Institutions, communities move forward when vision is matched by execution – Osinbajox

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s former Vice-President has said that institutions and communities move forward when vision is matched by execution.

He said this at the Rotary Club Abuja Metro 17th President Investiture, Fund Raising and Book Lunch which ended in the early hours of Friday in Abuja.

The former Vice-President added that the greatest legacy in leadership was not what was accumulated, but what was contributed to make life better for all.

Osinbajo was represented at the ceremony by Mr Adeola Ipaye, a former Deputy Chief of Staff to late former President Mohammadu Buhari and a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State.

He congratulated the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro and its new Chairman, Rotarian Michael Oluwagbemi, saying it was a distinct honour and pleasure to serve as chairman of the occasion.

He thanked the club’s immediate past President, Fredrick Odika, and the entire outgoing leadership for their dedicated service during the previous Rotary year.

“You have kept the flame of service burning brightly, and for that we are grateful,” he said.

Osinbajo expressed confidence in
Oluwagbemi’s commitment to nation-building and practical leadership, saying he had known him for years.

“Whether in engineering, entrepreneurship or public service, Oluwagbemi has consistently approached leadership as an opportunity to solve problems and improve lives.

“Those who worked with him in government will attest to his energy, professionalism and unwavering commitment to getting things done.

“It is therefore fitting that his investiture is accompanied by a book titled Blueprints for Progress.

“Institutions and communities move forward when vision is matched by execution, and that is the enduring message of both the book and the life of its author,”Osinbajo said.

He said the ceremony was remarkable because it celebrated leadership, through the investiture of a new president of one of Rotary’s most vibrant clubs.

He added that the ceremony also celebrated ideas, through the launch of a book, titled: “Blueprints for Progress” written by Oluwagbemi, the club’s new president and service.

He said it celebrated service, by recognising distinguished Nigerians whose lives reminded us that the greatest legacy was not what we accumulated but what we contributed.

This, Osinbajo said, was the very essence of Rotary, recalling that for over 120 years, it had quietly demonstrated that while governments made policies, it was often citizens working together in service who made communities flourish.

He noted that across the world, Rotarians had built schools, restored hope, promoted peace, improved healthcare, fought disease and strengthened communities.

“Not because they were compelled to do so, but because they believed it was the right thing to do,” the former Vice-President said.

The outgoing chairman, Odika, expressed confidence that Oluwagbemi would bring in new ideas to move the club forward.

He said that the club was in good financial standing and thanked members whose sacrifices contributed to the success of the outgoing administration.

Oluwagbemi, while accepting to serve as the 17th President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro, said Nigeria stood at a defining moment in her history.

He noted that while the country’s challenges were many, so were its opportunities.

He said it was not a time to retreat into cynicism, but a time for citizens to rise, to serve and to become part of the solution.

“Giving is not simply about money. It is about living a life of purpose. It is about understanding that our greatest legacy is not what we accumulate, but what we contribute,” he said.

Oluwagbemi pledged to lead with integrity, humility and purpose, and to place service above self and work with every member, partner and friends of Rotary to create lasting impact.

“To my entire family, thank you for the countless sacrifices you make whenever duty calls me away from home.

“Thank you for sharing me with Rotary, with community and with public service. Your love and support remain my greatest source of strength,” he said.(https://newsatlarge.ng)