COVID-19: WHEN WILL THE WORLD APOLOGIZE TO GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO?
By Abdullahi Haruna (Haruspice)
First off, this intervention is not to deny the existence of COVID-19 or the various efforts august scientific bodies and allied global organisations have been making through vaccine production and other means to help curtail the spread of the dreaded virus.

Yes, there's COVID-19 with its various variants, the latest being the Omicron, which was first discovered in South Africa, there is no doubt also that the virus that has been wreaking havoc on the world since last year when it was first discovered in Wuhan, China.

Due to the virulence of the virus and the way it spreads like wildfire, many economies of the world, from the global north to the global south, have been brought to their knees, companies grounded, families destroyed and scattered, there has been an increased in gender-based violence, increased depression rates and many more lamentable woes.

Like other countries of the world impacted negatively by the virus, Nigeria is no exception. The losses (more of material than human as there has been less fatality) the country has recorded since last year when the virus first reared its ugly head can only be imagined. Monies that should have been channeled into funding critical infrastructures and revitalizing the economy that's just recovering from two consecutive economic recessions within a space of two years were funneled into building isolation centres, laboratories and procuring vaccines to help combat the spread of the virus.

Of all the measures initially taken to help halt the spread of the virus, the nationwide lockdown and travel restrictions took a heavy toll on the country and Nigerians in general. While virtually every voice that mattered in the country spoke in support of the extreme measures emplaced by the Federal Government and other state governments without adequate provisions to cushion the deleterious effects of the lockdown, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, stood out, warning the country that the measures would rather exacerbate things than make life and living for Nigerians easier. Events have since proved him right.

Governor Bello, unmindful of the loss in socio-political capital his stance could cost him, spoke vehemently against the lockdown and the politics behind it. He refused to lock down his state. The naysayers waited in bated breath thinking Kogi would be the epicentre of the virus and its attendant mortality. Alas, the state suffered less economic ruin and Kogites never dropped dead in droves as pro-COVID-19 propagandists had wanted it to be so they could poke fun at the Governor and make him a butt of their pernicious jokes.

Aside from grinding the country to a halt and also paralyzing its economy with a multitude of job losses and a significant drop in revenue to the nation's coffers because crude oil sale, the mainstay of the nation's economy, experienced serious fluctuations in the global oil market, the lockdown also heightened the climate of insecurity in the country as criminals took charge of the lacuna resulting from the forced lockdown to perpetrate all manners of crime against the people.

In retrospect, the incalculable damage #EndSARS hoodlums inflicted on the country might not have happened had we listened to Governor Bello who argued passionately against the lockdown, insisting that there is more to the politics behind the virus and the lockdown than meets the eyes. Again, events have proved him correctly to be a man of foresight and clarity.

As a man imbued with vision and clarity of purpose, Nigerians will recall that Governor Bello had cautioned that COVID-19 should be handled like most other ailments on case-by-case management, arguing that the hysteria woven around the virus was borne out of fear fueled by some powerful forces whose agenda is to make profit capitalizing on the predicament of the people. So far, events have continued to prove the Governor right when due cognizance is taken of COVID-19 vaccine production, distribution and even efficacy.

While it's not the intent of this article to discourage anyone from taking the COVID-19 vaccine or to water down its significance, it is pertinent to also listen to those who have a contrary view to the general and popular view. There have been cases of those who have been vaccinated twice contracting the virus again. Fatalities have also been recorded in this instance, raising some curiosity over the overall efficacy of the vaccines. Already, there's an ongoing campaign that those who have been vaccinated twice should also take a booster shot to help fortify their immunity against their virus. Evidently, this is a try and error thing. It's no full proof.

In a video that has now gone viral, the U.S Vice President, Kamala Harris, was heard lamenting about the vaccines and their potency. She complained that some folks who had been vaccinated twice contracted the virus resulting in fatalities in some cases. There is no scientific explanation yet to help put this in proper perspective.

Take a look at the gang-up against Africa by the superpowers of the world in terms of vaccine supply to the continent. Africa is being shortchanged with nothing being done to reverse the ugly trend despite the outcry of prominent figures like the AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, calling for more supply of the vaccines to the continent. Does this gang-up not validate the theory of Governor Bello that there is more to the politics behind the virus than what is obvious to the public?

One is even tempted to believe that the latest travel restrictions on Nigeria imposed by the UK, US, Belgium and others because of the latest variant of COVID-19 - omicron, is a tool to further decimate the economy of the country which ultimately will render a vast majority of the people economically vulnerable and thus prompt the leaders with arms akimbo looking up to the West for financial succour from their financial multilateral institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Based on the foregoing, it is safe to call on those called Governor Bello unprintable names in the past because of his principled stance against the opaque politics surrounding COVID-19 to tender him an unreserved apology as chains of events over time have validated the doubts, he raised about some of the extreme spontaneous measures taken in the past to halt the spread of the virus. There's a lesson therein for everyone to learn from too: never ignore or pooh-pooh those who raise a contrary opinion or view about a popular view.
By Abdullahi O. Haruna (Haruspice)

*Youth Corp Members, A Ready Army That Can Lead Advocacy Against Drug Abuse - Youth Minister*


The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has advocated the drafting of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) into the fight against drug abuse in the country.

Speaking Monday evening at the launch of the National Drugs Control Master Plan (NDCMP), 2021- 2025 by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Minister stated that the 320,000 strong Corp members that serve the nation annually are a ready army that can be deployed in the fight against drug abuse, charging the NDLEA and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to look in that direction.

"One of the greatest problems we have seen in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development is the menace of drug abuse amongst our Youth. In different urban centres from Lagos to Port-Harcourt to Kano, you just need to visit a few of the hidden rehab centres. You'll see young men between the ages of 18 and 34, who otherwise should be at the cutting edge of technology, providing solutions to our problems, developing apps for this country, completely almost running berserk", the Minister lamented.

"Like several other countries, Nigeria's future is imperiled unless it does something to halt the use of illicit drugs and its devastating effect on our younger population. Now, that is why the launch of this Masterplan today, and the work done by various development partners is of major significance for us here as a country, and also for me, as Minister of Youth and Sports Development".

"The issues are diverse, we talk about use of illicit drugs, we talk about sub-standard drugs but our utmost concern is how we can take our Youth out of this hole, they've found themselves. We need an army that will create awareness about the dangers, that will create education about alternatives, I look up here and I see the NYSC members. That is the single largest concentration of Youth in our country. Year in, Year out, 320,000 of them serve our country. It is pertinent to fashion out a template that would right from the first day they get into camp, and throughout their service year turn them into foot-soldiers, an army that will carry the message against illicit drugs use out there", Dare emphasised.

On the predilection of some Youth to illicit drug use, the Minister affirmed the need to interrogate reasons for the vice, listing factors such as low self-esteem, peer pressure, frustration, depression, unemployment and disappointment as causative agents. He added that with high number of jobless youth coupled with crippling poverty, slide to drugs use might be a way of seeking temporary reprieve.

"Because Government is mindful of these factors, that is why it is providing opportunities for Youth to thrive, that is why a slew of youth focused programmes have been put in place and will be upscaled to make sure that we accelerate the number of Youth that we can place on the path of entrepreneurship, that we can support their education, that we can give the relevant digital skills training that they need to compete in a 21st century World, Dare added.

The Minister expressed the commitment of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to explore areas of partnership with the NDLEA to ensure the Masterplan has a far-reaching impact on reducing the menace of drug abuse amongst Youth across the country.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

*WHY WE SHOULD LEVERAGE MORE TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS, INTELLIGENCE COLLABORATION TO ADDRESS SECURITY CHALLENGES, BY OSINBAJO*

*Adds: President Buhari investing more in security

*Urges enhanced synergy between security, intelligence agencies



In order to improve the nation’s security architecture in line with global standards and more effectively tackle challenges nationwide, the Buhari administration is asking security agencies to leverage more technology-driven solutions and intelligence-driven collaboration, as the Federal Government is investing more in the sector.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this today at the graduation ceremony of participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 14 at the National Institute for Security Studies, Bwari, Abuja.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, President Buhari “has emphasized an approach that leverages inter-agency collaboration, joint operations, technology-driven enablers and the optimization of existing capabilities to avoid duplication of resources and expenditure.”

The Vice President also noted the investments made and initiatives taken by the Administration to beef up the nation’s security architecture and protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

He said, “in May this year, arising from our deliberations in the National Security Council, the President established the Committee on Needs Assessment of National Security Requirements, which he tasked me to chair with the mandate of assessing the needs of the Defence, Security and Intelligence Agencies in the light of the current challenges and recommend options for containment. The President personally handpicked the membership of the Committee which had representation from the military, the police and the security and intelligence community.

“As a result of our work, the President signed a supplementary budget of N802 billion for the military, security and intelligence agencies. This was in keeping with his commitment since the outset of this administration to ensure that those charged with keeping Nigerians safe are adequately equipped for the job.”

In his speech, the VP then identified some major challenges in the security environment, such as the global dimensions to local security, country size and the challenge of covering extensive terrain, the availability and use of technology by criminal and terrorist individuals and groups, and inter-agency coordination.

However, he emphasized, in addition to improving the capacity of security agencies and intelligence, the importance of technology-driven solutions, in addressing the nation’s security challenges.

The VP explained that it is also "clear that we cannot secure or police a country of this size with human assets alone. We must, therefore, leverage technology.

"At a time when national resources are stretched thin, we have to come up with technology-driven solutions to addressing our security needs - whether we are discussing the policing of our borders or surveillance and reconnaissance programmes aimed at identifying criminal elements within our coastal waters, or locating terrorists hiding within the general population.”

Highlighting the impact of technology on enhancing security and cyber intelligence, the Vice President said, “When applied creatively, technology can be a force multiplier, amplifying our potential and capacity to effectively secure our territory. It is not enough to know that we should deploy technology for surveillance and combat.”

“We must become much smarter in the deployment of Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tools to compensate for the human resource deficits within our security establishment.

In the same vein, the VP urged the nation’s security and intelligence agencies to reinvent itself and adopt a more empirical and data-driven institutional culture defined by analytical and forensic rigour, while also emphasizing on inter-agency collaboration and synergy.

The Vice President added that leveraging technology, critical thinking and a more strategic approach to intelligence gathering would further help to address security threats.

For instance, Prof. Osinbajo urged the adoption of cutting-edge technology to tackle security challenges and threats. “Our intelligence services must be proactive rather than reactive, ahead of the curve rather than behind it. Threats must be identified and addressed well before they evolve into manifest perils,” he stated.

He further said, “The business of intelligence necessarily entails the capacity to expect the unexpected and to foresee the impact of unintended consequences and Black Swan events - that is unpredictable events that are beyond what is normally expected of a situation and have potentially severe consequences.”

The VP mentioned the use of “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Edge Computing, Quantum Computing, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), 5G.”

Speaking further, the VP urged the Course graduands from the National Institute on Security Studies that they must “not only know about these technologies, but also develop the expertise, even for writing the algorithms and codes for intelligent equipment.”

He disclosed that it was in recognition of the strategic value of the Institute that President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 elevated it to the status of a “National Institute” by consenting to the bill establishing it.

Prof. Osinbajo praised the great foresight of the Institute’s founding fathers in establishing a “place of learning and research of this calibre to equip members of the security and intelligence community.”

