Osinbajo promotes citizens’ welfare as true measure of national greatness.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has underlined the importance of service-orientated leadership in politics and government, calling it both a need and a privilege.
Osinbajo made the call while giving the keynote lecture at the Rotary International District 9141 Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on the topic, “The Magic of Connection: The Imperative and Privilege of Service.”
He emphasised that politics should be centred on delivering critical services, such as quality education, accessible healthcare, and a strong social security system, which he defined as fundamental rights for all citizens.
The VP cited Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s implementation of free basic education in Western Nigeria as a historical example of influential and selfless government, pointing out that the policy was accomplished despite its considerable financial cost.
Professor Osinbajo recalled their role in developing the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) agenda in 2014, stating that one of the important arguments was about implementing a significant social investment program, which eventually led to projects such as the national school feeding system and TraderMoni, among others.
The former vice president believes that a nation’s greatness is determined by how it treats its most vulnerable inhabitants.
He also denounced the prevalent degree of corruption on the African continent, emphasising that it does not lack talent but rather suffers from underutilising its people’s resources.
Addressing the elite, Osinbajo issued a challenge for self-reflection, encouraging them to ponder whether their accomplishments were the result of sincere service to others.
He also advocated for greater budget prioritisation and economic policies targeting improving the lives of the country’s most vulnerable citizens.