Ozigbo Congratulates Utomi, Anyakwo On Investiture As Papal Knights

Valentine Ozigbo, a 2021 Anambra State governorship candidate, has congratulated Prof. Pat Utomi and Sir Francis Anyakwo on their investiture as Papal Knights of St Gregory (KSG).

The event took place on Sunday, November 20, 2022, at the pretigious Christ the King College, Onitsha, where Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Diocese, elevated them to the honour of KSG as granted by His Holiness, Pope Francis.

The event was part of CKC’s annual feast, usually graced by the Archbishop’s pastoral visit. Both Prof. Utomi and Sir Anyakwo are alumni of the college.

READ ALSO: Archbishop Okeke Installs Utomi, Anyakwo As Papal Knights

Ozigbo, who is currently a Special Adviser on Information Technology and Special Alliances to the Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, was at the event to felicitate Utomi and Anyakwo, his close associates.

While speaking at a reception held in the college, Mr Ozigbo expressed his gratitude to God for the life of his two friends. He celebrated the recognition and honour by Pope Francis.

Ozigbo, a multiple award-winning global CEO, highlighted the significance of the Knighthood and the important roles knights play in the development of the church and the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Today, I am proud to be in the company of great men who I have come to admire for several reasons,” Ozigbo remarked.

“Prof Pat Utomi is an elder statesman whom I respect. A mentor, a leader, and a trusted ally, he is an accomplished thought leader, academic, and business leader, and one of those who identified with the potential of the candidacy of His Excellency Peter Obi,” he said.

“I have known Sir Francis Anyakwo and his lovely wife, Lady Florence Anyakwo, for several years. He is co in-law in whose house I first met my wife, and I am proud to be able to witness today’s celebration,” Ozigbo added.

Utomi, a Professor of Political Economy at Lagos Business School, is the founder of the Centre for Value in Leadership (CVL) and convener of the Big Tent, a political action committee in support of Mr Peter Obi.

He is also a former Special Assistant to President Shehu Shagari in the Second Republic, and a former chairman of Platinum Bank Plc (now Keystone Bank Plc).

Sir Francis Anyakwo is the CEO of Prime Resources. He single-handedly built a church, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Inland Town, Onitsha, which was dedicated in 2019 by Archbishop Okeke.

Several notable dignitaries were present at the celebration, including His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, who officiated the investiture; His Excellency Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, former national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Senator Victor Umeh among others.