OZIGBO, DANGOTE, UDOM, OTHERS RECEIVE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE AS SALVATION ARMY NIGERIA MARKS 100 YEARS ANNIVERSARY
The award ceremony, held at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos, is one of the events marking the centenary anniversary of the Salvation Army in Nigeria.
Ozigbo was honoured alongside several other distinguished personalities, including His Excellency Udom Emmanuel, Executive Governor Akwa Ibom State; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group; His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Governor of Lagos State; Mr Raj Gupta, Chairman of African Industries Group; Pastor Poju Oyemade, Senior Pastor, Covenant Christian Church; and Chief Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace Airlines.
The Salvation Army is a Christian denomination and an international charitable organisation. The organisation reports a worldwide membership of over 1.7 million, consisting of soldiers, officers and adherents collectively known as Salvationists.
In his welcome speech, the host, Colonel Victor Leslie, thanked all the distinguished guests who made out time to come and rejoice with the church as they mark the most remarkable milestone of their existence.
"It is a memorable day in our lives and that of our church, marking 100 years of our existence as God's messengers on earth," Colonel Victor said.
"Here in Nigeria, our organisation has been very instrumental in responding to the needs of the people at certain critical times.
"Our various charity projects have also brought us close to many good spirited individuals who have dedicated their lives as well to serving humanity, giving aids, and rescuing the less privileged.
"We could not think of a better day to appreciate these persons and their good works, hence the award we are presenting to them today. We can only praise them and encourage them by these awards, but God in his infinite goodness and mercy will bless and reward them abundantly," Colonel Victor prayed.
While receiving his award, Mr Ozigbo, the Founder of the eponymously named Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, expressed his pride and delight for being deemed worthy of the recognition. He revealed that the work of his non-profit charity had become something that he lives for.
Ozigbo, a respected community leader and business mogul, also used the opportunity to recount the many positive impacts that God has used the Salvation Army to make possible, especially in Nigeria. He applauded the organisation for its remarkable response at different times.
"This is not the first time I am receiving an award of this nature. However, this one is very close to my heart, especially since it mirrors the core reason of my existence and my deepest passion," Ozigbo said
"My foundation, the VCO Foundation, was established to cater for the needs of the youths, women and the less privileged in the society.
"Through the foundation, we have raised people from their hopeless and challenging backgrounds, allowing them to maximise their potentials and achieve their goals," the respected business mogul said.
Ozigbo, who is the frontrunner of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming Anambra gubernatorial elections, dedicated the award to his wife, Mrs Ojiugo Ozigbo, who accompanied him to the ceremony, his family, and all people of goodwill.