By Oluwafemi Popoola
Nigerians, in the early hours of Monday, August 15, 2022, reminisced on the resurfaced viral video of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the National Social Cohesion Dialogue organized by the Africa Polling Institute on the 26th of August, 2021, where he delivered a breathtaking speech on sustainable peace, national unity and social cohesion among Nigerians.
This is coming barely few hours after the Vice President made a thread on his official Twitter account, where he recalled the speech he delivered at the event a year ago.
His post reads: “Today, we share thoughts on Social Cohesion referencing the speech of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo at the National Social Cohesion Dialogue organized by the Africa Polling Institute on the 26th of August, 2021.
Today, we share thoughts on Social Cohesion referencing the speech of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo at the National Social Cohesion Dialogue organized by the Africa Polling Institute on the 26th of August, 2021. pic.twitter.com/D21fjtTrag
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) August 15, 2022
Recalled earlier that the Vice President Osinbajo, although still recuperating from the knee surgery, represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the Global Virtual launch of Imagine Nigeria Project report, a roadmap that explores alternative pathways to further the country’s development.
Speaking at the launch, the Vice President, Prof Osinbajo described ” “Imagine Nigeria” as a bold, unblinking exploration of the great possibilities of Nigeria. He said the project provided the licence to imagine a Nigeria freed of its past and current challenges and able to engage the future with the best possible tools in human and material capital.
However, in the latest development, many Nigerians have taken to social media to react to the resurfaced viral video on Twitter with many lauding Vice President Osinbajo for being a staunch believer in a prosperous and indivisible Nigeria.
ALSO READ: The Osinbajo’s New Nigeria Dream and the Hope it emboldens
The crusaders said his numerous achievements as Vice President, have in many ways set the template for good governance in Nigeria, while some argued that his message of unity, cohesion and national integration distinguish him from other leaders who are enamored in stoking embers of hate and divisiveness, even as the 2023 national election approaches.
Generally, responders, expressing their views on Twitters, said: “Let us all imagine the greatness of Nigeria together, #ImagineNigeria. The truth is there would be ups & downs, twists & turns, detours & digressions but a good leader like @ProfOsinbajo must never be deterred to charge his people on hope, faith and belief in a better tomorrow.” @AdewumiCollins tweeted.
Let us all imagine the greatness of Nigeria together, #ImagineNigeria. The truth is there would be ups & downs, twists & turns, detours & digressions but a good leader like @ProfOsinbajo must never be deterred to charge his people on hope, faith and belief in a better tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/OQMQOMMBeJ
— Adewumi Collins (@AdewumiCollins) August 15, 2022
Another user tweeted through the account, Musa Jacob, said, “The inspiration that this man gives to a new Nigeria is beyond those who do not mean well for this country but for those of us who understand and mean well, we shall continue to root for him and his great believe.
#ImagineNigeria #MyLoveForOsinbajoStands
The inspiration that this man gives to a new Nigeria is beyond those who do not mean well for this country but for those of us who understand and mean well, we shall continue to root for him and his great believe.#ImagineNigeria #MyLoveForOsinbajoStands pic.twitter.com/yquFgGVZVX
— Musa Jacob (@Musa_Jacob12) August 15, 2022
Below are some of the reactions of Nigerians:
“This message brings home the solidarity in hope of a greater nation with emphasis on love, peace, unity and progress for a better Nigeria,” says a user simply identified as Olatunde.
This message brings home the solidarity in hope of a greater nation with emphasis on love, peace, unity and progress for a better Nigeria.
— Olatunde (@tundeku2) August 15, 2022
“This speech is full of life,it reignited my believe in the future of this country,I am hopeful because we’re a great people with beautiful characters regardless of the Challenges facing us. Thank you for reminding us of who we’re as a people. Shall Succeed Ameen.” @Tricky_Blue
This speech is full of life,it reignited my believe in the future of this country,I am hopeful because we're a great people with beautiful characters regardless of the Challenges facing us. Thank you for reminding us of who we're as a people. 🇳🇬Shall Succeed Ameen
— #TrickyBlue💙 (@Tricky__Blue) August 15, 2022
“The VP has gone beyond his speeches, he’s acted it out. Most of his policies and programmes are geared towards social cohesion. He’s given all Nigerians a sense of belonging and that’s what leadership is about.” @realhaydenjones
The VP has gone beyond his speeches, he's acted it out. Most of his policies and programmes are geared towards social cohesion. He's given all Nigerians a sense of belonging and that's what leadership is about.
— Hayden Jones (@realhaydenjones) August 15, 2022
“Over the years I have found that hope is one thing you can not take away from Nigerians. For a people who have suffered years of terrible governance, still turning up every 4 years to explore another chance to get it right…it’s simply incredible. This is a powerful speech,” @medoosa_ tweeted.
Over the years I have found that hope is one thing you can not take away from Nigerians. For a people who have suffered years of terrible governance, still turning up every 4 years to explore another chance to get it right…it’s simply incredible. This is a powerful speech
— Chika (@medoosa_) August 15, 2022
“Sometimes when I thought deeply about the happenings in our environment and the way forward proffer by right thinking personalities it gives me the reassurance that the future of our country and the citizens is bright.” @b_adalumo tweeted.
Sometimes when I thought deeply about the happenings in our environment and the way forward proffer by right thinking personalities it gives me the reassurance that the future of our country and the citizens is bright
— Chief B.S Adalumo (@b_adalumo) August 15, 2022
