Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says he believes Nigerian comedians are the funniest globally, urging skit comedians to use their huge social media followings to promote social good.

“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”, stated Mr Osinbajo.

He explained that the creativity and talents of Nigerian youths were enough reason to believe in the country’s future and build a new Nigeria that every Nigerian would be proud of.

“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,” explained the vice president. “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.”

He added, “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 (to) flourish.

On the support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime for the creative industry, Mr Osinbajo highlighted the work of the Technology and Creative Advisory group in shaping policies to encourage the growth of the sector, saying that engagement with skit comedians was important.

“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,” said Mr Osinbajo.

His media, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Wednesday, in Abuja, said the vice president stated this when some skit comedians visited him.

The delegation, which came under the Nigeria Skits Industry Awards (NSIA), was led by its promoter, Bimbo Daramola.

Others on the delegation were Maryam Apaokagi, popularly known as Taooma, Josh Alfred (Josh2funny), Ayo Ajewole (Woli Agba), Adebamiro Adeyanju (Mr Hyenana) and Adeoye Adeyemi Elesho (Yemi Elesho).

Everyone with a large following also has a responsibility to draw attention to social issues, Mr Osinbajo pointed out, adding that Mr Buhari’s regime will continue to create an enabling environment for the growth and development of youths in the country.

(NAN)