While the VP noted the complexities of security challenges in today’s world, he added that security personnel are “functioning at the most advanced moment in human history,” so are better equipped and better resourced than before.

“In any event, it has fallen on you to be the generation of security and intelligence practitioners that will marshal Nigeria's responses to the variety of threats that confront us. There is no doubt that in marshalling these responses, we must be smarter and more imaginative,” he stated.

According to the VP, the "threat environment that you are tasked with engaging is not the same threat environment that existed just a decade ago. In strategic national security terms, we must recognize that it is a new day and it is a new age. And we must be prepared to deal with new and lethal weapons coming on stream today."

The use of technology-driven solutions, the VP stated, would not only further address security complexities, but also checkmate the way “it has also empowered criminal non-state actors, with capabilities that just decades ago could only be exercised by nation- states.”

“For example, look at the various criminal and terrorist possibilities on the so-called Dark Web - a virtual underworld that hosts a global illicit economy and has proven difficult for state actors to infiltrate. Within this underground cyber universe, transactions around illicit drugs, weapons, child trafficking and even weapons of mass destruction are being conducted,” he said.

Congratulating the Board of the Institute and Course 14 graduands for also setting new standards of scholarship, excellence and creativity, the VP said the graduands could now be considered as “the crème de la crème of our security and intelligence services.”

Prof. Osinbajo said, “you represent the emergent leadership elite of this crucial arm of our defence and security infrastructure. What you know or do not know is what our defence architecture knows or does not know… The burden of responsibility you carry is an enormous one, because it literally is one of life and death. Your task is made more challenging because we exist today in a profoundly complex, and often volatile geo-strategic environment.”

Shortly after his speech at the NISS, the Vice President proceeded to Bida, in Niger State, to honour the invitation of the Bida Emirate to grace the turbaning ceremony of some eminent persons.

Also present at the NISS event was the First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, several First Ladies from the States, Federal Ministers of the FCT and Women Affairs: Muhammed Musa Bello and Dame Pauline Tallen respectively. There were other eminent Nigerians and top functionaries from the Executive and Legislative arms of government, including the Director-General of the Directorate of State Security Services, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, and other officials.


‘Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
4th December, 2021

*Dangote Group Hands Over Rehabilitated Moshood Abiola Stadium Pitch, Digital Score-Boards To Sports Ministry*

*_Pitch now has World's most modern Paspalum grass_


The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development today formally received the rehabilitated Moshood Abiola Stadium pitch and Digital Score-boards from the Dangote Industries Group (DIG) that revived it after years of neglect under the “Adopt-a-pitch" initiative of the Honourable Minister, Sunday Dare.

In his remarks, as the representative of the Chairman of Dangote Industries Group(DIG), Aliko Dangote, the Executive Director, Stakeholder Management and Corporate Communications of the Group, Alh. Mansur Ahmed, stated that the formal hand-over of the rehabilitated pitch is a testimony of the commitment of the company to sports development and supporting Football – a foremost sports, Nigerians are passionate about.

“As we all know, Nigerian players are international but until now, we don’t have an international standard facility and our commitment is to work with the Ministry to make sure that this particular facility remains of international standard. We are therefore happy to contribute by this renovation, and by the arrangement to maintain it for the next two years", Mr. Ahmed added.

The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Ismaila Abubakar lauded the Dangote Group for believing in the vision of the Minister and the Ministry, and exemplifying a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) that works. He restated the commitment of the Ministry to ensure that the new facility is put to productive use and properly maintained.

In his submission, the Special Adviser to the President on Sports, a former Nigerian International, Daniel Amokachi showered encomiums on the Minister for his foresight in thinking out of the box to fix the dilapidated pitch. He charged the Dangote Group to consider extending the period of maintenance beyond 2 years, stating that after expending $1m to renovate the facility, long-term maintenance is paramount.

Whilst receiving the formal handover documents from the Executive Director, Projects, Aron Nigeria Ltd,  Soji Adeniji - the contractor handling the project, the Minister lauded the contractor and the  Dangote Group for completing the project in record time, despite constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“By the words of the experts here and those that have toured the facility, we have the latest grass here - Paspalum grass, one of the best, when we talk about football pitches across the World. Something exactly similar to what we have in Qatar, that will be used for the World Cup next year.

“We thank Alh. Aliko Dangote for opening his doors to us, and accepting to adopt the Moshood Abiola Stadium when we came up with our 'Adopt-a-Pitch' proposal. We salute his commitment that culminated in the completion of the project today, inclusive of maintenance for at least two years," Dare emphasised.

The renovated pitch, aside from the new Digital Score-boards, has a nursery being cultivated to produce fresh grass to replace withered ones when necessary, and sprinklers to keep the grass lush green all year round.

Only a few months ago, the President of the World Soccer Governing Body, FIFA, Gianni Infantino, while on a visit to the Stadium, commended the quality of the new pitch and promised to facilitate the hosting of international matches on it.

The coach of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, Randy Waldrum also visited the stadium last week and requested the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) to move all the home games of the team to the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*VP HARPS ON UNITY AS BUHARI/OSINBAJO SUPPORT GROUP COMMENDS HIS “EXCELLENCE, HUMILITY & DEDICATION TO DUTY”*




Many of the security challenges in the country will be resolved in due course and this country will be stronger and greater.

This was the declaration by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, while receiving on a courtesy call, the Muhammadu Buhari Osinbajo (MBO) Dynamic Support Group, today at the Presidential Villa.

“A lot of the security challenges we see today, in due course, will be resolved and this country will be stronger and greater.

“We must never relent in ensuring that we keep to the ideals of the country and we don’t lose sight of what we are trying to achieve here.”

“Mr President has always remained steadfast and focused on resolving the problems of the country beginning with security… he is a steady hand, he is unflappable, he is not panicky, he is focused and looking at the security issues every day, and trying to advance the best possible solutions,” the VP observed.

Welcoming the group, Prof. Osinbajo commended support from stakeholders outside government such as the MBO Dynamic Support Group.

His words: “I think that it is important for us to recognize that when different kinds of challenges are being faced, the government itself requires support and help from support groups, friends, colleagues, and others committed to the ideals of the administration.”

He stressed the need for the country to remain united, noting that, “people who suggest that the country breaks up, whatever may be the reason for their views, are certainly not correct and we must say so to them at every turn.

“The unity of this country is important for all of the different ethnicities, religions, everybody. Whatever the group or ideology, unity is important for every one of us.

He said it is wrong “for a country that is the largest economy in Africa and definitely going to be one of the largest economies in the world, to start thinking in terms of fragmenting itself. If you fragment, the problems are going to multiply, poverty will multiply.”

Earlier, the leader of the MBO Dynamic Support Group, Hon. Usman Ibrahim, praised Prof. Osinbajo’s commitment and leadership in promoting a united Nigeria and for the development of the country. According to him, “your performance in office is a guide to us, your excellence, humility, loyalty, industry, professionalism and your dedication to duty.”

Ibrahim pledged the loyalty and support of members of the group for the actualization of the objectives of the Buhari administration.

He said, “we appreciate you for your sacrifices, and commitment to the actualization of the Next Level Agenda especially your commitment towards improving the welfare of the downtrodden of this country through the platform of Tradermoni, Marketmoni, and others, irrespective of political, tribal or religious affiliation.

The MBO briefed the VP about the forthcoming launch of a compendium showcasing the achievements of the Buhari administration across different sectors, so far.



*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*2nd December 2021*

North Central Renaissance Movement(NCRM) Penultimate World Press Alert.


20:00 Hours 24/11/2021
ABUJA,NIGERIA.



ANOTHER ELECTION, ANOTHER CONSPIRACY - THE DISHEARTENING MOVES BY THE PDP, THE APC AND OTHER POLITICAL PARTIES TO EXCLUDE THE NORTH CENTRAL FROM THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL RACE

The North Central Renaissance Movement (NCRM) wishes to decry in the strongest terms possible the very apparent moves by the political parties to exclude the North Central Geopolitical Zone from the starting line-up for the 2023 Presidential race.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has led the pack by ensuring the Chairmanship of the Party is zoned to the North Central and then going ahead to produce as her National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, one of our highly respected elders who is himself eminently qualified to run for President in 2023.

In essence, the PDP has zoned out the North Central from her 2023 presidential line up. No amount of spin will change this and we feel highly disappointed as we consider it a rape of our aspirations to produce a President of North Central extraction for Nigeria.

Sadly, indications and insider information are fully agreed that the Governing All Progressives Congress (APC) is going to toe the PDP's line in this regard by domiciling her National Chairmanship seat in the North Central to pave way for the presidential candidate to emerge from a more deserving geopolitical zone. This would be a further demonstration of scalding disregard for the feelings of the North Central and her people and we urge the Governing Party to reconsider to avoid passing the wrong information to her teeming supporters across our region.

The NCRM has provided Nigeria with the statistics to show that the North Central is the most marginalised geopolitical zone of all in Nigeria since independence in terms of access and occupation of the nation's two top jobs in all the four republics, or democratic dispensations we have had so far.

We have travelled extensively over the last quarter of a year and consulted widely with sitting and past leaders, including Presidents, National and State legislators, leaders of political parties, civil society, Religious leaders, Royal Fathers,eminent personalities, and all manners of stakeholders in the Nigerian project, especially those from the North Central on these matters.

Upon reviewing the figures, practically all of our hosts agreed with us that fairness, equity and justice in Nigeria would be much served if the next President is from the North Central. We shall be making a full press release on our consultations, interactions and conclusions within the next week.

We therefore urge the ruling APC, her National Leader President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR and other leaders to lead with fairness, equity and justice by not summarily benching the hopes of the United middle belt nationalities to participate leading this country in a democracy for another 16 years at least.

For the records, our agitations are not in competition with those of the South East Geopolitical Zone which, like us, is yet to produce the President or Vice President of Nigeria since 1999. Inasmuch as the SE has the consolation price of having produced a Vice President in the 2nd Republic, our claims remain complementary to hers and we do hope the rest of Nigeria will give both regions a chance.

Dear Mr President,
By
Haruspice

Your greatest achievement thus far is infrastructure, even the blind can see how you have revolutionized that sector of governance. Posterity awaits you in pleasurable reference -but let me sincerely advise you as one of your sincere and unapologetic supporters, DO NOT REMOVE PMS SUBSIDY NOW!

You can't do everything as president, let others do what you couldn't do, It's allowed in life. The time and season we find ourselves in today aren't ripe for this proposal by people who think the poor are not humans. The proposed N5000 as palliative cannot address the hardship faced by the poor who massively voted for you. The time had been very hard occasioned by Covid 19 and insecurity. Families are facing hardship as cost of living has dangerously gone up. Let's not add to this sir.

Those proposing the total removal of petroleum subsidy didn't enter the rain and the sun to canvass votes for you, the poor who will bear the pang, did. Therefore, don't allow these agents of western interests push you into impoverishing the masses. This proposal is satanic, harsh and ill-timed!

Listen to the Chinese whose advice has fetched the giant gains in our rail infrastructure. Without giving you any condition, they helped to resuscitate our rail sector, improved our health system and helped to rebuild our roads. This country should be our ally and not those who stifle us with their policies that had always failed. Remember these same western powers forced you to devalue the naira and the result is the total mess our naira is today.

