Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has mourned shoe designer Omale Ojima popularly known as OJ Best.
His death was announced on Twitter on Sunday.
In a statement shared on Twitter on Monday, the VP described the deceased as one who was talented, creative and dedicated to his craft.
The tweet read: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the sudden death of Mr. Ojima Omale, aka OJBEST, 28, my young enterprising shoemaker and friend. Omale was CEO of O.J Best Footwears. He was talented, creative and dedicated to his craft.
“I never ceased to be impressed by his exertions for perfection in his products. I and many members of my team, for whom he also made shoes, will miss him, his services and unfailing good humour. Our thoughts are with his family as we pray that God will comfort them. May his memory remain blessed.”
In 2020, Prof. Osinbajo surprised OJ Best when he sent his aides to the shoe designer who said he would make footwear for the vice president.
Osinbajo, who had been at the forefront of promoting Nigerian-made products, bought a number of shoes from the entrepreneur.
He later invited OJ Best to Aso Rock where the designer took his measurements for the footwear.OJ Best had his experience with Osinbajo pinned on his Twitter page.
“I really cannot contain my joy in expressing this… this is a dream I never thought would happen,” he said.
“Words have failed me and I may not use the appropriate words but I really want to thank his Excellency @ProfOsinbajo for his patronage and support for ojbest footwear.”
OJ Best had described Osinbajo as a “humble, simple, highly friendly and jovial” person.
Osinbajo’s patronage also gave OJ Best a push. Soon, Senator Dino Melaye contacted the shoemaker for his own pair.
