By Marvellous Nyang
April 10, 2025
Former Nigerian Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, made a notable return to the global spotlight as he delivered the keynote address at the Global Forum on Partnership for Anticorruption, held at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC.
Osinbajo participated in a high-level panel focused on the critical role of elected and political officeholders in combating corruption. Drawing from his vast experience at Nigeria’s highest levels of governance, he underscored the importance of transparency, integrity, and institutional accountability in the fight against corruption.
“It was great to be back at the World Bank,” Osinbajo said. “The session was both stimulating and energising. We need more candid, solution-focused dialogue on tackling corruption, not just within nations but across borders.”
He was joined on the panel by Ecuador’s Attorney General, Ms Diana Salazar; Senator Amara Konneh of Liberia; and his former aide and ex-Attorney General of Ogun State, Akingbolahan Adeniran. The discussion was moderated by Richelieu Lomax, a Senior Litigation Specialist at the World Bank, and offered a rare blend of practical insight, experience-based perspectives, and shared strategies on institutional reform.
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Osinbajo emphasised that tackling corruption requires more than policies—it demands the political will to lead by example. “Leadership must model accountability. If those at the top fail to lead with integrity, the system below collapses,” he stated.
During his visit, Osinbajo was hosted by Ms Zainab Ahmed, former Nigerian Minister of Finance and now Executive Director of EDS25, which represents Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa at the World Bank. The meeting brought together top African stakeholders from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Climate Investment Funds, including CEO Tariye Gbadegesin.
Speaking after the meeting, Osinbajo expressed admiration for Nigerians occupying significant roles on the international stage. “It’s always inspiring to see our flag flying proudly abroad,” he said. “I’m deeply proud of the contributions Nigerians are making globally, and I thank Ms Ahmed and her team for the warm and engaging reception.”
The former Vice President’s visit underscored his continued commitment to good governance, institutional reform, and Africa’s development priorities on the world stage.