Mr President let whoever come after you heed the advice of IMF, eget why!
Frankly musing

*Statehouse Press Release*

_*ENGAGING WITH THE PEOPLE & THEIR NEEDS REMAIN OUR MAJOR CONCERN, OSINBAJO SAYS*_

_**Outgoing UN Resident Coordinator to President, VP: I am impressed with your leadership*_

_**Retired Generals tasked with defence & armed forces reform visit VP for counsel*_


For those fortunate enough to be elected to lead the people, engaging with them is not only an important concern but an aspiration.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN said this yesterday during a farewell courtesy call at the Presidential Villa by the outgoing United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon.

Before that, members of a Presidential Defence Reform Committee had interacted on Wednesday with the Vice President, briefing him on the progress so far made by the Committee which has now reached the implementation stage in the reform process.

The Committee including its Chairman, retired Major-General A.J Kazir who led the delegation is composed of several former military chiefs including retired Lt. Generals C.I Obiakor, L.O Adeosun, A.F.K Akale, retired Major-Generals L.P Ngubane, A.T Jibrin, S. Wali, retired Brigadier-Generals J.N Temlong, retired Rear Admiral J.A Ajani, and Group Captain S.G Shehu, among others.

In his meeting with the outgoing UN top official in Nigeria, Prof. Osinbajo stated that “constant engagement on issues of justice, peace, security, and social contract cannot be let to fall through the cracks, these are critical issues.

“You cannot avoid engaging with the people (there is need to engage) in such a way that you are trusted, and on an ongoing basis, people (should) see that you are committed enough to their concerns.

“People must feel that government is committed to their welfare, security and especially on issues of healthcare and education of their children. So, a social compact is crucial. As a matter of fact, it is both a current concern and aspiration for those of us who have been fortunate to be elected into positions in government and in the politics of our country.”

The UN Resident Coordinator had raised with the VP the issue of the importance of a social contract between the people and their government while recounting his experience during his more than five years stay in Nigeria, adding that maintaining peace and security is crucial.

Prof. Osinbajo also commended the support and partnership of development partners particularly under the auspices of the United Nations system, coordinated by Mr Kallon over the years, noting that “we certainly enjoyed the work that you did as UN Resident Coordinator for Nigeria for the past few years”.

Recalling some of the efforts of Mr Kallon, Prof. Osinbajo said “practically, on every occasion where we have had to look at serious issues, you have been available which I think is very important.

“We found that you were very hands-on, you were everywhere, you attended major meetings that we have had and you were all over the country.

“Your being available and ready to engage is really commendable and very helpful for us as a government. It also gave you a clear insight to what the issues are and it made your presentations to the UN system clearer and more nuanced.”

On his part, Mr Kallon thanked the President and the Vice President for the support he enjoyed during his tenure as Coordinator of the UN in Nigeria, especially in addressing some of the concerns around humanitarian assistance.

He praised Nigeria’s COVID-19 response dubbing it a miracle, and commended the Vice President’s personal commitment and leadership of the economic recovery initiative, noting that “I am really impressed with your leadership in addressing the impact of COVID-19 in Nigeria.”

Mr Kallon said Nigeria’s efforts remain a model as to how a well-coordinated national response can deliver positive results and urged government to explore opportunities in the country as well as creatively manage the risks therein.

“While the government continues exploring the vast opportunities in this country, it is also critical that this great nation manages its risks in a sustainable way to ensure peace security, and stability,” the UN Resident Coordinator added.

At the previous interaction with the Defence Reform Committee, the Vice President observed that "the choice of Committee members is wise and informed, because your experience is what is required. You are clearly the ones who can tell us this is what to do."

According to the Committee Chairman, rtd. General Kazir, " the purpose of our visit is to appraise you of the work we have done so far and seek your counsel for a seamless implementation."

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
November 25, 2021

*Statehouse Press Release*

*ACADEMIC RESEARCH GIVES UNIVERSITIES GLOBAL ACCLAIM — OSINBAJO*

Higher institutions become globally recognized because of their active engagements in research according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof Osinbajo stated this today when he received a delegation from the University of Lagos, (UNILAG) Alumni Association, led by the National President, Dr John Momoh.

He said, “we should focus on how to endow research because ultimately, research is what puts us on the world map of intellectual achievement and attainment.”

Speaking on UNILAG specifically, he made the call for more resources to be devoted to research, adding that universities like UNILAG, "ought to be at the frontline of scholarships and intellectual achievements. This is probably a lot cheaper sometimes, than some of the major things that we do in terms of ‘brick and mortar’.”

Referencing the COVID-19 Pandemic and the place of medical research in tackling the virus, the Vice President stated that, “if you look at medical research especially in the light of public health challenges that we have had, COVID-19, and so many things going on, we need to be able to put some resources behind research, especially scientific type research where we can immediately see the benefits.”

He gave the example of the work done by the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) in diagnosing the first case of COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa.

“Very few people know that the Redeemers University in Ede has an African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID). As soon as the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa, the sample of blood was sent to the centre in Ede and within 48hours, they were able to share with the international community, the first genome sequence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from Africa.

“That was a major achievement by any standard. The World Bank and World Health Organisation are contributing to that centre because they realize that this is a major centre for medical research.”

According to the VP, “we really owe a responsibility to our own time and generation to make some real progress that will redefine the university.

In his remarks, Dr Momoh who is also the Chairman of Channels TV, thanked the VP for his continued support and gave details of the association’s plan to build an iconic 500-bed space hostel to tackle the housing deficit in UNILAG as well as the launch of a webinar starting in January 2022 tagged - UnilagAlumniLive TV.

The webinar plans to feature distinguished alumni in governance and industry who would speak on different topics relevant to the nation.

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
22nd of November 2021

*Statehouse Press Release*

*WHY WE MUST ADDRESS SLOW JUDICIAL PROCESS, BY OSINBAJO*

_**VP describes Wole Olanipekun at 70, one of the Commonwealth's most influential lawyers_

As a matter of urgency, the Nigerian judiciary must address the issue of delays in processing cases through the courts, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo, who had addressed the issue on previous occasions, restated his position again on Friday when he chaired a Wole Olanipekun & Co., WOC, Justice Summit on Justice Sector Reforms in celebration of the 70th birthday of Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, in Lagos.

Describing the issue of delays in the judicial process as the ‘elephant in the room’, the VP wondered what would happen to the country’s legal profession in “another 50 years given the gridlock in processing cases through the courts and the question of the integrity of the legal process, or better still, the integrity of actors in the legal process in Nigeria.”

Highlighting delays in Nigerian courts, the Vice President recalled “how the UK Court of Appeal had occasion to comment in the case of (IPCO v. NNPC [2015] EWCA Civ 1144) where a challenge to the enforcement of a Nigerian seated arbitration tribunal award came before the English Court of Appeal.”

The VP explained that “the court referred to the delays in the parallel proceedings before a Nigerian Court as catastrophic and that it could take a further 30 years to resolve.”

"Incidentally, the expert witness who testified on delays in the Nigerian Courts was a former Justice of the Supreme Court who testified that a case could take 20 to 30 years to resolve in a Nigerian Court," the VP stated.

Prof. Osinbajo urged for further engagements by stakeholders on the integrity of the legal process and its key actors, particularly judges and lawyers towards proffering solutions to the challenge of delay in court processes.

“I look forward to the conversations we will have today, and may I suggest as rules of the house, that we focus on practical, and implementable ideas, not a rehash of the problems. We are all experts at knowing the problem.”

The Vice President described the celebrant, Chief Olanipekun, “as one of the most consequential and influential lawyers in the commonwealth”, adding that beyond his accolades and achievements, he has impacted many lives through his kindness, philanthropy and faith.

Thanking God for giving the legal luminary “an ever-youthful physique and disposition, Prof. Osinbajo said, “Chief Olanipekun's great intellect, mastery of the law, its substance and its technicalities, his incredible ability to get to the heart of the matter and to let whole panels of judges see his sometimes daring points; his disarming wit and humour, his sometimes lyrical and poetic submissions, quoting from the classics and the Scriptures, make him easily one of the most outstanding minds in the legal profession in this or any other generation.

“But I am sure that what must give him as much, if not more satisfaction, as his accomplishments in the legal profession is how he has affected the lives of hundreds, who cannot repay him for his kindness, his many charities and philanthropies and his several contributions to the growth and reach of the gospel.”

On his part, the celebrant, Chief Olanipekun, SAN, said the Justice Summit organized by his law firm is among his modest contributions to the advancement of the justice delivery system in Nigeria, noting that the thorny issue of integrity and the urgent need for reforms in the sector, remain worrisome and should be of concern to stakeholders.

He urged speakers and participants at the event not to relent in their efforts in ensuring reform of the judiciary, maintaining that the progress sought by society is largely tied to justice and equity.

Panelists at the event included the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Prof. Olarenwaju Fagbohun, who delivered the keynote address on the theme “Implementing Justice Sector Reforms", the Chief Judge of Borno State, Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah who spoke on “Entrenching Integrity of Processes in Judicial Appointments”, while a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Paul Galumje spoke on “Entrenching Integrity of Processes in Judicial Reforms”.

Others were Human Rights Lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, who spoke on “Political Influence on Judicial Appointments”; former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr Abubakar Mahmud, SAN, who spoke on “How to balance diversity, gender, inclusion and merit in judicial appointments”, and Mrs Funke Adekoya, SAN, spoke about “Essential collaborations for successful implementation of justice sector reforms." There was also a non-lawyer contributor at the WOC Justice Summit, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika who spoke on the “Implications of judicial reforms on public trust.”

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
20th November 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

WE ‘LL BOOST PRODUCTIVITY, VALUE ADDITION IN AGRIC, OTHER SECTORS TO GROW ECONOMY, CREATE MORE JOBS- OSINBAJO


The Nigerian economy is set for effective growth and job creation with a renewed focus on digital economy, significant value addition in agriculture, other sectors including oil & gas, while boosting productivity generally.

There would also be specific attention to review trade policies that are rather too broad and expand the supply sides in revenues, foreign exchange, and electricity.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, made these disclosures on Monday during a virtual interaction at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Country Strategy Dialogue on Nigeria.

According to the VP, “the cornerstone of our strategy is boosting productivity by focusing on value addition as the guiding principle for all sectors, especially agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, digital services, tourism, hospitality, and entertainment.”

The WEF Dialogue series held in select countries is aimed at promoting productive conversations about key axes of growth and investment.

It would be recalled that the ESP, which was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari on June 24, 2020, was developed by the Economic Sustainability Committee chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, who the President also asked to lead its implementation. Through the implementation of the ESP, about 2 million jobs have been created and saved.

In agriculture, Prof. Osinbajo explained that “just as we seek to increase production of rice, we are paying equal attention to other parts of the value chain such as storage, transportation, processing and marketing.

“Part of the whole idea of getting the orientation right is to align our policy orientation in order to achieve the objectives of the new strategic direction. One key thing in terms of getting the orientation right is jobs creation. The basic question with every programme and policy of government is how many jobs, direct and indirect, will this create.”

Continuing, the VP said “we are also looking at reciprocity for incentives, we have a very robust incentive regime but we think it’s time to really look at reciprocity. What jobs are created? Where is the value addition in return for these fiscal and other incentives?”

The Vice President then noted that loosening restrictions on trade is another issue of concern. According to him “it is important to loosen generalized restrictions on trade and focus instead on allowing imports of goods to which value can be added before domestic consumption or exportation.”

