By Gideon Maxwell
July 4, 2025
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has paid glowing tribute to Professor Benedict Oramah, GCON, commending his transformational leadership of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and celebrating his richly deserved national honour.
In a statement on his social media accounts on Saturday, Osinbajo described Oramah as a “dear friend and brother” whose tenure as Afreximbank President and Chairman of the Board has left an indelible mark on Africa’s economic landscape.
“Congratulations to my dear friend and brother, Professor Benedict Oramah, GCON, on a richly deserved national honour and a legacy that speaks for itself,” Osinbajo wrote.
Reflecting on the recently concluded Afreximbank Annual Meetings in Abuja, Oramah’s final as President, Osinbajo noted the significance of the moment and the privilege of witnessing it.
“This year’s Afreximbank Annual Meetings in Abuja were especially meaningful. His final as President and Chairman of the Board. To witness this chapter firsthand was a privilege,” he said.
Osinbajo lauded Oramah’s leadership over more than a decade, highlighting how he steered the bank with conviction, clarity, and a deep commitment to Africa’s future.
“For over a decade, Professor Oramah has led with conviction, clarity, and a deep commitment to Africa’s future. Under his leadership, Afreximbank became more than a financial institution. It became a lifeline in crisis, a catalyst for industry, and a symbol of what pan-African excellence can achieve when rooted in vision and service,” he stated.
The former Vice President concluded his tribute by describing Oramah as the embodiment of pan-Africanism and visionary leadership.
“He epitomized the true spirit of pan-Africanism and visionary leadership. He did not just serve. He transformed,” Osinbajo declared.
Professor Oramah’s leadership at Afreximbank has been widely acclaimed for fostering regional trade, supporting African economies through crises, and strengthening intra-African economic integration.
