By Seun Johnson
As Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, prepares to leave office next month after an impactful eight-year as second-in-command to President Muhammadu Buhari, a group of 25 famous writers and journalists across Nigeria rallied each other to write a book about him without letting the VP know about their plans until after the book was published and ready for launch.
The Vice President was caught unawares, he didn’t have an inkling of what was going on, he was only invited as a guest to a programme where he would be honoured. This is a big surprise and a historical parting gift for a leader who has served Nigeria meritoriously.
The book titled: “Osinbajo Strides: Defining Moments Of An Innovative Leader,” periscopes the Vice President’s public service since he was Special Adviser to the Attorney-General of the Federation, the late Prince Bola Ajibola, from 1988 to date. The book will be formally launched in a virtual ceremony scheduled to hold on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 5:00 pm, where the collection of articles by 25 Nigerian reputable journalists and writers would be presented to the public.
They did all these behind the Vice President with PYO Collective as the organisers to make this a surprise gift for him. Fantastic!
Without his consent, they approached the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, to write the book’s forward and to attend the book launch. Even, they’ve gotten the consent of President Muhammadu Buhari to be the Father of the Day, likewise former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; State Governors; among others will attend, while famous author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, will speak on the theme: “Inspiring A New Nigeria at the virtual book launch.
The organisers’ approach to the whole arrangement and planning to honour a public servant without his consent, singling the VP out for special recognition on its own is dignifying. Deeply reflecting on it reminds me of what my late father used to say that “The diligence of a man makes others find him worthy of honour and celebration.”
I have always known that nothing speaks more than the works of a man who is diligent in the performance of his duties. Vice President Osinbajo needs no introduction in the circle of excellence. It is, therefore, not surprising to find him worthy of selection for praise. For a man who has proven not just to be the best Vice President Nigeria has ever had but has also remained loyal and reliable to his principal, there must be a lot to learn from this book documenting his life in public service.
ALSO READ: Buhari leads eminent Nigerians to attend 25 writers book launch on Osinbajo May 1
It is stating the obvious that Prof Osinbajo’s display of knowledge on several issues is impeccable and it is worthy of emulation. His humility also is second to none. In the words of Liberian Vice President, Dr Jewel Howard-Taylor, “Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is the most humble politician in Africa. Emerging leaders across the continent have so much to learn from his humility and Commitment to service.”
Let’s also talk about his integrity which has been described by many as “unshakeable,” as much as his honesty, he is an exemplary leader. Prof. Osinbajo is a man whose life is the definition of perfection and greatness. For a man surrounded by obstacles and challenges in a country that has battled corruption for a long time, he has never let his capabilities, dedication and productivities decline. Not only has he proven that he is worthy of all the accolades showered on him, he has justified them all. What a man!
Osinbajo is a man who will make you see the beauty within your beauty and his push for greatness is at a pinnacle even for non-dreamers. As a believer of excellence and an apostle of Nigeria’s unity, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, is a county’s delight and a role model to millions of the youth, as he inspires the populace that the dream of a new Nigeria is possible.
It is worth mentioning these 25 prominent journalists and writers who came together across the country to honour the deserving Vice President as their names were listed in the PYO Collective’s release. They are Richard Akinnola, Azu Ishiekwene, Garba Mohammed, Etim Etim, Donu Kogbara, Sadiq Abdullateef, Fatima Mamman-Daura, James Akpandem, Mustapha Ogunsakin, Dayo Akintobi, Dr Wale Adeduro, Columba Ogah, Haruna Abdullahi, Temilade Okesanjo, Arukaino Umukoro, Olaolu Beckley, Jude Zoho, Vitalis Obidiaghaa, Seun Bisuga, Seyi Gesinde, Faith Dafe-Joseph, Muritala Ayinla, Abimbola Olaniyan and Ibrahim Bature. Mr Jahman Anikulapo was the Editorial Consultant for the work.
Kudos to their nationalism and brain work.