Explaining areas where attention should be focused on supply-side issues, the VP said “stopping resort to demand management as the first policy option, and we think a post-COVID-19 policy reorientation requires moving away from a strategy of managing limited supplies to one of expanding the supply base for example in foreign exchange, government revenues, electricity, and petroleum products.”

On electricity, Prof. Osinbajo explained that rather than expending energy on managing the distribution of 5000MW that is currently being transmitted through the National Grid, “the focus must be on increasing the supply of electricity including through allowing mini-grids, pushing solar power connections and allowing integrated power companies to emerge.”

The Vice President identified digital economy as an area that is “big for us and the next couple of years, and we are focusing on it.” His words: “first through getting additional funding, we have a $600million Innovation Fund with the African Development Bank which we hope will really energize the industry.

“Nigeria has 6-7 Unicorns and all came between 2016 and now, in the middle of two recessions. It does show you how much energy and how much traction the whole technology space is gaining.”

Speaking on the new National Development Plan, Prof. Osinbajo noted that the new strategic direction will enable the country to achieve a GDP growth rate that is higher than the rate of growth of the population and enable more social inclusion.

According to the VP, “three broad objectives of our post-COVID-19 development strategy; the first is to overcome the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the second is to achieve a GDP growth rate that is higher than the rate of growth of population and the third broad objective is to enable more social inclusion.”

Prof. Osinbajo noted that in monetary policy terms “a key issue is the availability and cost of accessing foreign exchange. It would also be important, in my view, to increase foreign exchange inflows into the economy.

“We think a focus on supply, as opposed to demand management, is the way that this should go. We think that we will be able to persuade the Central Bank of Nigeria regarding our preferred approach to this,” he added.

Later during a Question-and-Answer Session, Prof. Osinbajo explained the Buhari administration’s policy on addressing unemployment, health insurance and Climate Change, among others.

He said “the principal focus of our National Development Plan is to ask the question, how many jobs will this create? We are focused on creating jobs as a matter of policy.”

On Health Insurance, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “we have a new health reform plan and one of the central issues is universal health insurance. We don’t have compulsory health insurance now but a critical part in the new policy will be compulsory health insurance. We believe health insurance is the way to fund healthcare in a country as large as ours.”

In its introductory report on the Strategy Dialogue on Nigeria, the World Economic Forum noted the response of the Federal Government to the economic fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic saying, “the Nigerian government reacted swiftly with a COVID-19 Crisis Intervention Fund and a stimulus package of N2.3 Trillion as part of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP)” which boosted its economic growth and helped the country exit recession.

Participants at the event were Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning of Nigeria, Hajia Zainab Ahmed; Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Mariam Katagum; and the Managing Director/CEO, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Mr. Uche Orji.

Others were the President, World Economic Forum, Børge Brende; Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Agility, Kuwait, Tarek Sultan Al Essa; Chairman, Seplat Petroleum, Nigeria, Ambrosie Chukwueloka Orjiako; Chairman, Zenith Bank, Nigeria, Mr. Jim Ovia; President, Islamic Development Bank, Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser; and the Chair, Prudential, United Kingdom, Shriti Vadera.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
16th November 2021

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*OSINBAJO TO NIGERIAN EXPORTERS: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AfCFTA*

_*We are moving quickly away from dependence on oil—VP_

_*FG pushing reforms to grow exports_

The Federal Government will continue to support Nigerian exporters through its various agencies bringing about necessary reforms to boost the growth of the country’s non-oil exports, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo also urged exporters to take advantage of opportunities for growth in the African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.

The Vice President stated this on Wednesday when he received at the Presidential Villa, a delegation of major agro-exporters in the country. The delegation came with the CEO/Executive Director of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mr. Segun Awolowo who formally developed a Zero-Oil Plan designed to move Nigeria away from being an oil-dependent economy.

Highlighting the approval of the National Development Plan on Wednesday by the Federal Executive Council, the VP stated that “one of the major components of that Plan is that we are trying to move away as much as possible from our dependence on oil and gas proceeds as our major sources of foreign exchange. You have seen a trend towards that in revenue figures.”

He further said, “we believe attention needs to be paid to exports generally. Of all the various plans of government that we have, one of the critical things for us now is that we all know that we are moving away very quickly from oil.”

Noting that Nigeria is a principal player in the AfCFTA agreements, the VP stated that Nigerian exporters and businesses can be major beneficiaries of the Agreements.

“For us economically, beginning now, we cannot afford to have a situation where for any reason at all, an area of competitive advantage for us which is agro-export suffers in any way on account of something we can help. Anything we can do, there shouldn’t be a cause for any kind of hindrance to agro-export,” he said.

On support for agro-exports, Prof. Osinbajo stated that government agencies will continue to explore measures to boost exports and improve the economy generally, even as he noted that “agro exporters here are the end-users of the services of government”

He further noted that “most of the government agencies here have already worked with us in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) (which the VP chairs). As members of PEBEC, we already know what government’s intentions and desires are and we are not averse to criticisms or comments coming from the end-users of government services.

“We should be able to have a robust, free and frank conversation so that we can take steps to remedy whatever needs to be remedied so that we can achieve something for our country and people.”

In his remarks, the Executive Director of Nigeria Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Mr. Awolowo, commended the Federal Government for its efforts and giving credence to non-oil exports in the National Development Plan, even as he said the country could no longer rely on oil as its major foreign exchange earner.

“This meeting is crucial and the exporters are delighted that we have raised it to this level. This shows the government is listening and ready to answer us,” he stated.

In the same vein, the presidential Special Adviser on Ease of Doing Business, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, highlighted efforts by government to tackle challenges and improve the business environment, such as automation of processes and single window interfaces as it affects trading in and out of the country.

Similarly, the Acting MD, Nigeria Ports Authority, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, spoke on efforts by the NPA to tackle issues related to export trade and further boost the country’s exports.

Bello-Koko noted that “with the call-up system, special concessions are given to export containers as long as they are good to go, which means the shipping company is ready to accept the container and documentation is complete and ready.”

He also mentioned that NPA is “working with Nigeria Export Promotion Council to create export processing terminals, about 10 in Lagos and about 5 in Ogun.”

In their remarks, the agro-exporters thanked the VP for the opportunity to interact with him and the efforts by government towards finding solutions to their business challenges, including the issues with delays at the ports, as well as charges from shipping lines that encumber exports. They also called for fast-tracking for the shipment of perishable items out of the country.

Senior government officials at the meeting included the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Mariam Katagum; Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu; as well as representatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Customs Service.

Members of the delegation made up of leading exporters in the country include Chairman of Starlink Global Nigeria Ltd, Alhaji Adeyemi Adeniji; Managing Director of Grafil Farms Limited, Dr. Forster E. Ihejiofor; CEO of AJ’s Nigeria Limited, Mr John Oshevire and Chairman of Omonide Farms Limited, Mr Olumide Olayomi.

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President*
12th November 2021

*MUSLIM PRESIDENTIAL AIDE TAKES ON “CHRISTIANIZATION” AGENDA ATTACK ON OSINBAJO*

*Dr Balkisu Saidu:* VP’s Office is a mini-Nigeria.

Before the permeation of social media, I was one of those who believed in and re-echoed the popular saying that “the only way to win with a toxic person is not to play.”

To this end, I found silence to be a very potent tool in dealing with some extremely wicked and deliberate acts of provocation exhibited through concoction and spread of falsehoods and apparently implausible stories.

I have since realised that, in this day and age of fake news and cyber propaganda, it is important that lies and misinformation, no matter the motive of the initiator, are countered and records set straight. Amongst the recipients of the falsehood could be some innocent consumers who will benefit from having true facts presented.

Allowing fake news to linger may create the impression that there could be some element of truth in what was propagated.

It is for the foregoing reasons that when the write up credited to one Dr Musbau Akinbode titled “Osinbajo’s Stealth Christianization Agenda”, which has been circulating of recent in the social media, was brought to my attention, I opted to respond. Although no date was ascribed to the write up, it appears to be a rehash of several baseless allegations made in the past against the Vice President, many of whom have been debunked with apologies issued by unsuspecting media houses misled into publishing some of the concocted stories.

The new twist in Dr Akinbode’s write up is the allegation that the Vice President is implementing a “Christianization” agenda and in that wise none of the appointments made by the Vice President from persons of Yoruba extraction were given to Yoruba Muslims.

This allegation reminded me of a similar baseless claim made in 2017 by one Dr. Ismaila Farouk, which Akinbode referred to, alleging that the selection of personal staff of the Vice President was skewed in favour of “his Yoruba ethnic group.”

Those fuelling the orchestrated and surreptitious narrative immediately backtracked when confronted with facts and a long list of Northerners, from tribes other than Yoruba, working in the office at the time including, among others, Mrs. Maryam Uwais (Special Adviser on Social Investment, from Kano State); Ambassador Abdullahi Gwary (Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs, from Yobe State); my humble self (Senior Special Assistant on Legal, Research and Compliance Matters, from Sokoto State); Mr. Ismaeel Ahmed (Senior Special Assistant on Social Investment, from Kano State); Mr. Bege Bala (Special Assistant, BPE, from Kaduna State); Abdurahman Baffa Yola (Special Assistant on Political Matters); Mrs. Susan Chagwa (Special Assistant on Household and Social Events, from Adamawa State), etc.

Certainly, some of the listed allegations made by Dr Akinbode are objectionably and glaringly malicious and even laughable, unlikely to be believed by any discerning follower of the rise and actions of the Vice President.

For example, the Office of the Vice President is like a mini-Nigeria. The level of diversity accomplished in the office reflects all segments of the society – geo-political, ethnic, religious, gender and youth representation.
It is therefore inconceivable for anyone to suggest marginalisation or, as Dr Akinbode puts it, “Christianization” in appointments and religious bigotry.

To the specific point of appointment of Yoruba Muslims, Dr Akinbode may wish to know that, even amongst his personal staff, no less than ten Yoruba Muslims were appointed to work for the Vice President including his next in command and the highest-ranking officer in the Vice President’s office, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. AbdurRahman Adeola Ipaye.

Other Yoruba Muslims who work, at various times, in the office include Distinguished Senator Babafemi Ojudu (Special Adviser on Political Matters); Dr Mariam Masha (Senior Special Assistant on Internally Displaced Persons); Ms Lanre Shasore (Senior Special Assistant on Planning and Coordination); Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbemi (Special Assistant on Political Matters); Yusuf Ali (Special Assistant on Power); Mr Mohammed Brimah (Special Assistant on Job Creation); Mr Mukhtar Tijani (Special Assistant on Power); Ms. Lolade Abiola; and Mr. Akanni Rahman.

A leader known to suspend meetings to enable Muslim participants perform prayers; known to rescue Muslim orphans and provide them with shelter and educational opportunities that safeguard and promote their religious practices; known to host Breaking of Ramadan Fast (Iftar) with Religious Leaders and Muslim communities from across the country; known to timeously intervene in the resolution of thorny inter-religious issues with potential for escalation can certainly not be said to be promoting any particular religion.

Also, the allegation of “Christianization” in the appointment of some named individuals to various positions in Government is indicative of a complete lack of understanding of how Government appointments are made or a deliberate attempt to distort facts and mislead unsuspecting public.

Save for Mr. Kayode Pitan, who was appointed by the Vice President as the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry to take over from Mr. Waheed Olagunju, who was serving in acting capacity, all the other persons named by Dr Akinbode were appointed by the President in the exercise of his constitutional powers.
The calibre of the persons is not in question. In terms of accomplishments, these are pacesetters in their respective industries.

