The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, had ‘stern’ words for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the first day of the Lagos-Kano economic investment summit which kicked off on February 28, 2018.
Osinbajo was a special guest of honour. The Governors of Lagos and Kano States, Akinwunmi Ambode and Abdullahi Ganduje respectively, were special hosts.
Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Bagudu, Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido, Africa’s richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote and a chunk of other dignitaries, were also in the building.
During speech time, Oba Akiolu set the entire hall reeling with laughter with his remarks.
The traditional ruler first called Osinbajo his “teacher”, but that proved a dress rehearsal for what was to come.
Thereafter, Oba Akiolu shifted gears. “Mr. Vice President, please give Lagos special status o! Otherwise, the house mama is building in Palmgrove, I will go and take it o!”, the traditional leader jocularly said as everyone reeled in laughter.
In his remarks, VP Osinbajo said every economic planning by the federal government has to take the Lagos-Kano partnership into cognizance given the sheer size of their respective populations and strategic locations. “Where Lagos and Kano go, Nigeria goes”, Osinbajo said matter-of-factly.
“The days when the federal government will undermine efforts of the States is well behind us”, Osinbajo pledged.
The Vice President who spoke extemporaneously for some twenty minutes amid applause from the audience also touted the federal government’s rail and power projects aimed at reviving Nigeria’s economy.
He also noted the Buhari administration’s drive to improve ease of doing business in Nigeria and to support SMEs with power projects.
