Valentine Ozigbo, the former CEO of Transcorp Group and 2021 PDP gubernatorial candidate for Anambra State, recently argued that the most significant obstacle facing the modern world is not technological or political, but the caliber of people groomed for leadership. He shared these views during his keynote speech at the 25th-anniversary installation of Dr. Smart Chinedu Ezuma as President of the Rotary Club of Onitsha Metropolis, held at the Soprom Hotel & Suites in Onitsha.
Ozigbo emphasized that a nation’s prosperity is tied directly to the integrity and values of its leaders. He expressed concern that society is currently grappling with a crisis of character, noting that while humanity has more access to information and technology than ever before, wisdom and public trust remain in short supply. True leadership, he maintained, is rooted in personal development and begins long before an individual assumes a formal position or title.
The former business executive outlined three distinct phases of growth: mastering self-leadership, managing others, and ultimately driving societal transformation. He cautioned that personal ambition must be balanced with a commitment to the collective good, noting that individual success is unsustainable in a decaying society. No business or family can truly thrive if the surrounding community is in decline.
During the same event, Dr. Smart Chinedu Ezuma reflected on the lessons of compassion and humility he learned from his mentor, Bishop Dr. E.C. Onuorah. Upon his installation, Ezuma introduced a N28 million intervention project. This initiative aims to support various humanitarian efforts, including maternal healthcare, literacy, environmental sustainability, and youth development, marking a renewed commitment to service for the Rotary Club.
