Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that Nigerian comedians are the funniest in the world.
A statement by his spokesman, Laolu Akande on Wednesday, said Osinbajo spoke during a courtesy visit by a team of young skit-makers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“I don’t think that anybody anywhere is as funny as Nigerian comedians,” the VP said.
The delegation, which came under the aegis of the Nigeria Skits Industry Awards was led by its promoter, Bimbo Daramola.
Others on the delegation were Maryam Apaokagi aka Taaooma, Josh Alfred (Josh2funny), Ayo Ajewole (Woli Agba), Adebamiro Adeyanju (Mr Hyenana) and Adeoye Adeyemi Elesho (Yemi Elesho).
Speaking during the courtesy visit, Osinbajo said; “I strongly believe that what our young people are doing and what they are capable of is what will lead our country to where we are meant to be.
“The future is not tomorrow; it is already here and we can see it from just everything you are doing, the global acclaim that you are getting; young people like yourselves, doing something good.
“I think that we have incredible talent and we must do something about it, to enable these talents and we must ask ourselves questions on setting realistic goals that can enable these talents flourish. I must say that just based on the sheer creativity around this, I don’t think that anybody anywhere is as funny as Nigerian comedians.”
The Vice President also urged the young skit makers to use their large online followership for the good of the nation while pledging that the Federal Government would continue to create an enabling environment for the growth and development of youths in the country.
Osinbajo further intimated the group on the government’s efforts to boost the Nigerian entertainment sector via the Technology and Creative Advisory group which aims to shape policies to encourage the growth of the sector.
He said; “Why I think this engagement (with skit comedians) is important is because this is the way to go. Let us sit down and look at all the issues and come out with realistic positions that can then become policies, and what sort of support will be required.”