By Oluwafemi Popoola
Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has condoled with the family and friends of his 28-year-old personal shoemaker and friend, Ojima Omale, popularly called OJBEST, who passed away on 27th February 2022.
The young entrepreneur and shoe designer went viral on social media after he made a post on Twitter tagging the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for patronage about his shoe products.
In response to the tweet, Professor Osinbajo being a staunch advocate of Made in Nigerian products sent his aides to visit the promising entrepreneur with the aim to help expand his business.
At the behest of the Vice President, the shoemaker went to Aso villa to take the measurement of the Prof Osinbajo and afterwards made some pairs of good shoes for him.
His story then became a revelation and inspiration to many small business owners across the country and on social media space due to the Vice President’s subtle validation of his craft.
But unfortunately, his death was announced via his Twitter page — a few hours after it was revealed that he suffered a “serious attack.”
The tweet read “Painful exit! Call to Glory. The CEO of OJ Best footwear is Dead.”
PAINFUL EXIT!! Call to Glory, the CEO of OJBest footwear is Dead. pic.twitter.com/FDUM53NxKc
— OJBEST👞👞🕑 (@Ojbest5) February 27, 2022
The announcement is believed to have come from a member of the family of the deceased.
Osinbajo, commenting on the unfortunate death of the young star expressed his sadness upon hearing the news, describing him as his friend, a talented and creative one, dedicated to his craft.
According to the Vice President, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the sudden death of Mr Ojima Omale, aka OJBEST, 28, my young enterprising shoemaker and friend.”
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“Omale was CEO of O.J Best Footwears. He was talented, creative and dedicated to his craft. I never ceased to be impressed by his exertions for perfection in his products.
“I and many members of my team, for whom he also made shoes, will miss him, his services and unfailing good humour.
“Our thoughts are with his family as we pray that God will comfort them. May his memory remain blessed. Amen.
The Vice President, also posted his tributes to OJBEST in a thread personally signed via his verified Twitter handle.
I am deeply saddened by the news of the sudden death of Mr. Ojima Omale, aka OJBEST, 28, my young enterprising shoemaker and friend.
Omale was CEO of O.J Best Footwears. He was talented, creative and dedicated to his craft. pic.twitter.com/jrh3WLlKP6
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) February 28, 2022