For example, Mr. Ben Akabueze, the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation served more than two terms as Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos State and was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NAL Bank Plc. (now Sterling Bank Plc.). He has also served as Special Adviser to the President on National Planning.

Mr Alex Okoh, the Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, an Alumnus of Harvard Business School and former Managing Partner, Ashford & McGuire Consulting Ltd.; is a quintessential Banker and Financial Advisor who as the Managing Director/CEO of NNB International Bank led the transformation of the bank from a comatose state into a leading commercial bank in Nigeria.

He has worked with various banks within and outside Nigeria including Nigeria International Bank Limited (Citibank); United Bank for Africa Plc.; Citibank New York; Fidelity Bank London; Swiss Banking Corporation, Zurich; and Grindlays Bank, Zimbabwe. His first tenure recorded tremendous transformation of the Bureau leading to his reappointment by the President.

Before the appointment by Mr. President of Mr Okey Enelamah as the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment in 2015, the Harvard University graduate, Baker Scholar and Loeb Fellow has had a tremendous successful career in investment banking and with Arthur Anderson (now KPMG Professional Services), New York and London offices of Goldman Sachs, Zephyr Management.

He also founded and served as CEO of the African Capital Alliance (ACA).
Clearly, even on the appointment of Mr Pitan, the author is not questioning the qualification of Mr Pitan, imaginably considering his robust academic training (including at American Graduate School of International Management, Arizona, USA; London Business School; and Haggai Institute, Singapore) as well as his decades of corporate and banking experience.

These appointments were based purely on merit. The only problem with the appointments, according to the author, was their religion. Save Dr Akinbode is suggesting that persons being considered for appointments into Government positions must denounce their religions, it is unclear why the religious leanings of the appointees should be in issue.

Recall that similar allegations were made against appointments of equally deserving and competent Muslims with claims of “Islamisation” being bandied around. Such divisive rhetoric and adverse language are dangerous to Nigeria’s unified harmonious existence and should be resisted and rejected by all. 

The Osinbajo I know has been nothing but absolutely and uncompromisingly loyal to his principal, earning him several public and private commendations and additional responsibilities from the President, including the management of the Economic Sustainability Plan, credited with facilitating the “unexpected exit” of Nigeria from one of the worst recession cycles to hit several nations of the world. The man, Osinbajo, seeks no accolades. It is therefore not every action taken by him in support of persons facing challenges that will end up on the pages of newspapers. Just because Dr Akinbode is unaware of these interventions should not be a basis for dehumanising the Vice President.

Additionally, it is evil and reprehensible to drag the person of Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo into whatever malicious campaign the author is mounting against the Vice President. This is a humble and compassionate woman, who has conducted her humanitarian and philanthropic activities in a well-guided and detached manner away from any Government activities.

It is unacceptable to have persons of integrity be subjected to such ridiculous acts of scathing and baseless attacks. Clearly, the purpose of this is to cause annoyance, hatred, and ill will against the family of the Vice President. Luckily, Nigerians can see through these malicious, baseless, smear campaigns, mounted by dishonest and shady individuals.

While the main preoccupation of the Vice President is the discharge of the mandate resoundingly given to their ticket under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, may I remind Dr Akinbode that power is not in the hands of any individual to give or take, but in the hands of Almighty Allah; and He bestows it upon whom He wills. Please refer to the Holy Qur’an, Chapter 3 (Surah Al-Imran), Verse 26.

I sure hope and pray that a time will come when Dr Akinbode and his likes will realise that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is as authentic as he presents – he is a humane, compassionate, detribalised patriotic Nigerian, who is committed to the service of Nigeria and Nigerians in a fair, honest, transparent and accountable manner. And, while we spare time to respond to these and similar unfounded allegations, the Vice President never allows mischief-makers and peddlers of fake news to distract him from his main preoccupation: service to Nigeria.

*Balkisu Saidu is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legal, Research and Compliance Matters, at the office of the Vice President. She writes from Abuja.*

*Statehouse Press Release*

*TO ADDRESS INEQUALITIES, SOCIAL BENEFITS & PROFIT CAN CO-EXIST, SAYS OSINBAJO*

In the face of inequalities in wealth and opportunity worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, impact investing - an approach that integrates society’s social and environmental goals, can no longer be ignored, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo made the observation today in a keynote speech delivered virtually at the 4th Impact Investors’ Foundation Annual Convening on Impact Investing.

According to the Vice President, “glaring inequalities of wealth and opportunity in the face of poverty, misery and social alienation in any society is asking for trouble. Such a situation is neither sustainable nor wise.

“The sharp drop in standards of living caused by COVID-19-induced shocks to the economy have not only further deepened existing inequalities, but pushed many more into extreme poverty.

“Neither governments nor businesses can afford to ignore the huge social disparities and environmental deterioration for long.

“So, impact investing is an eminently sound approach to balancing these inequities by catalyzing social and environmental impact for long-term structural change.”

He explained that “profit and sound social and environmental benefits can co-exist and governments can be facilitators of impact investment.”

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “but because the logic of the profit motive as being the driver of innovation, wealth creation and growth is unassailable, the real question is how to ensure that it accommodates a moral compass.”

Advocating the growth of impact investing in Nigeria, the VP further explained that “a more sustainable business model is intentionally building into the profit making objective, the means of attaining society’s social and environmental goals. The notion of doing well by doing good, or harnessing the forces of innovation, entrepreneurship, private capital to achieve both profit and social and environmental good.”

“Some of the current models of impact investing we are seeing are not only inspiring but also point in the general direction that policy and regulation should go,” the Vice President added.

Citing examples in both public and private sectors, the VP noted that “there is an opportunity for collaborative thinking between government, the impact investing community and other stakeholders on policy and regulations.”

The VP cited the example of a digital agriculture company, Farmcrowdy which has “a platform that allows individuals to securely invest in farms online, enabling them to participate in agriculture indirectly.

“The other is Andela, the highly successful technology company that recruits and trains local software engineers at little or no cost, who in turn work remotely for them in various global companies, thereby generating good paying jobs for thousands of young people.”

The example in the public sector, the VP noted was in 2017 when government launched the first Sovereign Green Bond in Africa and the fourth in the world. “Proceeds of the bond as the name implies can only be used to finance for climate environmentally friendly or enhancing projects as approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).”

The Vice President explained further that “government’s action in this case was important because it took the risk of investing in a debt instrument in the locally and internationally uncharted waters of Environmental Finance. This is as it should be. A government bond is probably the one confidence enhancing mechanism for encouraging climate finance.

“The second example of government leadership in impact investing is our Solar Power Naija programme. A major component of our Economic Sustainability Plan in response to the severe economic fallout of the COVID 19 pandemic.”

The Vice President then submitted that “there is a great deal that is possible in impact investing, but there is a long way to go from the relatively random investment landscape we have now to a more orderly space where government regulations and incentives are carefully worked out with stakeholders.

“The point in the spectrum occupied by impact investors between Not-for-Profit Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) and For Profit entities is still essentially virgin.”

The Impact Investors’ Foundation was founded by the late Innocent Chukwuma and some other partners to promoting impact investment in Nigeria. Other speakers at the event include the representative of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Emeka Offor; the Chairperson of the Nigerian National Advisory Board for Impact Investing, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, and the United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative, Mr Mohammed Yahya.

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
9th November, 2021

*Statehouse Press Release*

*VP OSINBAJO TO REPRESENT NIGERIA AT 3RD ECOWAS EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT IN ACCRA ON POLITICAL SITUATION IN GUINEA, MALI*

President Muhammadu Buhari would be represented by his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, at an Extraordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government today in Accra, Ghana on the political situation in the Republics of Guinea and Mali.

Today’s Extraordinary meeting, which will be the third on the same agenda this year, will assess previous resolutions and further review the political situation in the Republics of Guinea and Mali.

Prof. Osinbajo had participated at the 2nd ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on the political situation in Guinea and Mali held on 16th September in Accra, Ghana. Before that, he also attended a virtual ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit held on 8th September on the same agenda.

ECOWAS leaders in the communique issued at the end of the last special summit in Accra had, amongst other resolutions, decided to freeze the financial assets of members of the military junta, place a travel ban on them, while also demanding that the junta return Guinea to constitutional rule within six months.

Nigeria’s position on the situation in Guinea had been restated by Prof. Osinbajo at the summit, urging for the unconditional release of President Alpha Condé and calling for more pressure to be put on the country’s military leaders to return the nation to democratic rule.

Equally, the Vice President had commended the efforts of stakeholders in Mali and re-emphasized the need to strictly respect and follow the electoral timetable for transition to civil rule.

At the virtual summit earlier, Prof Osinbajo proposed punitive measures and proactive preventive steps towards addressing military intervention in civil rule in the region, which includes that the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), Commonwealth, and other relevant or related financial institutions act in unity simultaneously "to suspend a country, where there has been seizure of power, from these bodies."

He also proposed engagement with the military junta and all stakeholders in Guinea and the enforcement of necessary “punitive measures that will ensure that the military junta does not overstay in power."

The Vice President also restated Nigeria’s position calling on all leaders to always respect the principles of democracy and the constitutions of their respective countries.

Vice President Osinbajo, who leaves Abuja this morning, would be joined by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, and is expected back in Abuja later today.

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
7th November, 2021

*Statehouse Press Release*

*NIGERIA-COTE D’IVOIRE BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION WILL HELP STEM YOUTH MIGRATION BY CREATING MORE JOBS — OSINBAJO*

*VP meets President Ouattara, co-chairs summit with Ivorian PM

Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire must continue to build closer economic ties and integrate, especially within the ambit of regional integration agreements like ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), so as to create more jobs for its youths, while deepening bilateral ties between both countries, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo also extended President Muhammadu Buhari’s greetings and appreciation to Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, for his friendship and positive disposition towards strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

The VP noted that “we should put in place arrangements that enable value addition within and between our countries so that we can create the much needed jobs for our young people and stem the irregular migration to other parts of the world where they are often mistreated and used for menial tasks.”

Prof. Osinbajo made these statements today in Abidjan, the Ivorian capital, at the 2nd edition of the Nigeria-Cote d’Ivoire Bi-National Commission meeting, which he co-chaired with the Ivorian Prime Minister, Patrick Jerome Achi. He also met the Ivorian President for talks.

At the Bi-National Commission meeting, both countries signed a set of new Agreements which cover Agriculture; Digital Economy; Education; Consular and Immigration Matters; and prevention of Human Trafficking, amongst other very important areas of collaboration.

“They will certainly go a very long way to promoting the much desired and mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries in accordance with the guidance given to us by both President Buhari and President Ouattara,” he stated.

Noting that Nigeria values its close ties with Cote d’Ivoire, Prof. Osinbajo stated that “these integration agreements must be seen as an opportunity that goes beyond trade, but one that helps to deepen regional value chains, instead of exporting raw commodities.”

Highlighting the significance of the 2nd session of the Bi-National Commission, the Vice President noted that it was an opportunity to also further strengthen and diversify both countries’ bilateral ties.

He said, “Our shared values of democracy, protection of human rights and our aspirations for peace, progress and prosperity must continue to be the guiding principles for our cooperation for mutual benefit and for the well-being of West Africa.

