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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Osinbajo narrates life-changing moment he chose to stop drinking alcohol

From The Punch · (3m ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo shared an anecdote about the moment he decided to stop drinking alcohol.
  • The incident occurred in Mogadishu, Somalia, where Osinbajo, then serving in a UN mission, encountered colleagues who hid their drinks upon seeing him, a "priest."
  • This encounter, which he perceived as a divine message, led him to abstain from alcohol, a decision he has maintained since.

Former Nigerian Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has offered a personal and light-hearted account of the pivotal moment that led him to cease consuming alcohol. In a video circulating on social media, Osinbajo, who has held a pastoral position, detailed how a seemingly ordinary encounter in Mogadishu, Somalia, profoundly influenced his decision.

I like my red wine once in a while, and then I like my beer.

— Yemi OsinbajoHe described his previous occasional consumption of alcohol.

Osinbajo explained that while he occasionally enjoyed red wine and beer, his perspective shifted during his service in the Justice Sector of the UN mission in Somalia. On a particular Sunday, after preaching at a fellowship, he was on his way to purchase two cans of Heineken to enjoy in his room while reading his Bible. However, upon entering a restaurant within the UN compound, he found several international colleagues drinking.

On this particular Sunday, I was coming back from the Fellowship where I had preached, and I was just hoping to buy two canned Heineken and go to my room and read my Bible.

— Yemi OsinbajoHe recounted the circumstances leading up to the pivotal encounter.

What struck Osinbajo was the immediate reaction of his colleagues, who quickly hid their drinks upon his arrival. He approached a Danish colleague, who explained their hesitation by saying, "You are the priest, and we can not be drinking around the priest." This statement resonated deeply with Osinbajo, who interpreted it as a divine message, reminding him of the biblical principle, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient."

You are the priest, and we can not be drinking around the priest.

— Danish colleagueThis statement from a colleague prompted Osinbajo's decision to stop drinking.

Since that day in Mogadishu, Osinbajo has completely abstained from alcohol. The anecdote has sparked varied reactions online, with many finding the story relatable and humorous, while others have used the occasion to reflect on his public image and past political roles. The narrative offers a glimpse into the personal convictions that have shaped his journey.

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient.

— Yemi OsinbajoHe referenced a biblical principle that influenced his decision.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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