Prof. Yemi Osinbajo's remarks at the 59th Independence Day Gala

"Today is a day that we celebrate our nation and its great people. We celebrate the sterling labors of our heroes past, the sacrifices of so many that have enabled us be this great nation that we are. We recognize that we are here because so many paid the price. And that we are going forward because many are still making the sacrifice.

But this evening I also want to share with you, something lighter but as important, one of the unique attributes of the Nigerian person. I have described it as the “Nigerian Swag”, that uniquely confident way that makes us stand out everywhere and in everything we do.

So, look at this sport called Bobsleigh, (points to image on the screen), they thought only white people could do this because it is a winter sport. If you don’t have winter and snow in your country you can’t be a bobsleigh champion.

Well so they thought until the Nigerians came. At the Winter Olympics in Pyeong Chang South Korea, three Nigerian girls. Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga were the first Africans in Bobsleigh at the Winter Olympics. They raced into history in style and they ended it with dance! How else would you know that they are Nigerians?

The World Cup came in May 2018, but well before the World Cup kicked off, we had started winning. When Nike released the design of our jersey called “Naija” in February 2018, 3million people pre-ordered the Jersey for $90 a piece online, and eventually thousands of people lined up to buy it. It sold out in the stores within hours.

The jersey was lit, so lit that we won the first prize for the best dressed team, Peru came second and Belgium came third.

And then there is Anthony Joshua, as far as we are concerned, the best boxer in the world, not only is he a heavy hitter but he could also pass for a model. So much Swag!"


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Oluyemi Oluleke “Yemi” Osinbajo is a Nigerian Lawyer and politician who is the current Vice President of Nigeria, in office since 29 May 2015.

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