James Sowole in Abeokuta
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, yesterday, charged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of selflessness in public office as exemplified by the immediate past vice-president of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, saying he distinguished himself by raising the bar of good governance.
Abiodun, gave the charge during the public thanksgiving and appreciation reception held in honour of former Vice-president by the Ikenne Development Association, at Obafemi Awolowo Square, Ikenne-Remo.
He lauded Osinbajo for being focused and loyal to his principal, saying the vice president served with dignity, integrity and utmost character.
According to him, the former vice president played a significant role in his emergence as governor, in the face of stiff opposition from his predecessor.
Abiodun said,” Let us emulate Professor Yemi Osinbajo by using the opportunity of where we are today to diligently serve our people, we must appreciate the fact that the same people that we left behind while going into public office will still be the same people we return to meet after our service.
“We are not only celebrating Prof Osinbajo’s achievements, but we are also reflecting on the impact he had made in Ogun State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
“On a personal note your Excellency, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for the unwavering support you gave me in 2018, in the course of my journey to Oke-Mosan. One of the lessons we all have to learn from this exemplary leader is that power is transient, we all have to understand that an office is never permanent, what is however permanent is the legacy that we leave behind and how we impact the lives of those who trusted us to lead them into a better future for their collective dreams.”
Osinbajo, in his remarks reiterated his resolve to continue supporting his ancestral home of Ikenne, especially in the area of helping the young ones in the town to reach their full potential.
” I want to thank the Ikenne Development Association for showing leadership and commitment in developing this town and its people, on our part, we will continue to offer support in any way we can,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the members of the Federal Executive Council that Prof. Yemi Osinbajo worked with, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha described the former vice president as a detribalised Nigerian, noting that he played a significant roles in the success recorded by the immediate past administration.
Also speaking, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri described Osinbajo as a man of character and commended him for his love for the people of Bayelsa State, even as the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, eulogised Osinbajo’s high intellectual capacity and acumen, saying he displayed high degree of work ethics while in office.
The Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas and the paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, while speaking, said the former Vice-president was the greatest export of Remo land to the seat of power in Abuja, adding that he represented the people of Remo land and the state very well as a number two citizen of Nigeria then.
Ajayi while describing the former Vice President as a man of wisdom, opined that he would still continue to be of immense value for the development of the country.
The Chairman of the occasion, Adeleke Adesina, while making his speech, commended Osinbajo for his honesty and fearless adherence to his principles.
