ABUJA, Nigeria — In a glittering ceremony held at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Abuja on Monday, December 11, 2023, Valentine Ozigbo, a prominent Nigerian business leader and philanthropist, was honoured for his significant contributions to education and youth development.

Organised by YOUreka Media, Arts and Entertainment, the event recognised Ozigbo’s strategic consultation and vital support in successfully launching an innovative educational book titled “Nature and I.”

“Nature and I,” authored by Collette Davidson (Mbamalu), is a groundbreaking educational text that has been endorsed by the National Education Research and Development Council (NERDC) and supported by the Federal Ministry of Education.

Designed for children in Primary 6 up to Secondary School (JSS1 to SSS3), the book is a unique blend of education and psychosocial reorientation, utilising everyday natural phenomena as a backdrop for learning.

The book stands out for its focus on how children’s social interactions affect both the environment and their health. It delves into the importance of mindset, thought patterns, and understanding of nature in influencing personal development.

“Mr Valentine Ozigbo’s involvement in this project is a testament to his ongoing commitment to societal development, particularly in the realm of education,” Ms Collette Davidson said at the award ceremony.

“His advocacy for educational reform and youth empowerment is well-documented, aligning seamlessly with his broader vision for an improved Anambra State and Nigeria at large.

“As a notable figure in Nigerian business circles and a respected voice in social development, Ozigbo’s support for “Nature and I” underscores his dedication to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian leaders,” she added.

The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries from the fields of education, media, and entertainment, along with stakeholders in the Nigerian educational sector.

Ozigbo is the Founder of the eponymously named Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, which is one of Nigeria’s most impactful non-profits focused on youth development, tech education, and women empowerment. Since 2015, the foundation has positively touched the lives of over 300,000 individuals.

Recently, Ozigbo provided a personal guarantee of over N400 million to enable 100 Anambra indigenes to undergo world-class tech training at Decagon Institute.