Osinbajo stated this at the opening of a photo exhibition to mark the 2018 Independence Day celebration in Abuja.
He noted the different phases in the country’s development, which he said were trying times for the nation.
“I am pleased to say on behalf of the Nigerian government and people that we have chosen to say that our history will not determine our future,” he said on Tuesday.
“Our history is the least that we can ever be; our future is much greater; our history is only a precursor to a greater Nigeria; a Nigeria that is prosperous, united and where all of us are treated fairly and justly.”
The Vice President explained that each phase of the nation’s history has tested the unity and integrity of the people of Nigeria.
He added that “The second is that we are reminded of the twists and turns of our history. The colonial phase, the independence, the first republic, the political crisis, the coups and countercoups, the civil war, the short restoration of civil rule and another military incursion and then civil rule since 1999.
“Each phase has tested our resolve to remain united, to maintain the integrity of the country known as Nigeria.
“Each phase has tested the commitment of our leaders to the Nigerian project; it has tested their ingenuity and their wisdom in navigating the frequently tortuous and turbulent waters of our national story.
“History could be a crutch; it could be an excuse for not doing as well as we could, or a strong shoulder to stand on. It could be a tyrant reminding us of how we got it wrong, or it could be a reminder that our future is greater than our history.”
The Photo Exhibition organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture is ahead of the nation’s independence anniversary on October 1.
It seeks to showcase Nigeria’s history, from the colonial era to the nation’s independence in 1960 and the various governance structures till date.
