Finally, it was time for His Excellency to give a Keynote address to the audience. Everyone rose up to recite the National Anthem. His pulpit had the colour of the Nigerian National Flag designed around it.
He appreciated Pastor ‘Poju Oyemade for always inviting him to the platform for 8 times, and also for putting the conference together.
He spoke to the audience how getting involved is the real essence of nation building. He said, “The real building of nation is done outside of political leadership. It’s done by people who by doing their business diligently or their work faithfully.”
He shared the story of young people who are contributing to the growth and development of the nation by faithfully doing their business.
PAYSTACK, started by two young men, Sola Akinlade & Ezra Olubi.
ANDELA, a software company founded by a young Nigerian. Today, Andela has about a 1000 employees.
The story of CCHub, founded by Bosun Tijani and Longe was also mentioned. Today, CCHub has produced a number of startups that are thriving. Some of the startups include Paga, etc
Teme Giwa of Lifebank, Ola Orekunrin of FlyDoctors, etc.
“The building of a self reliant nation means that the nation must be able to feed itself.”, said the Vice President.
In Dec 2017, raised a million dollars and today has over a 1000 rural farmers. FarmCrowdy is today powering many local farmers across the nation.
Angela Adelaja is the innovative founder of FRESH DIRECT who has started a farm revolution in Nigeria.
Deola Sagoe and Lisa Folawiyo are two of the inspirational leaders in the fashion industry. Banke M Oshida and Tara Fela Durotoye are two other pioneers in the Beauty industry who have redefined the creative space.
He also spoke of many of literary talents like writers, poets, etc., who have done excellent work.
According to the Vice President, all of these people are building the nation through their work. He quoted from Chimamanda Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun”. He said that there are two answers – the right answer and the answer you must give to pass. So you must read books to know both answers. “Nations are built by the contributions of many”, he said while preparing to end his speech.
He also highlighted some of the projects Nigerians and young people working with the government across the country at Federal and State levels are doing. He described these individuals are the true nation builders – the teachers, the farmers, the engineers, the business men and women, etc.
He mentioned some army officials who have done well in defending the nation. He didn’t fail to mention the entertainment industry and how a vast array of people, many of whom he spoke about (comedians, actors, singers) who have used their creativity to contribute to the impact of lives as well as development of our nation.
You can listen to the full speech of His Excellency by clicking the link The Platform, Get Involved 09 Yemi Osinbajo