Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the threats to Nigeria’s corporate existence are unprecedented and unimagined.
The VP spoke at the weekend during the public presentation of a book authored by retired Major-General Pat Akem-Vingir.
Noting that the country is forging ahead despite numerous challenges, he mentioned the battle against COVID-19.
Osinbajo said Nigeria’s effort to tackle the coronavirus pandemic was an example of leadership in a crisis.
He recalled how even some of the wealthiest and most developed economies struggled to handle the outbreak.
The VP said countries with more modest economic profiles quickly deployed a public health framework that was responsive and effective.
Osinbajo pointed out that Nigeria’s response has been celebrated locally and internationally as a result of strategic leadership.
He cited the establishment of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 and an inter-ministerial interagency team led by Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
“The task force swiftly issued and enforced COVID-19 protocols for travel and general movement. We restricted travel into Nigeria before most OECD countries did.
“Once the first case was discovered, the African Center of Excellence for Genomic of Infectious Diseases, in Ede gave Africa the first genomic sequence for Coronavirus SARS 2,” he said.
Osinbajo hailed the PTF for developing the protocols, public health system for mass vaccination campaigns, and ensuring eligible citizens received their jabs seamlessly.
He added that leadership required imagination, clarity of vision and effective implementation due to current global challenges, changes and opportunities.
“As a nation, the threats to our corporate existence today are unprecedented and hitherto unimagined. It is against this background that the author’s prescriptions have to be taken seriously.
“As he pointed out, exceptional leaders do not just emerge, they are the products of deliberate efforts in policy making, training and grooming”, Osinbajo stressed.
