civic platforms in the country.
SOCIAL IMPACT & COMMUNITY BUILDING
Beyond boardrooms and politics, Valentine Ozigbo is an accomplished humanitarian, youth advocate, and cultural innovator whose impact resonates across Nigeria and Africa.He is the Founder of the Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, a vehicle for empowerment and social renewal. In 2024, the Foundation launched the groundbreaking Anambra’s Future Tech Leaders programme, equipping over 100 young people with digital, creative, and entrepreneurial skills — one of the state’s most influential youth-tech interventions in recent years. He is also the Founder and Chairman of Feet ’N’ Tricks International, Africa’s foremost promoters of freestyle football. Under his leadership, the organisation has delivered: The Nigerian Freestyle Football Championship (2017–2025) The African Freestyle Football Championships (2018–2024) His efforts have attracted global partnerships — including with the World Freestyle Football Association, Predator Energy, AFREXIM Bank, Glo, and MTN — giving thousands of African youths platforms to showcase their talent. His nation-building ethos is also anchored in faith. In 2018, he chaired Unusual Praise, Africa’s largest Catholic gospel event, and for many years led the Unusual Entrepreneur Programme, offering training, mentorship, and seed funding for young entrepreneurs. His philosophy is simple yet profound: “When you empower a human being, you transform a nation.”