Seven Years After Kabba Helicopter Cr∆sh Involving Ex-Vice President Osinbajo, Akande Recalls Thankfully
Seven Years After Kabba Helicopter Crash Involving Ex-Vice President Osinbajo, Akande Recalls Thankfully
In a remembrance post on his official Instagram page on Monday, the former Vice President expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life during the harrowing incident.
Former presidential aide Laolu Akande has revisited the helicopter crash that involved then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his delegation seven years ago, describing it as a moment of divine protection and extraordinary courage.
In a reflective post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Akande recounted how the helicopter carrying Osinbajo and 11 others crash-landed in Kabba, Kogi State, on February 2, 2019, in the midst of the 2019 general election campaign.
He noted that all 12 occupants survived the incident, which occurred while they were traveling to a campaign engagement for the Buhari–Osinbajo re-election drive. Akande described their survival as a clear testament to God’s protection, repeatedly expressing his gratitude and praise.
He shared that he had written and posted a tweet just moments after the crash while seated in a bus arranged to transport the Vice President and his team to their next campaign stop.
The bus was later redirected to a hotel, where the delegation changed clothes and took a brief rest following the traumatic ordeal.
Akande also revealed that, despite the frightening incident, Osinbajo refused suggestions to suspend the day’s campaign activities. Instead, the then Vice President insisted on returning to the campaign trail within the hour, a decision Akande said demonstrated extraordinary courage and determination.
“He didn’t agree to suggestions that we should abandon the work and go and rest,” Akande wrote, noting that Osinbajo’s determination lifted the spirits of the entire team.
The former presidential aide also shared a personal reflection, revealing that his wife had reminded him that the date could have marked a somber anniversary had events turned out differently. He said the reminder deepened his gratitude for their lives being spared.
Akande concluded by thanking God for their preservation and urged others to join him in praise, describing the experience as a powerful testament to faith, resilience, and leadership under pressure.
The 2019 helicopter incident remains one of the most memorable moments of Nigeria’s election season, often cited as an example of Osinbajo’s composure and dedication during the campaign.
On Monday, Osinbajo reflected on surviving a helicopter crash in Kabba, Kogi State, seven years ago.
In a remembrance post on his official Instagram page on Monday, the former Vice President expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life during the harrowing incident.
“You have been faithful. More than just faithful. From my cradle days. Till this very hour. And I know You will. You will be with me. Till the very end,” he wrote.
“Ubangiji (Sovereign God). Yesu (Jesus). Nabaka godiya (I give You thanks). Sarkin duniya (The King of all the Earth). Nagode (Thank You). Are there grateful people in this house. Lift your hands and bless Him.”
“God of my journey, I remember how You saved us. I remember how You brought us out,” he added.
Thanking God for saving him and others on the chopper, he said, “7 years ago, You carried every one of us out of that helicopter crash without a single scrape. Not one life lost. Not one wound left behind. Only mercy. Only grace.
“Lord, we are deeply grateful. We give You all the glory, all the honor, and all the adoration. NAGODE!!!”
