Valentine Ozigbo, Labour Party chieftain and frontline Governorship hopeful in Anambra State in the November 8, 2025 Governorship election, has called for a change of attitude to governance issues, saying that this is the time to embrace new direction and possibilities.
In his New Year message to Nigerians especially Ndi Anambra, Ozigbo said there is need for all to “increase our hunger for pursuit of excellence by championing processes that uphold the highest standards of integrity and fairness.”
Calling for building bridges to sustainable success and laying “the groundwork for achievements that stand the test of time and scrutiny,” the former President of Transcorp Plc urged all to use the New Year to embrace “leaders who inspire genuine change in us” who through “both heart and mind” exhibit compassion and effectiveness.
The full statement titled ‘2025: This is the Year, This is the Time’ reads: “Happy New Year, Umunne m Ndi Anambra, Ndi Igbo and beyond.
“We stand today at the threshold of a new year as we reflect on a journey that has shaped us individually and collectively. Indeed, the past year, 2024, has been a testament to our resilience, teaching us invaluable lessons through both triumphs and challenges.
“Together, we have demonstrated remarkable strength, turning obstacles into stepping stones and uncertainties into opportunities for growth. We express our deepest gratitude to God for this shared journey and the countless ways we’ve supported one another.
“True leadership, we’ve learned, is not merely about direction. It’s about connection. The leaders who inspire genuine change in us are those who lead with both heart and mind, understanding that compassion and effectiveness are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary forces. Each of us, in our own sphere of influence, has the power and responsibility to embody this kind of leadership. Whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities, our actions ripple outward, touching lives in ways we may never fully realize.
“This year, let’s increase our hunger for pursuit of excellence by championing processes that uphold the highest standards of integrity and fairness. This commitment to quality and proper procedure isn’t about creating barriers. It’s about building bridges to sustainable success. When we prioritize qualification and competence, we lay the groundwork for achievements that stand the test of time and scrutiny.
“No great achievement exists in isolation. Our community’s strength lies in its interconnectedness, in the countless ways we support, uplift, and inspire one another.
“Each of us in our different communities possesses unique gifts and perspectives that, when recognized and nurtured, contribute to our shared success.
“Change is not just an option before us – it is an imperative. This is the time to embrace new possibilities, to challenge outdated paradigms, and to push beyond the boundaries of what we once thought possible. The pathway to progress may not always be smooth, but it is in navigating these challenges together that we find our greatest strength and most meaningful victories.
“As we embrace this New Year, let us do so with the conviction that this is indeed our time. This is the year to transform aspirations into achievements, to turn challenges into catalysts for positive change.
The future beckons with infinite possibility, and we stand ready to answer its call.
“This is the year! This is the time! Together, we will make it extraordinary. Once again, Happy New Year.”
