Our History Is The Least We Can Ever Be, Says VP Osinbajo

As the nation begins activities to mark its annual independence day, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has declared that Nigeria’s history is the least that it can ever be and the country’s past is only a forerunner to a greater future ahead of the country.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this while declaring open a photo exhibition titled “the footprints of Nigeria’s political leaders”, organized to mark Nigeria’s 58th Independence anniversary in Abuja.

According to the Vice President, “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 Nigeria that is prosperous, united and where all of us are treated fairly and justly.”

He said “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 represents.”

He spoke after prizes were presented to winners of a mini photo exhibition competition.

Speaking on the significance of the exhibition to Nigeria’s socio-political history, Prof. Osinbajo said it enables citizens to reflect on the journey to nationhood with all the attendant challenges.

According to him, “each phase (of Nigeria’s political history) 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.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the event was put together to educate Nigerians, especially the younger generation, on the significance of Nigeria’s socio-political history.