“In agriculture, for instance, Cote d’Ivoire is a leading producer of key commodities like cocoa and coffee, which are crops that Nigeria also produces, and there is certainly great scope for learning and collaborating in the international trade of these commodities.

"In the same vein, given the large number of Nigerians who have made their home here, it is important that both countries cooperate closely on consular matters. We must also work closely together to tackle the evil practice of human trafficking which seems to be on the rise in this sub-region.”

He added that as two of the largest economies in ECOWAS, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire are duty bound to cooperate in the interests of its citizens and the rest of the sub-region.

“Furthermore, we look forward to closer military cooperation between our two countries so that working together we can help to maintain the peace and security of our countries and neighbourhood. With peace, businesses will thrive; so we are very much looking forward to the convening of the Business Forum leg of this Bi-National Commission," Prof. Osinbajo said.

The VP added, “In this regard, it is my sincere wish that the holding of the Business Forum will lead to the establishment of a Nigeria-Cote d’Ivoire Business Council."

According to him "such close ties between the business sectors of both countries also mean that we should move speedily to finalize negotiations on an avoidance of double taxation agreement and to review our Bilateral Air Services Agreement so as to facilitate movement of people and cargo between both countries.”

The Vice President then stated that the areas of focus for the Bi-National Commission are of great importance to both Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire.

On behalf of the Nigerian government, Prof. Osinbajo, in his address, at the meeting also thanked the Ivorian government for its support for the candidacy of two Nigerians: Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina for a second term in office as President of the African Development Bank (with head office in Abidjan); and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.

In his own address earlier, the Ivorian Prime Minister said he was excited that both countries had agreed to reactivate the Bi-National Commission.

He said that the meeting was an ideal platform to improve the quality of trade cooperation between both countries and the ECOWAS region, as this would also address common interests and challenges in areas of security, oil and energy, terrorism, among others.

The Nigeria-Cote d’Ivoire Bi-National Commission, which was established in 2013, is a reflection of the fraternal and cordial relations that exist between both countries regarded as the biggest economies in West Africa.

The maiden edition of the Commission, which took place in Abuja in August 2013, led to the signing of six sectoral Agreements, as well as the establishment of Special Implementation Committees in both countries to monitor progress.

At the bilateral meeting with the Ivorian President, Prof. Osinbajo expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality accorded him and the Nigerian government delegation to the Bi-National Commission meeting which had started on Thursday.

While being optimistic about the results expected from the work of the Bi-National Commission, the VP also expressed the hope that Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire's security forces will continue to work together to improve security in the Sahel region and the sub-region. He expressed similar expectations for all other areas of mutual cooperation between both countries.

The Vice President was accompanied to the meetings by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada; Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Mariam Katagum; Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu; and Nigeria's Envoy to Ivory Coast, Ambassador Martin Adamu.

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
06 November 2021

*Statehouse Press Release*
 
*VP OSINBAJO TO ATTEND 2ND EDITION OF NIGERIA-COTE D’IVOIRE BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION IN ABIDJAN*

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN is today attending the 2nd edition of the Nigeria-Cote d’Ivoire Bi-National Commission  meeting in Abidjan.
 
The Commission, which was established in 2013, is a reflection of the fraternal and cordial relations that exist between both countries regarded as the biggest economies in West Africa.
 
The maiden edition of the Bi-National Commission, which took place in Abuja in August 2013, led to the signing of six sectoral Agreements, as well as the establishment of Special Implementation Committees in both countries to monitor progress.
 
Today's summit, which is to be co-chaired by Prof. Osinbajo and the Prime Minister of Ivory Coast, Patrick Jerome Achi, is expected to enter into new Agreements which cover Agriculture; Digital Economy; Education; Consular and Immigration Matters; and prevention of Human Trafficking, amongst other very important areas of collaboration. 
 
A Bi-national Commission is a high-level strategic dialogue designed to deepen mutual cooperation in a number of social, economic and political sectors, based on an agreement between two countries to implement specific cooperation agenda.
 
The Vice President will also hold a bilateral interaction with the Ivorian President, Alassane Ouattara, before he returns to Abuja later today.
 
Prof. Osinbajo will be accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, and Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Katagum.
 
*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
6th November, 2021

LEAVE OSINBAJO OUT OF THE POLITICS IN SADNESS

It is most unfortunate that at a time when people are mourning over the collapse of the Ikoyi building and the loss of several lives in the most unfortunate circumstances, some mischief makers are trying to score cheap political goals and use this very sad situation to tarnish the name and image of our hardworking and humble Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

The Social media has suddenly become awash with information trying to link the VP directly or indirectly to the collapsed structure.

Some stories say the developer, Mr Femi Osibona is a front for some big guns in Government, others directly say the land is owned by the VP, whilst others make a veiled connection to the Governor of Lagos.
For the avoidance of doubt and for the sake of those who may be misled by the spurious and totally unfounded statements, we as concerned colleagues and friends of the VP wish to make it clear that the VP has never been involved , neither does he have any ownership interest in the developers Company or business.

The facts can be easily verified from the Corporate affairs Commission or land registry which the malicious writers have failed to check or show a connection between the VP and the collapsed building.

We commiserate with the families of those who have lost lives and limbs as well as those still in agony of not knowing what the fate of those beneath the rubles in this most unfortunate incident. We urge that as Nigerians, we should show more compassion and empathy to grieving compatriots rather than attempting to score political goals through it.

Thank You
(Signed)
RICHARD AKINNOLA
(For and on behalf of friends and associates of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo)
Thursday, November 4, 2021

Dear Vice President, how do you rest?

By John Mayaki

This was the comment left on the Vice President’s Instagram page by one of the nearly one million Nigerians who follow him on the platform and closely monitor his activities from regular feed updates. A demand to know if, like every other human, the Vice President manages to rest at all. It was a question borne of both incredulity and respect, and it was in reaction to a 139-second clip released in October that highlighted what a typical day in the Vice President’s life looked like in a good show of accountability and familiarizing the people with events in the famed ‘corridors of power’.

The video opened with a trip to the official quarters of the Aso Villa where the Vice President, together with other senior members of the administration, attended a security briefing presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari. It notably captured a moment where the Vice President and his boss privately exchanged insights and observations, presumably on some of the proposed strategies to improve the country’s security, consolidate the success recorded in the fight against insurgency, and protect the lives and properties of Nigerians wherever they live in the country.

After the security briefing, the viewers followed the Vice President through the clip to the next event; the 6th year anniversary of the Future Assured Foundation, an initiative of First Lady Aisha Buhari established to enhance the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians, particularly those in far-flung, rural communities where coverage is typically low. The Foundation also has as its main objective the empowerment of women and youths through education and the provision of access to life-changing opportunities.

As a leader who has devoted his entire public service career to reforms that elevate women and center youths in leadership and economic empowerment, it was only fitting that Prof. Osinbajo not only grace the event but remark on its significance with a speech, summoning his widely admired oratory skills. He commended the First Lady for a job well done and reiterated the importance of partnering with the government at all levels in the quest of improving life outcomes for Nigerian youths and women.

Following this, the clip transitioned to the arrival of the Vice President at the book launch of Senator Ken Nnamani who was doing the public presentation of his biography entitled ‘Standing Strong’. In it, Senator Nnamani reflected on some of the defining moments of his life and political career, including the much-debated and controversial events that took place between 2005 and 2007 when as the President of the Senate, he was placed under pressure by the narcissistic President Obasanjo who reportedly tried to install himself for a constitutionally impermissible third term.

It was an important moment in Nigeria’s nascent democracy and regardless of what personal opinions may be on Senator Nnamani’s actions at the time, it is in the interest of the country’s political memory and historical development that primary actors involved in key events come forward with accounts of what really went down, even if from a subjective point of view.

At the book launch, the Vice President delivered a speech to rousing ovation from the audience which, not unexpectedly, comprised of political leaders and eminent personalities from the South Eastern region of the country. He is popular there, too, and the warm reception was yet another indication of the fact.

Now approaching late afternoon, the President returns to his office in the Villa where he presided over two meetings, the first of which was virtual. With his iPad in hand and a larger screen mounted on a desk, Prof. Osinbajo, unaided, prosecuted the online meeting with the ease of a millennial, thus underscoring yet again that he is a leader up with the times – involved and aware.

The meetings were followed by the evening fellowship which, again, the Vice President joined virtually. After the fellowship, we see the Vice President leave his office and head back to the residence. Close of work after a packed and retreat to the bedroom? Not really. The clip ended with a hint that work continued still; he was escorted in by a file-bearing aide.

As with every video highlight, especially those involving senior public officers entrusted with matters of grave national importance, more has been filtered out than displayed. Yet, even with the select-few, many, including the user that posed the question from which this essay borrowed its title, marveled at the Vice President’s energy, dutifulness, and round-the-clock labor.

While the highlight poses a question on whether or not this Vice President ever takes a break from official duties, it answers the question of why Prof. Osinbajo has emerged as Nigeria’s most effective Vice President in all of the country’s history, and one of Nigeria’s most distinguished public servants. The answer is that he puts in the work. Bright and driven, he sets a very high bar for himself and rallies the human and material resources at his disposal in pursuit of the clearly-defined objectives, making it clear that no room exists for mediocrity.

Respected and admired, his charge to others never goes unheeded. If Prof. Osinbajo demands five from you, then be rest assured he has contributed ten himself. He leads by example, his relentless labor a reminder to all of the importance of the task at hand.

President Muhammadu Buhari once publicly pondered on how different events may have played out had he secured election as a younger man with increased energy levels. If his mission of securing Nigerians, putting the youths to work, and halting waste and corrupt diversion of resources is to be completed, then he has to hand the baton to a younger and considerably fitter successor in 2023. With Prof. Osinbajo’s vitality and pristine health, a fact attested to by Nigerians in the comments section of the video highlight across media platforms, the President and his party may not have to look too far.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

VP COMMENDS KANO’S INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PROJECT

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN has commended an integrated waste management project of Kano State government which will transform waste to power, organic fertilizer, and other uses.

Prof. Osinbajo made the commendation of the Public-Private Partnership during a visit on Monday to the Presidential Villa by a delegation led by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and officials of Capegate, a private environmental services provider.

According to the VP, “I must commend the Kano State government for the sheer breadth of the project, and Capegate limited for its audacity because of the size of the project. It is not just a sanitation project, it is obviously one that is looking at an end-to-end waste management solution but also has strong components for contributions to our NDCs, and our whole de-carbonization ambitions for climate change.”

The Kano State Governor mentioned that the State has signed a 20-year concession agreement with the company for waste collection, waste transportation, sorting, and processing to produce electricity and organic fertilizer, among others.

“The whole package is very important for us as a government which is why I thought, the idea of bringing everyone together to have this preliminary discussion is important so that you can learn as you go forward,” Prof. Osinbajo observed.

He added that it is “important for it to be seen as something that we all need to work on. I think that it is the sort of project that could be a template for other projects across the country if it is done well.”

Expressing FG’s willingness to support the project, the VP noted that “…the approach that is taken here really has great prospects and we certainly must see how we can make this happen.”

Governor Ganduje had noted that the state government was encouraged to embark on the project because of the track record of the private sector investor (Capegate Investment Company Limited) which includes over 3 decades of experience in waste management, sanitation, recycling technologies, and renewable energy.

He solicited the support of the Federal Government in the actualization of the project aimed at creating wealth and ensuring a cleaner and sustainable environment.

