The Ikenne Development Association, on Sunday, organised a public thanksgiving and appreciation reception in honour of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
The event, which held at the Obafemi Awolowo Square in Osinbajo’s Ikenne hometown, was graced by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri; a former governor of Osun State and the immediate-past Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; as well as the immediate-past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
Also present was the Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas and the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi.
In his remarks, Abiodun described Osinbajo as an exemplary leader worthy of emulation.
Abiodun said, “Let us emulate Prof 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.”
Abiodun also thanked Osinbajo “from the bottom of my heart, for the unwavering support you gave me in 2018 in the course of my journey to Oke-Mosan.”
The governor said, “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.
“Prof, you have not only distinguished yourself in this calling but you have raised the bar in good governance. You’re our son in whom we’re well pleased.”
Also speaking, Obaseki said he had a unique experience working with Osinbajo as VP.
“Nigeria will not appreciate you yet, but for those of us who worked with you in all the major reform areas, whether in the area of electricity or fuel subsidy or crude oil theft, we thank God that all the works you’ve done are properly documented.”
Diri, on his part, said he was at the event to reciprocate Osinbajo’s past gestures.
Diri said, “We’re here because the former Vice President is a friend of Bayelsa State. We’re here because we see the former VP as a man of character; a man who has served this country meritoriously. We’re also here in the reciprocity of who the former VP has been to our state.”
Also speaking, the ex-SGF described Osinbajo as a detribalised Nigerian, noting that he played a significant role in the success recorded in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
In his remarks, Aregbesola wished Osinbajo the best life would give him.
“I wish my friend, whom his town is honouring today, the best that life will give him, his wife and family,” Aregbesola said.
In his remarks, the Akarigbo of Remoland described Osinbajo as Remo’s greatest export to the seat of power in Abuja, adding that Osinbajo represented the people of Remo land and the state very well as then Number Two citizen.
Reacting, Osinbajo, who was accompanied by his wife, Dolapo, thanked the Ikenne Development Association for their support and for finding him worthy of the honour.
Osinbajo said, “I want to thank the Ikenne Development Association for showing leadership and commitment to developing this town and its people. On our part, we will continue to offer support in any way we can.”
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