Nigeria’s Vice President, Osinbajo, declares open 2018 Independence Day Photo Exhibition, says event reminds of “twists and turns” of nation’s history

By Bashir Adefaka, Lagos and Olanrewaju Awosanya, Abuja

Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday declared open the 2018 Independence Day Photo Exhibition themed, “The footprints of Nigeria’s Political Leaders”, held at International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The Vice President was at the progressive with very highly placed government functionaries including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Defence, Brig Gen Mansur Dan Ali (Rtd) among others.

At the occasion, Professor Osinbajo noted that the historical excursion was important for three reasons among which he said was the reminder of twists and turns of the nation’s history namely the colonial phase, the independence, the first republic, the political crisis, the coups  and countercoups, the civil war,  the short restoration of civil rule and another military incursion and then civil rule since 1999.

He said: “Each phase has tested our resolve to remain united, to maintain the integrity of the country known as Nigeria. Each phase has tested the commitment of our leaders to the Nigerian project; it has tested their ingenuity and their wisdom in navigating the frequently tortuous and turbulent waters of our national story.”

Full text of the Vice President’s address at the event:

I am extremely pleased to join all of us in celebrating our independence through the medium of this photo exhibition – tracking the footprints of our political leaders.  I must commend the Ministry of Information and Culture for this innovative way of celebrating our independence and our political history. I think that the Ministry of Information and Culture and its leadership especially the Honorable Minister, deserve our commendation.

There are three reasons at least why this historical excursion is important. The first is that it helps us to recognize the incredible leadership of our political leaders, from the colonial days till the moment. All of these incredible leaders – men and women who have shown such great wisdom and wit at various times; such dedication and courage at various times; this exhibition celebrates them.

The second is that we are reminded of the twists and turns of our history. The colonial phase, the independence, the first republic, the political crisis, the coups  and countercoups, the civil war,  the short restoration of civil rule and another military incursion and then civil rule since 1999.

Each phase has tested our resolve to remain united, to maintain the integrity of the country known as Nigeria. Each phase has tested the commitment of our leaders to the Nigerian project; it has tested their ingenuity and their wisdom in navigating the frequently tortuous and turbulent waters of our national story.

With the benefit of hindsight, I think that it is evident that at every turn we clearly saw strength of the Nigerian resolve to build a nation and the valiant attempts of the leadership at state building.

We have not always excelled or have not always done as well as we should. But that is not the story. The story is that we have never lacked the courage and will to keep trying, and to do so with greater resolve and greater commitment.

The third reason for the importance of this historical excursion is perhaps the most important. How we approach history. History could be a crutch; it could be an excuse for not doing as well as we could, or a strong shoulder to stand on. It could be a tyrant reminding us of how we got it wrong; or it could be a reminder that our future is greater than our history.

I am pleased to say on behalf of the Nigerian government and people that we have chosen to say that our history will not determine our future; our history is the least that we can ever be; our future is much greater; our history is only a precursor to a greater Nigeria; to a Nigeria that is prosperous, united and where all of us are treated fairly and justly. Our history is only the beginning of that great Nigerian story that all of these people who have won awards represent; that they are going to be better  than those of us who sit here today, these young people represent that history and pride that our nation represent.

Let me just very quickly commend them again, especially those who won awards here today because they represent the very best, they represent that generation of people who will definitely do what we have always hoped and desired.  John Chinyere of Federal Government Boys College, Gudu; Eunice Shagu, Stella Maris College, Garki; and Vincent Davies of the Model Secondary School, Maitama. I think we should give them, again, another round of applause.

It this therefore my special privilege to declare open this photo exhibition – tracking the footprint of our political leaders.

Thank you very much.