St. Joseph Catholic Cathedral in Ekwulobia, Anambra State, overflowed with heartfelt praise and solemn gratitude today, Sunday, July 20, 2025, as Valentine Chineto Ozigbo, a renowned business leader, philanthropist, and political figure in Anambra, marked his 55th birthday with a spiritually moving thanksgiving celebration themed “A Celebration of God’s Goodness and Mercy.”
The event, which is a deep reflection of Valentine Ozigbo,s life, officiated by His Eminence, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke, Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Ekwulobia, drew a distinguished congregation of clergy, family, friends, political associates, and well-wishers who came to honour Ozigbo’s life and legacy of service.
Addressing the congregation, Mr. Ozigbo expressed profound gratitude to God for His “enduring mercy and boundless grace,” which he said have sustained him over the decades. “This milestone is not merely a celebration of age, but of purpose, resilience, transformation, and the unbroken hand of God that has guided every step of my journey,” he said with emotion at the reception of the event.
Ozigbo, who served as the PDP’s governorship candidate in Anambra’s 2021 elections and is now an influential figure in national and regional political movements, used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to values-driven leadership, compassion, and service to humanity.
In a moving homily titled “Mary and Martha: A Lesson in Priorities and Patience,” Cardinal Okpaleke reflected on the Gospel narrative of the two sisters, urging the faithful to emulate Mary’s contemplative spirit in a world overwhelmed by distractions and anxieties. He praised Ozigbo for embodying the virtues of patience, humility, and devotion in both public life and personal faith. “This is not just a birthday; it is a testimony,” the Cardinal noted. “Valentine’s life mirrors a Martha that works and a Mary that listens, balancing purpose and piety.”
The atmosphere in the Cathedral was one of reverence and reflection, as worshippers offered prayers of thanksgiving for the celebrant, his family, and his future endeavors. The reception that followed within the church compound was marked by joy, cultural displays, warm tributes, and renewed commitments to shared causes.
In his remarks, Ozigbo extended heartfelt appreciation to all who joined him, singling out friends, political allies, the Valiant Movement, and several distinguished guests. He particularly thanked Barr. Chidi Amamgbo, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Anambra South Senatorial District bye-election; Sir Hon. Geoffrey Ndubuisi Nwobu, PhD, the ADC’s deputy governorship candidate; and numerous traditional, political, and community leaders who came to celebrate with him.
“This is a day I will never forget,” Ozigbo said. There were moments I could have taken shortcuts,deals I turned down, and opportunities sacrificed for principle. And every time grace steeped in and carried me further than ambition could.
“I am deeply humbled by the outpouring of love, and I rededicate myself to a life of impact, guided by faith, courage, and service.”
“Behind every stage I have stood on,every decision I have made, there has been a quieter world from where I draw my strength. My marriage, my family, my foundation, they are my sanctuary, ” he said.
As the sun set over Ekwulobia, the tone of the day remained one of thanksgiving, reflection, and renewed hope, not just for the celebrant, but for the future of a people in search of purposeful leadership.
