Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the creativity and talents of Nigeria’s youth population is enough reason to believe in the future of the country.
Osinbajo said this on Wednesday when he received on a courtesy call at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, a delegation of young Nigerian Comedy Skit Industry practitioners under the auspices of the Nigeria Skits Industry Awards, led by its promoter, Bimbo Daramola.
Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, disclosed this in a statement titled, ‘Young Nigerians’ talents reason to believe in Nigeria –Osinbajo’.
Commending the creativity of the Nigerian youths, the Vice President said, “I strongly believe that what our young people are doing and what they are capable of, is what will lead our country to where we are meant to be. The future is not tomorrow, it is already here and we can see it from just everything you are doing, the global acclaim that you are getting; young people like yourselves, doing something good.”
Noting that he has watched some of their skits, Osinbajo added, “I think that we have incredible talent and we must do something to enable these talents, and we must ask ourselves questions on setting realistic goals that can enable these talents flourish. I must say that just based on the sheer creativity around this, I don’t think that anybody anywhere is as funny as Nigerian comedians.”
On the support of the government for the creative industry, the Vice President highlighted the work of the Technology and Creative Advisory group in shaping policies to encourage the growth of the sector.
“Why I think this engagement with skit comedians is important is because this is the way to go. Let us sit down and look at all the issues and come out with realistic positions that can then become policies, and what sort of support will be required,” he stated.
In his remarks, Daramola thanked the Vice President for receiving the delegation, noting that Osinbajo identified with young people. He described the VP as a man of the youths.
“Your Excellency, this visit shows that you have a heart for young people, and you have changed the dynamic to show that the government listens to the youths,” he said.
One of the skit comedians, Yemi Elesho, told Osinbajo, “You are a man of the youths. I heard your speech on Monday asking the youths to move on, this is our movement.”
Also speaking on behalf of the skit comedians, Taooma, Woli Agba and others commended the Vice President for his support of the development of young Nigerians, further commending his youth-centric connection. The Vice President was later presented with the Awards insignia.
The delegation included Maryam Apaokagi, popularly known as Taooma; Josh Alfred (Josh2funny); Ayo Ajewole (Woli Agba); Adebamiro Adeyanju (Mr. Hyenana), Adeoye Elesho (Yemi Elesho), among others.
