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…..entrepreneur visits villa after tweeting, makes sandal for VP
Funsho Hassan
It was a commendation galore for Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN as Nigerians hailed him at the weekend for patronising a Nigerian youth and shoemaker, known as OJ Best on Twitter.
The VP invited the young Nigerian entrepreneur to Aso Rock presidential villa where the shoemaker took his measurements for some footwears.
It was gathered that OJBest had, some few months ago, requested via a tweet to present a gift of his own made footwear to the Vice – President.
But in response to the tweet, Prof. Osinbajo, a strident advocate of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises sent his aides to visit the young entrepreneur exploring how to support the young Shoemaker and his Made in Nigeria products.
Osinbajo later invited the young Nigerian entrepreneur to Aso Rock presidential villa where OJBest decided to take his measurements for some footwears.
Pictures of the VP on the social media also showed Prof Osinbajo wearing the footweares manufactured by the young Nigerian.
It was learnt that OJBest visited the VP last Monday to present the sandals and yesterday March 27- Saturday, Prof. Osinbajo’s Personal Photographer revealed him wearing the sandals for the weekend while meeting guests at his residence in the Villa
Reacting to the development, an elated OJ Best, who described President Muhammadu Buhari’s deputy as a friend to the MSMEs, tweeted: “ I really cannot contain my joy in expressing this.. this is a dream I never thought would happen”.
His tweet reads: “I really can not contain my joy in expressing this.. this is a dream I never thought would happen. Words has failed me and I may not use the appropriate words but I really want to thank his Excellency @ProfOsinbajo for his patronage and support for OJbest footwear..”.
“I was in the office of the vice present to take measurements of his feet and later returned to make delivery of the order. Never have I seen a man as humble, simple and ready to support like His Excellency. He is highly friendly and jovial and this made my communication with him easy.”
“… My initial tweet was to gift a pair of my product and meet him in person, this has been fulfilled I am greatly happy to see that His Excellency uses my product with joy and satisfaction… Once again thank you so much for your patronage @ProfOsinbajo I am most grateful”.
Presidential aides who facilitated the connection and support OJBest besides members of the VP’S media team included Dr. Ebi Awosika, the Senior Technical Assistant on Community Engagements and Mr. Tola Adekunle Johnson, the well known Presidential Assistant on MSMES.
Meanwhile, celebrating the feat, Nigerians on social media, appreciated the VP for taking the lead in the support of made in Nigerian products. He was commended for being supportive of Nigerian start-ups and generally the youth.
Omoniyi Adekunle wrote: “Mr Ojbest, congratulations on this ground breaking achievement. I’m also a Nigerian as you, kindly use this opportunity to tell our VP @ProfOsinbajo that I do Graphics and this is one of my creations”.
Another twitter user, Obaleye Jolayemi said “Leading by example. Use made in Nigeria”.
While congratulating him, S.G Olayemi said “Happy for him. My helper will locate me today. What about you?…”
Others specifically hailed the VP for being ambassador of the made in Nigeria and support the youth.”This is the what we are saying. I love the VP for practicing what he preaches. May God Prof Osinbajo, lover of youths”.
