For OZB Communications LTD, a leading name in the Nigeria’s telecommunication industry, the journey of a thousand miles started not just with a step but one taken in the right direction. The story behind the success of the company as conceived by Rt. Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo and Mrs Ozurigbo Ijeoma, the CEO of the company, is as remarkable as the personalities themselves. It replicates the proverbial maxim of putting the cap on the head of who it rightly fits or better still, fixing the square peg in a square hole.
The event marking the company’s 18th anniversary celebration held on April 11, 2021, at The Place Events Centre, Owerri, which had earlier been set in motion with a thanksgiving mass at the Holy Cross Catholic Church Aladimma, attracted the presence of top figures in the telecommunication arena, politicians, captains of industry, network service providers, the clergy and indeed all Nigerians of goodwill who joined in the celebration and experienced the firsthand hospitality and funfare.
As Chinua Achebe of blessed memory would say; “those whose palm kernel were cracked for them by a benevolent spirit should not forget to remain grateful.” In his remark as carefully captured in a documentary played before the entailed audience, Chief Ozurigbo was quick to show unreserved gratitude to God for all the years of toil and triumph in the telecommunication business, thanking and appreciating the kind gestures and efforts of few individuals whose key supportive roles translated to the success of the company. Some of the pioneer contributors include Mr Benjamin Azike of blessed memory, Chief Okey Onyejiuwa, Sir Josiah Ifedi, CEO of Ideal Suites, Ken Owoghiri, CEO of IDT, Ray Ahumibe, Solomon Ofoma, CEO of Glaceo Investment LTD, Collins Ohaji, CEO of Onassi Communications, among others.
In his words, to the amazement of everyone, Ozurigbo said, “it was never my idea to have OZB Communications LTD. I never believed that the company will be where it is today. The name OZB came as a result of the 2003 national ASUU strike that lasted for 6 months. I was in Abia State University with my girlfriend then who is now my wife and we started as a call centre under an umbrella. I used to wear MTN T-shirt for almost one week and people laughed at me but I was determined to make it. And today you can see for yourself that OZB has become a brand that you can’t just ignore. We have more than 700 staff in our payroll.”
Not relying on the monopoly of knowledge and ideas, the CEO of the company, Mrs Ozurigbo while addressing the press, stated that “you can’t achieve success alone. You can do it with your team. I can beat my chest and say that I am working with a wonderful team that can deliver even when I am not there. I promised myself that I will be supportive to my husband and I thank God that we are in a position to help the poor, create jobs and cushion the effects of poverty in the society today”.
Once a recharge card retailer, a promising star before distinguishing himself as a selfless politician, Chief Ozurigbo who is currently representing the people of Nkwer/ Isu/ Nwangele/Njaba federal constituency at the lower chamber of the national assembly could be said be reaping the fruits of his many years of dedicated service to his chosen cause, career and his society.
Ozurigbo who enjoys watching football as an Arsenal faithful is not retiring from public service and industrial revolution anytime soon, if Jesus tarries as he is committed to providing enabling environment for the country to harness its abundant human and capital resources with a view to seeing OZB Communications LTD become an investment hub of the country in the public and private sector.
The highpoint of the event was the cutting of the anniversary cake and rewarding of esteemed customers and dealers across different parts of the country with prizes as they smiled home with generators, standing fans, microwave oven, motorbikes and mini-buses respectively.
Slow Dog, a popular Nigerian musician also gave the audience good taste of exclusive live performance with an impressive catalogue of his hit songs, his energetic dance moves and flashlights.
