Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said the current challenges affecting the country require proactive leaders ready to bring Nigerians together.
Osinbajo spokesman Laolu Akande in a statement released Monday in Abuja said the vice president expressed this view in Lagos during a courtesy visit to Ireland‘s Oniru Palace, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal.
The traditional chief celebrates his first coronation anniversary.
Osinbajo praised Lawal for being a leader among people of diverse socio-ethnic backgrounds
“Our country needs all the leaders, the best leaders, the most proactive leaders, leaders ready to bring the country together.
“Lagos is a microcosm of Nigeria, everyone is here, if things go well here, everything will be fine in the country.
“I’m sure your role here is that of someone who brings communities together not only Yoruba, but everyone.
“And I can see that from your choice of leaders, you’ve gone to other areas, and I think that’s the attitude of great leaders.”
The vice president prayed for a successful reign on the throne for the traditional ruler.
He said the progress of the kingdom and its people would be determined by the quality of the leadership provided by the Oba, which was a yardstick for measuring the role of traditional rulers in the country.
“You must know that you are always in my prayers because I believe that your role is crucial not only for the development of this state, but for the whole country.
“Today you cannot relegate traditional rulers because of the exposure and education of those in that position.”
Additionally, in an interview with reporters from the palace, Osinbajo said Ireland’s future is bright with a traditional ruler like Laws.
“I have known Oniru for quite some time now; he is someone for whom I have a lot of respect, and I know that the future of this community is bright with the Oniru.
“He is not just someone who is well educated, but a visionary.
“He is someone who sees the future and is ready to make sure that he brings the future in at a very short time,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Lawal thanked the Vice President for his leadership and commitment to the progress of the country.
He pledged the support of the whole kingdom for the federal government.
Lawal said Osinbajo’s leadership was an example for other leaders across the country to follow.
“You are a leader whose leadership we will continue to follow.
“The relationship between the vice-president and me had been very cordial.
“We belong to the same school of thought; he calls me and advises me on several subjects.
“I want to assure you, Mr. Vice President, that I will not disappoint you, I will watch over the progress of this kingdom and I will be fair,” he said. (NAN)
