A former governorship candidate in Anambra State, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, has challenged Nigerian youths to be adaptable and resilient in a world that’s constantly changing, noting that these skills will enable them to pivot with grace in the face of adversity.
The philanthropist stated this at the 2023 Students Entrepreneurship Development Programme, hosted by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University students.
The event themed, “Pathway to Possibilities: Nurturing Dreams Through Knowledge”, was organised by the Student Union Government (SUG) and held at the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies on the university’s main campus in Awka.
A statement by his media team said, the organisers aimed to foster entrepreneurship skills among students and encourage them to nurture their dreams by acquiring knowledge.
Ozigbo, the founder of Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, while responding to questions by students, emphasised the significance of hard-work and God’s grace in achieving career success.
The recently appointed non-executive director and leader for Africa on the Board of the World Freestyle Football Association (WFFA) added that, “Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life; it’s about the obstacles you overcome and the dreams you nurture through knowledge.
“Remember, the pathway to possibilities is paved with perseverance and learning. In the journey of life, understanding your strengths and weaknesses is like having a compass that guides your path. Leverage on your strengths and relentlessly refine your weaknesses. They are the silent guardians of your growth.”
Highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence, Ozigbo cautioned against underestimating its value compared to intellectual intelligence. He stressed the need for self-control, adaptability, sociability, and the importance of leaving a positive impression on every individual encountered.
“Emotional intelligence is the unseen force that propels us forward. It’s not just about how smart we are but how well we connect, adapt and resonate with others. In a world that’s constantly changing, adaptability isn’t just a skill, it’s a superpower. The ability to pivot with grace in the face of adversity is what defines true resilience,” he said.
According to the statement, Ozigbo had engaged the students in a needs-based dialogue, encouraging them to ask questions in alignment with the programme’s theme.
The students’ questions spanned various aspects of Ozigbo’s storied career trajectory, including managing failure, overcoming hurdles in Nigeria’s challenging business environment, maintaining an active social media presence, and his source of motivation.
The event, according to the statement, also featured the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University Prof. Stella Okunna, and other distinguished guests.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of a distinguished humanitarian award to Mr Valentine Ozigbo, the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc in recognition of his support for youth capacity building and engagement in Anambra State and beyond.
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