The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 6, 2021 governorship election in Anambra State, Valentine Ozigbo, has extolled the leadership qualities of the first indigenous Governor-General and President of Nigeria, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who was the most prominent advocate of African nationalism.
In a statement by Media Adviser to Valentine Ozigbo Campaign Organisation, Aziza Uko, a copy of which was made available to The Guardian, Ozigbo described the late Azikiwe as an enduring example of a generational leader whose “legend remains unmatched” decades after his death.
“Zik of Africa embodied what we would expect in an authentic leader, and I am glad that his tall legend lives on.
“In every sense, Azikiwe was a generational thinker and inspiring leader, and he continued to influence new generations more than two decades after he passed away.”
He noted that while alive, Zik lived for humanity, and his entire life was driven by service for the greater good of all, describing him as a true humanitarian who set a standard for investment in the future by prioritising the education of those who came after him.
Ozigbo, who regretted that leaders who came after Zik of Africa had hit the untold level of leadership deficit, further said: “The question before Nigeria and the Igbo nation is ‘Who is the next Zik?’
“Zik is a true legend, and it is almost impossible to speak of him as if he is gone because his impact is still being felt. He is one of those who inspired me to public service.
“If our leaders were half of what Zik was, we would have had a better society. We must do better.” He, however, commended a member of the Board of Trustees of the party, and initiator of the Zik’s Annual Lecture Series, Senator Ben Obi, for declaring that sustaining the yearly event in honour of Zik is “an act of selflessness and love that will be rewarded.”
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