Nigerian Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has noted that the Nigeria’s story, despite challenges, is one that filled with hope, courage, triumphs and the incredible talents and potential of its people, for a better future.
Osinbajo stated this on Friday evening at the valedictory dinner organised in his honour by the staff of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in Abuja, accompanied to the dinner by his wife, Her Excellency, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, whom the VP described as “my most potent weapon.”
In his remarks, Osinbajo highlighted the country’s potential to become a world leader in different sectors, saying, “the story of our country is a story of incredible talents, everywhere you turn, you will find talents.”
He conceded that there are some tensions, and challenges, “but we must not give up. We mustn’t be despondent or discouraged by any challenge or circumstance. This country is so precious and our people talented, so much that we can bless the entire world.”
With a thankful heart, the VP also recalled how God saved him and 11 others with him from the helicopter crash on February 2, 2019, in Kogi State. He also recalled a similar chopper forced landing in Gwagwalada in June 2018.
Then, the chopper conveying him and members of his “Main Party” from the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, made a forceful landing a few seconds after take-off. “I’m truly grateful to the Almighty God,” the VP said.
Osinbajo stated that his desire to make Nigeria better, alongside President Muhammadu Buhari, in the last eight years, was the reason why he specifically hired those who have the desire to fix Nigeria.
According to him, “I’m honoured to have worked with such incredible people; everyone put in exceptional hard work. I personally interviewed most of you that worked with me. I wanted people who had a heart for this country, a genuine love and concern about the progress of this nation.
“Eight years have gone by very quickly, I must say. Here we are today a few days to the inauguration. There are many great experiences, great things that have happened and I’m glad we’ve come this far.”
Commending the OVP staff for their dedication and patriotism – while highlighting the selfless service of his Police and Security Details, civil servants, his Chief of Staff, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants among others, Osinbajo expressed gratitude to everyone for their support throughout the eight years of the Buhari Administration.
The Vice President was also presented with gifts at the dinner event including hand written valedictory notes from staff members.
Referencing the incredible work of the OVP staff, he said as an example that “when we talk about the Social Investment Programmes, we would talk about Maryam Uwais. No two ways about that, because she was in charge (then) and made it successful,” he said.
The Vice President further commended the Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Ade Ipaye, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State (2011 to 2015), for his loyalty, dedication and brilliant service.
Aside from the present and past staff of the Office of the Vice President, other dignitaries were at the event, including former Minister of Defence, Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali; Dr. Bashir Gwandu, Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI and Dr. Sani Aliyu, a member of Presidential Health Reform Committee among others.