*'Our Youth Hold The Key to Unlocking Our National Greatness' - Ozigbo*
Valentine Ozigbo, one of Nigeria's top international sports developers, has declared that Nigerian youth hold the ace to creating "a future that all Africans can be proud of".
Mr Ozigbo made the statement on Friday, March 26, 2021, while speaking at the sporting championship of the Anambra State Chapter of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), an event sponsored by Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, the business leader's philanthropic organisation.
The event, held at the Anambra State NYSC camp, Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area, is part of annual social activities for youth corps members in the country.
In his remarks, Mr Ozigbo, who was represented by the VCO Foundation's General Manager, Sir Izuchukwu Oraelosi, reiterated his commitment to Nigerian youths, whom he said: "hold the solutions to the numerous problems beleaguering the country and the continent at large".
According to Ozigbo, the frontrunner in the 2021 governorship race in Anambra State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his belief in the Nigerian youth's potential spurred him to sponsor the event.
"Inside every one of you is the greatness we need to change our story. Our responsibility as leaders is to inspire, create an enabling environment, and empower the young ones. They will surely figure out the path to a new Nigeria, the Nigeria of our dreams," Ozigbo said.
"It is this firm belief that made me leap into sponsoring this event when it was brought to my notice.
"Nigerian youths are natural pacesetters. This is evident in the global exploits they have made in the entertainment world. A Nigerian youth, Burna Boy, just won a Grammy Award for an album he produced in Nigeria.
"Our youth are unleashing their genius in an industry with little or zero government support. Imagine what they would do if they had the right leaders," the respected business leader added.
Ozigbo also appreciated the Anambra State NYSC Coordinator, Aremu Kehinde and those who helped put the event together, including NYSC staff members Dibiaezue Chinwe and Obi Ben.
The day's events included a women's volleyball championship that was won by Platoon 1; the final of the male football championship won by Platoon 6 who defeated Platoon 5 4-2 on penalties after an intriguing 1-1 draw. The activities of the day were rounded up with a Mr Macho and Mrs NYSC pageant.