Also present at the meeting were Minister of Power, Mr Abubakar Aliyu; his counterpart in the Ministry of Environment, Mrs Sharon Ikeazor; Minister of Water Resources, Engr Suleiman Adamu; the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Mr Kayode Pitan; Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad; the CEO of Capegate Limited, Alhaji Bashir Jega, and other officials of the company, among others.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
26th October 2021

���������� ����� �������

��� �� ����� �� ������, ���������, ����� ����������� & ����� ������������� – ��������

**�������’� ������ ����� �������� ���, �� ���� �� ���. �������'� ���� ������

The various intervention programmes of the Buhari administration since 2015 to date are designed and implemented in order to improve the health, education and socio-economic conditions of the Nigerian people, especially women, children and youths, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Thursday in Abuja at an event to mark six years of the Future Assured programme, an initiative of the Aisha Buhari Foundation. Later same day, the Vice President also spoke at the public presentation of Senator Ken Nnamani's book, Standing Strong.

According to the Vice President at the Future Assured event, “the very future of Nigeria and our communities depend on how well we address the many concerns of women and children in our communities, especially the focal areas of health, education and economic empowerment.

“We agree with Future Assured’s belief that all social indices can be influenced if the health, education and economic status of the population are improved upon. And that is the case, clearly, women constitute half our population and the youth are at least 60% of that population. Women especially, young girls, continue to face problems of every kind and this problem mutate as the social pressures increase every passing day.”

Continuing, he said, “since the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns, it has been shown by empirical studies that the rates of dropouts, especially of girls, have increased, child marriages also increased, adolescent childbearing, and gender-based violence, all these indices increased.

“The sharp drop in income for most families here in Nigeria and in most economies of the world would mean that families will have to make choices that almost always will disfavour the girl-child and of course, female children have suffered disproportionate displacement and deprivation caused by the insurgency and conflict in the Northeast and Northwest.”

He then explained that “for the Federal Government, the President has prioritized the solutions to these issues. Since 2015, we have ensured that government's social and entrepreneurial programmes have an affirmative component for women.”

"So, of the 2.4 million beneficiaries of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, 1.2 million were women - that is 56.4% of beneficiaries. A total of N38billion in loans has been disbursed over the last 4 years. Of the 1.1 million beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfers, over 98% of beneficiaries are women," the VP disclosed.

Continuing, he noted that “for our youth employment programme N-Power, of the 526,000 employed, 40.4% are female. And of the 106,074 cooks in our Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, 97% are females.

“We implemented a payroll support programme which was designed to mitigate income losses in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, and of the 307,173 employees that have benefited, 130,880 or 43% of beneficiaries are female-owned businesses.

“Of 94,318 artisan beneficiaries of the programme, 40,386 are female artisans, i.e., over 41% of beneficiaries. And so far, 35% of all MSMEs grants are female. And all of these are deliberate affirmative action to ensure that women benefit proportionately.”

The Vice President further stated that “in 2020, the Federal Executive Council approved a World Bank credit facility in the sum of $500million to finance the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment Project, to improve secondary education opportunities among girls in targeted areas of participating States which are Borno, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Plateau.”

In addressing violence and other abuses against women, the VP said “in November 2019, in an effort to enhance access to justice, we secured a toll-free emergency number and shortcode for the FCT- SGBV Response Team, with the generous support of Airtel.

“We also developed Referral Guidelines for Gender-Based Violence Response in Nigeria and a National Guide for the Establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centres in Nigeria, to further enhance coordination.”

“Also in 2019, the President directed the National Human Rights Commission to set up a special panel to investigate cases of unlawful arrests, assault and Sexual & Gender-Based Violence in the Federal Capital Territory following complaints of raids of night clubs and arrests of women by the Police,” the Vice President added.

Commending the Future Assured programme for the impact of its interventions across health, education and social welfare, Prof. Osinbajo said “it certainly has been an exciting 6 years”.

He listed some of the impactful projects executed by the initiative as “the educational initiatives, especially the Youth Education Empowerment Programme (YEEP) where large numbers of youths are given tutorial classes, in preparation for WAEC, NECO, NABTEB and JAMB; support to IDPs that return to their communities with relief materials including foodstuff, clothing, beddings, and building materials.

Other projects listed by the VP include “Building of Schools and Orphanages in Maiduguri; Distribution of Future Assured Packs to Patients in Abuja Hospitals, Free Health Screening Services in Kogi State in conjunction with Kogi Women and Youth Advancement Foundation; Women Empowerment and Training in Lagos State alongside Distribution of Maternity Kits also in Lagos, among others.”

Aside from the First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, other dignitaries present at the event include the wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo; Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State; Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire; his counterpart in the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, and top United Nations officials, among others.

In another development, Prof. Osinbajo spoke at the public presentation of the book titled “Standing Strong: Legislative Reforms, Third Term and Other Issues of the 5th Senate,” a biography of Sen Ken Nnamani.

Extolling the leadership qualities of Sen Nnamani, Prof. Osinbajo said “the first thing you notice about Ken Nnamani, especially as you observe the characteristics of politics and politicians, is an act of lack of desperation to occupy political office.”

Directing his comments to the former President of the Senate, the VP said “it is clear that you want to serve, but not at all cost."

Continuing, he observed that the "lack of desperation has greatly helped him in having the courage of his convictions. This is why even at the risk of losing his senate presidency at the time, he stood against the notorious third term agenda and he stood very strong.

According to the VP, "a nation such as ours must have men and women who are capable of standing strong.

"Sen. Nnamani, we are today faced with challenges that call for the same type of strong leadership that you showed many years ago as President of the Senate, especially on the question of national unity and the building of a just fair and equitable society.

“We know that we as a nation are better together than apart, and our collective future is worth fighting for. Therefore, this generation of leaders has a historic responsibility to handover an economically and socially strong, and united nation to the coming generation.”

Dignitaries present at the book event were Gen. T.Y. Danjuma (rtd); Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha; Ministers of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonaya Onu; Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio; Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema, and Royal Fathers among others.

����� ������,
������ ������� ��������� �� ��� ��������� �� ����� & ���������,
������ �� ��� ���� ���������.
21st October 2021.

THE ESSENTIAL BUHARI: VP OSINBAJO GOT IT!

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is an honest man. Whatever he tells you, please take it serious. You can even take it to the bank, as it’s a cheque that will never bounce.

Last weekend in London, while speaking with top officials of the Nigerian High Commission, VP Osinbajo said of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Mai Gaskiya (Honest Man): “The President is possibly the most popular Nigerian politician that we ever had in generations. He is possibly the only person, who can go into a place or somewhere without bossing people to gather and they will come and listen to him speak.

“We need that level of credibility to be able to solve problems in our country. And I think because of his level of credibility, despite everything, he is still the only one that can call everyone, and even people who do not necessarily agree with him know that he is a man of his words.”

There may be a tendency to say; what else do you expect a number 2 man to say of his principal? He won’t excoriate or flagellate him in public, and because he may possibly need his support for the number one position at a time in the future, so he would say sugary things.

For a typical politician, ambitious, cold, calculating, scheming, yes. But those of us who work with the duo know that Professor Yemi Osinbajo is not in that mould. He is honest, factual, totally dependent on God for whatever the future holds. Nothing is a matter of life and death, and so he could have chosen to keep quiet about the attributes of the President, so that he wouldn’t be misconstrued.

When he said Buhari was possibly Nigeria’s most popular politician that we have had in generations, I believe it, not just by the hearing of the ear, but because my eyes have seen it.

I am old enough to have seen our colorful and even swashbuckling politicians in action. I have seen the great Obafemi Awolowo. The charismatic Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik of Africa). Shehu Shagari. Amino Kano. M.K.O Abiola. Bashir Tofa, and many others in action. But I have not seen anyone with the kind of attraction, magnetic pull, that Muhammadu Buhari has. And that is round the country, north and south. People swarm round him as bees do to honey.

I have been round the country with the President. I have also been to several countries of the world with him. I have not seen any other Nigerian leader, past or present, with his kind of allure, pull, fascination, magnetism. And that is why VP Osinbajo is right to have described him as possibly “the most popular Nigerian politician that we ever had in this generation.”

I remember that day in August 2017, when the President returned to the country finally from his medical vacation. From January of that year, he had been in and out a couple of times, but spending weeks and months outside, attending to his health. And finally on August 19, he returned home, triumphantly.

We were at the airport to receive him. I have told the story a number of times, to dispel the idiocy that it was a certain Jibril of Sudan that came back, and not Buhari. The daughter of the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Gabriel Olonisakin, was getting married. And I had attended both the church service and reception, decked in full Yoruba traditional attire of Agbada and a cap to match. Straight from the ceremony, I went to the airport to join the welcome party for the President.

We the principal aides were on a line to receive the President as he descended from the aircraft. And he shook hands with each person, having one wisecrack or the other to say, as is typical of him. When he got to me, he said, “Adesina, this is the best I’ve seen you dressed.” And we both laughed.

Jibril of Sudan? How did he know I was Adesina? How would he know how I normally dressed? Idiocy, I say again. But that is just a digression, not the story I really want to tell to support the topic at hand.

We entered the vehicles lined up, and the convoy moved. It was perhaps the longest journey I’d ever witnessed from the airport to the town. Where did they come from? Like locusts, they swarmed onto the road, at many times forcing the convoy into a crawl. I didn’t know that such huge population resided in the communities along the airport road.

Not induced or procured in any way, the people trooped out in their thousands to welcome the President back home. Multitude of ordinary Nigerians, the ones bearing the brunt of whatever was happening in the country then. They came onto the roads, waving, cheering, heralding the man they loved back into the country. Many times, the convoy was forced to a dead slow, until the President had to wave at them, and they cheered uproariously.

It took double or triple the normal time, before we could get to the Presidential Villa.

When about a year later, those who thought they owned the country told the President pontifically to dismount from the horse, and not run for a second term in office, I thought they were overreaching themselves. And so it was. The President ran in 2019, and he won, even with wider margin than he did in 2015, when he had knocked a ruling party off its perch.

So, when Professor Osinbajo says we possibly have the most colorful, popular politician with us, it is by no means patronizing. Even now, with all the challenges in the country, let President Buhari make a public appearance anywhere, he is still happily received, against the conjecture of naysayers and evil hearts, who conjure unrealistic things.

Now, having such a leader in our country, one who wants nothing for himself, and is only actuated by touching the lives of the people positively, how should we utilize him? Give maximum support, and help him to realize his vision, not virulent opposition as we see from certain untutored quarters. It is in our collective interest to support such a man for the glory and benefit of our country.

VP Osinbajo said only Buhari has the credibility to be able to solve some problems in our country now. Yes, he’s the one the populace chose, voted into power, despite all odds. Hear the VP: “And I think because of his level of credibility, despite everything, he is still the only one that can call everyone, and even people who do not necessarily agree with him know that he is a man of his words.”

Very true. This is our President, a man out to serve, and not to be served. The virulent opposition we see in the land can only be self-serving, an odious attempt to grab power for power’s sake. I’ll rather follow an honest man, for the sake of our country.

One more thing. The VP also told his London audience that we are better off as one people, one country. “Yorubas are not better off on their own. Igbos are not better off on their own. The North is not better off on its own. We are better off as one nation, that is why we are strong, and that is why we can face the world.”

