Anambra 2021: Nri priests endorse, present staff of authority to Ozigbo

ONITSHA, Anambra, Nigeria – Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Anambra governorship election, Valentine Ozigbo has been endorsed by  influential community leaders in Oraeri,  community,  his home town Aguata Local Government Area.

The Nri traditional institution also presented traditional staff of authority to Mr. Ozigbo. The presentation of staff of authority has further advanced his chances of winning the November 6 election. Oraeri community is one of the fourteen towns that make up Aguata Local Government Area in the state. They also include the priests of the Nri people, the head of the Igbo tribe.

According to history, Oraeri was the father of Amesi, Mr Ozigbo’s hometown. While endorsing Mr. Ozigbo, High Chief Okpala Nwafor Ezekafor, the Prime Minister of Oraeri, said, Offia Nri, the venue for the event is symbolic because of its spiritual significance to the Oraeri people.

According to Chief Ezekafor, Ozigbo is a son of Oraeri, and it is only natural that Oraeri supports his governorship bid.  He also said the community is backing the multiple-award-winning global CEO because  he has the requisite experience to lead Anambra into a prosperous era

“Val Ozigbo is our son and has made us proud with his accomplishments in the private sector. His intimidating profile and well-crafted manifesto stand him out from among the other aspirants on the ballot,” Ezekafor said.

In his reaction, Ozigbo thanked the leaders for endorsing his candidacy and pledging to support his bid to change Anambra State’s fortunes positively.

“I am excited because I have received the blessings of my fathers. This endorsement is evidence that Ndi Anambra have wholly accepted our Ka Anambra Chawapu vision.

“As we embark on this historic march to Agu Awka, I assure Ndi Oraeri that I will make them proud, and Anambra will benefit from a compassionate, impactful, and visionary leadership.

“I also thank the Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council in Aguata Local Government Area, Chief OC Gaius Eze, for tirelessly working to ensure that our message gets to the grassroots,” Ozigbo siad. Chief Gaius Eze, who also addressed the audience, stated that he was honoured to be a part of the symbolic occasion, reassuring the gathering that Ozigbo would answer the prayers of Ndi Anambra.

Prominent Oraeri community leaders who were present at the event include Chief Cyprian Abanafor; Chief Lawrence Anasonye; Chief Dr Coleman Okafor; Chief Nayo Oguka; Chief Theophilius Iruka Onwubiko; Chief Raymond Edozie, and Chief Okechukwu Ezeugo.

Some directors and leaders of the Anambra PDP Governorship Campaign Organisation joined Ozigbo for the ceremony, including Hon Tim Egboka, Rt Hon Eucharia Azodo, Ichie Sunday Ezeobiora, Mr Robert Umeozulu, Chief Ugochukwu Anakor, and several others.