By Marvellous Nyang
July 17, 2026
Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said Nigeria can only achieve sustainable progress when visionary leadership is backed by effective execution.
He also said the true measure of leadership is not the wealth or power accumulated, but the positive impact made on people’s lives through selfless service.
Osinbajo stated this at the 17th President Investiture, Fundraising and Book Launch of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro, held in Abuja.
He was represented at the event by former Deputy Chief of Staff to ex President Muhammadu Buhari and former Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeola Ipaye.
Congratulating the club and its new President, Michael Oluwagbemi, Osinbajo described it as an honour to chair the occasion.
He also commended the immediate past President, Fredrick Odika, and the outgoing leadership for their dedication and commitment to service.
“You have kept the flame of service burning brightly, and for that we are grateful,” he said.
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Speaking on Oluwagbemi’s leadership qualities, Osinbajo said he had known him for many years and praised his commitment to solving problems and improving lives through engineering, entrepreneurship and public service.
According to him, those who worked with Oluwagbemi in government could attest to his energy, professionalism and unwavering commitment to delivering results.
“It is therefore fitting that his investiture is accompanied by a book titled Blueprints for Progress.
“Institutions and communities move forward when vision is matched by execution, and that is the enduring message of both the book and the life of its author,” he said.
Osinbajo said the event was remarkable because it celebrated leadership through the investiture of a new Rotary Club president while recognising distinguished Nigerians whose lives exemplify selfless service.
He stressed that the greatest legacy in leadership is not what people accumulate for themselves, but what they contribute towards making society better.
Reflecting on the ideals of Rotary International, the former Vice President said the organisation had, for more than 120 years, demonstrated that while governments formulate policies, citizens working together in service often transform communities.
He noted that Rotarians across the world had built schools, promoted peace, improved healthcare, fought diseases, restored hope and strengthened communities through voluntary service.
“They did so not because they were compelled to do so, but because they believed it was the right thing to do,” Osinbajo said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ceremony also featured the launch of Oluwagbemi’s book, Blueprints for Progress, alongside a fundraising session in support of the Rotary Club’s humanitarian projects.
