Nigeria’s vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, says his utmost motivation to run for president is to give his best-dedicated service to Nigeria’s progress and development.
The Vice President spoke on Thursday during his engagements with delegates and stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benin, Edo State and Asaba, Delta State.
Just as he emphasised his heartfelt desire to serve if given the ticket under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, Prof. Osinbajo noted that the country needed more committed leaders ready to sacrifice for the good of the people to ensure its further development.
THE VICE PRESIDENT’S COURTESY CALLS
The vice president’s trips to Edo and Delta States are to continue his nationwide engagements with APC delegates and stakeholders.
The VP also paid courtesy calls to the palaces of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, and the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien. He officially informed the monarchs of his desire to run for president.
Just as it has been in every other state he has visited so far—Oyo, Ondo and Ogun, Prof Osinbajo received a rousing welcome from the people, including on the streets, supporters, cultural dancers, residents and very enthusiastic party delegates, who came out in numbers to declare their support for his candidacy.
On arrival in Benin, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, and other government officials received the vice president at the airport. In contrast, he was received at the airport in Delta State by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, among other senior government officials.
THE VICE PRESIDENT ESTABLISHES HIS PURPOSE FOR RUNNING
The VP, who spoke passionately about the motivation to run for President, said, “my purpose is to serve this country. When it comes to serving this country, it is my heart’s desire.”
Thanking the APC delegates for their cooperation and support in the states, Prof. Osinbajo stated, “I am deeply grateful for all the support I have received, from this camp of our party, individually and collectively.”
VP Osinbajo restated how the opportunities President Buhari gave him to serve in government and undertake major assignments have prepared him ahead for the presidency.
“The whole premise and objective of my running as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are to serve this nation; It is a matter of responsibility,” he affirmed.
He added that “there is no way I could have become Vice President, if not by the special grace of God.
“We need committed, truthful leadership and someone who would sacrifice for others. These are the leaders that would transform Nigeria.
“With the cooperation of everyone here, we can do things that will transform this nation.
“We will transform this nation.
“Change involves people, and people placed at a particular area or in a position where they can really make a difference.”
in highlighting the essence of service for the country’s greater good, the VP noted that “in choosing the leader for our country, let’s not be sentimental.”
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESIDENT BUHARI’S ADMINISTRATION WHICH HE WOULD PICK UP
While responding to questions from delegates in both States, Prof. Osinbajo highlighted the efforts of President Buhari’s administration in improving the business environment through its Ease of Doing Business reforms over the past few years.
The VP also highlighted the impact of the Administration’s Social Investment Programmes; adding that he would also focus more on the development of youths and how technology could be deployed to improve the skills of young people; as well as education, health and agriculture, among other critical sectors, to spur national development.
In Asaba, the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, prayed for the success of Prof. Osinbajo in his desire to become the next President of Nigeria.
During his meetings with party stakeholders and APC delegates, the VP fielded questions on various issues ranging from governance, security, economy and politics, among others.
Earlier on Wednesday evening, the Vice President had an Iftar dinner with State House Correspondents at his Aguda House residence, where he also discussed his 2023 Presidential bid.
E/Suzan O.