One hopes those beating the drums of discord, evil speech and dismemberment are listening. Nigeria is stronger, better off as one united entity. Issues we have can always be resolved, without breaking into splinters. That is the only way the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain.

*Adesina is Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity

���������� ����� �������

*WHY OSINBAJO ADVOCATES FOREX POLICY THAT CURBS ARBITRAGE & CORRUPTION, OFFERING NIGERIANS CHEAPER DOLLARS*

Our attention has been drawn to statements and reports in the media mis-characterising as a call for devaluation, the view of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN that the Naira exchange rate was being kept artificially low.

Prof. Osinbajo is not calling for the devaluation of the Naira. He has at all times argued against a willy-nilly devaluation of the Naira.

For context, the Vice President’s point was that currently the Naira exchange rate benefits only those who are able to obtain the dollar at N410, some of who simply turn round and sell to the parallel market at N570. It is stopping this huge arbitrage of over N160 per dollar that the Vice President was talking about. Such a massive difference discourages doing proper business, when selling the dollar can bring in 40% profit!

This was why the Vice President called for measures that would increase the supply of foreign exchange in the market rather than simply managing demand,  which opens up irresistible opportunities for arbitrage and corruption. 

It is a well known fact that foreign investors and exporters have been complaining that they could not bring foreign exchange in at N410 and then have to purchase foreign exchange in the parallel market at N570 to meet their various needs on account of unavailability of foreign exchange. Only a more market reflective exchange rate would ameliorate this. With an increase in the supply of dollars the rates will drop and the value of the Naira will improve.

The real issue confronting the economy on this matter is how to improve the supply of foreign exchange, but this will not happen if we do not allow mechanisms like the Importers and Exporters window to work.  If we allow this market mechanism to work as intended, we will find that the Naira will appreciate against the dollar as we restore confidence in the system. 

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
12th October 2021

*2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION:*

*NO TO DIVISIVE POLITICS, ATTEMPS TO FOIST A CRACK BETWEEN OSINBAJO, TINUBU WILL FAIL*

My attention has been drawn to a media engagement on Channels TV this morning and a front page story of Daily Independent today.

On the Channels TV Sunrise programme two persons supposedly representing Asiwaju Support Group and Osinbajo Support Group were pitched against each other.

On the other hand, Daily Independent ran an headline thus:
2023 Presidency: Osinbajo On A Collision Course With Tinubu, Pushes To Succeed Buhari

It is incumbent on me to state emphatically that neither the Vice President nor his office is aware of this or endorse this kind of a divisive engagement and news reports. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo are members of same party. Osinbajo regards Tinubu as a respected leader of a political family to which he belongs and will therefore not for any reason endorse an endeavor that seeks to pitch them against each other.

We are not unaware of some people who may want to foist a crack among our leaders. Such an attempt is abortive. Osinbajo and Tinubu's relationship dates way back and it shall continue to wax strong.

Let me therefore call on individuals and media houses engaged in this act to desist from doing so. The APC remains one single, indivisible party and Osinbajo remains a loyal member of the party who respects both the party structure as well as its leadership.

Moreover, the INEC has not given a go ahead yet for politicking towards 2023. As a law abiding citizen, Osinbajo will not commence any act in this regard until INEC blows the whistle, and in any case the VP has not indicated interest in the 2023 elections

While appreciating individuals who are clamoring for him to contest, we however want to plead that they should not draw him or allow themselves into an unnecessary and precipitous controversy.

We welcome our great leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu back into the country. As a great democrat himself, he will certainly welcome politics without bitterness and divisiveness. We wish him good health, long life and prosperity.

Senator Babafemi Ojudu
Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President
Office of the Vice President
11th October 2021

This Vice President is simply loyal

By John Mayaki

If the media permutations and movements across the party aisle are anything to go by, it is definitely open season for politics in Nigeria, never mind that the main event is still a couple of years away. It is a season of obvious patterns and recurring themes, including the execution of coordinated attacks on selected persons by some highly-rewarded political tricksters and mischief-makers.

The victims of the coordinated attacks, through no deliberate action, earned the ire of the political merchants by distinguishing themselves in such a way that they are considered a “threat” or “stumbling block” to an ambition. It makes it so that the nature of the onslaught, which often manifests in the media, is designed to ‘take out a problem’ through various means and tactics.

The goal is to pre-emptively de-market a perceived rival candidate and cut down such a person’s popularity, even if they have not declared any ambition or remotely expressed interest. Or to forcibly extract a withdrawal statement from the victim, in effect ruling himself out of a race he never joined so that the attackers may sleep better.

Regardless of how it is executed, it makes no doubt a difficult experience for the victims on the receiving end particularly because the content of the attacks are typically invented lies, baseless allegations, and crude smear materials developed and distributed from a control room.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is one of such innocent victims in this game of thrones. His only fault is the superlative performance he has posted in his role, and the consequential result of earning the trust and confidence of his boss, party structure, and a broad range of Nigerians across different demography and ethnicity.

His rising popularity, having brought an unprecedented prestige and renewed respect to the office of the Vice Presidency, caused the outbreak of a different kind of pandemic in the camps of the permutation makers who willed him to be their opponent in a contest that exists only in their collective imagination.

As the Vice President received more accolades for his data-backed contributions to the success of the administration, the infection rate doubled and the fever worsened. Although cheering to well-meaning Nigerians, these people did not like the data produced by Woodford Consulting, a respected private outfit, which showed that Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, more than any other Vice President in the country’s history, achieved “ground-breaking, significant contributions in the areas of reducing farmer-herder conflicts, restoring peace in the then volatile Niger-Delta region, promoting Small and Medium Enterprises, establishing the biggest social investment programmes in the continent, and commitment to upholding human rights alongside repressing gross violations in Nigeria.”

The report chronicled verifiable successes in the assigned duties of the Vice President as Chairman of the National Economic Council and other similar responsibilities so delegated to him by the President. Indeed, with his leadership, Nigeria posted a vastly improved record in the ease of doing business ranking, which must be said is a culmination of improvements in several sectors ranging from the removal of red tapes in business development to access to government support, achieved through grueling reorientation and revamp of different agencies.

His introduction of the Economic Sustainability Plan, under which Nigerians benefited from MSME Survival Fund, Youth Fund, Mass Housing Programmes, Farmers Fund, Teachers’ Welfare Scheme, and other notable achievements also formed a core part of the report and explains his widespread admiration by millions of Nigerians, especially those overlooked for so long by the government.

Quietly going about his job, with no mind nor time for the kind of meetings his attackers spend their productive time and energy on, he has actively pursued and achieved incremental progress in gridlocked areas and demonstrated a complete devotion to the success of the administration and the elevation of his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari.

Troubled by this and his rising profile, the attackers, rendered restless by their nefarious plot, made him the subject of media attacks intended to set fire on his propellants, namely his frictionless relationship of trust and mutual respect with the President and his standing within the political structure that set the stage for his national emergence.

In the corners of their room, these ones have designed and thrust upon him an agenda he has not declared. They use this invented lie as the foundation of fallacious gossips of fictional conflicts, notably between the Vice President and his present and former principals, President Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the former Governor of Lagos in whose cabinet Prof. Osinbajo previously served and executed lasting reforms in the judicial division.

When they are not demanding his whereabouts, as if he is ever hidden, they bleat about a purported grand betrayal plan, pretending to be fighting the battles of those who neither asked them nor aware of their nefarious acts. But hard as they may try, their efforts have been rewarded with a resounding failure. Because this Vice President is loyal. And honest, capable, conscientious, and with a sound moral compass.

When the political merchants make accusations, they only project the inner workings of their damaged minds.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo continues to enjoy the trust of the man he dutifully serves, a fact evidenced by his recent trip to London to represent him at a United Nations High-Level event on Energy transition in Africa.

His relationship with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, an important National figure and party leader, could also not be better.

Prof. Osinbajo maintains alliances required for the progress of the country. Because his only agenda is the growth of Nigeria and finding rewarding opportunities for the abundance of talents displayed daily by the youths of the country.

Nigerians know this and recent events only reinforce the knowledge and their admiration of the man. Those who plot to mislead them into thinking otherwise with efforts targeted at soiling their VP’s unblemished image and to wreck his relationship with his allies, will once again be confronted by overwhelming evidence of their failure.


Mayaki is a Journalist, Historian, Diplomat, Archivist, Documentalist, Communication, Culture and Media expert (Coventry University, England). He’s also an Oxford and Cambridge University-trained entrepreneurship, leadership and sustainability expert. A Professional Consultant on Communication, Management and Strategy (Chattered Management Institute, England).

BEFORE THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) GOES TO EXTINCTION

(Being Text of A Press Conference Addressed By The All Progressives Congress Rebirth (APC Rebirth) Group In Abuja, Today, 6th October 2021)

Gentlemen of the Press,


1. We invite you to this briefing to alert members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress, both within and outside the country on the urgent need to reverse the eminent descend of the party into possible extinction.


2. Let me start by extending the gratitude of the REBIRTH group for your keen interest in our party and the progressive politics and governance it seeks to entrench. As a group, we believe that the fate of Nigeria as a United and prosperous country is inextricably linked to the fate of the APC as not just the government in power, but also as a progressive and reform-minded party. This is why what goes on in the APC should be of concern to every Nigerian, especially those of us who pride ourselves as bonafide members of this great party.

3. As the name implies, our mission is to push for the rebirth of the APC, both in name, character and substance, and return it to the path of the very ideals upon which it was founded, where all its principles and ideologies as put together during its formation are honoured and respected by all members of the party.

4. Like majority of APC members nationwide, we desire a party that exists to cater to the varying interests of its diverse membership. We seek a party that is truly for all members, that is run by all members as stakeholders, that is owned by all members, and that derives its strength from the belief, trust and investment of the ordinary members, who are it’s backbone. We are committed to the rebirth of the APC as a viable party that is not owned by powerful individuals or cabals, but rather one whose strength and very existence are predicated on its ability to command the loyalty and dedication of its teeming members through fair treatment and respect for all.

5. This is our expectation for the party, and it is the one cardinal desire in pursuit of which we are prepared to invest our time, energy and resources.

6. Gentlemen of the press, we take the courageous step of admitting that the APC has deviated from the ideal political party our founding fathers envisioned during its formation in 2013. Having succeeded in winning the elections and enthroning the government in 2015 to bring about the radical change that was in urgent need in the country, the onerous task of managing the party as a true and progressive political party began to hit brick walls as early as the party came into power. Much more than not, the APC has functioned as an association run and operated in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of whichever group is dominant at any particular period. We cannot continue in this manner, and we believe it is time for the APC to rebirth and reinvent itself as a true, progressive and reform-minded political party that is constantly evolving in accordance with its philosophical objectives and the yearnings of the majority of its members.

7. It is on record that some powerful individuals in the current opposition party which held power prior to the coming of the APC engaged in the habit of micromanaging almost all of its activities, denying members their legitimate rights to fully participate and ostracize those deemed powerless. The aforementioned characteristics contributed to the eventual implosion of the party, an opportunity we took full advantage of and moved from opposition to the party in power. It is therefore very surprising and, indeed, worrisome that the APC today is seeping with the same attributes as the other party.

7. As part of activities leading to our National Convention, we have held Ward and Local Government Congresses in a very undemocratic way, clearly imposing leadership on members at the grassroots in the guise of the so called 'consensus’ candidate. While we acknowledge that consensus is one of our party's Constitutional provisions, it is an irrefutable fact that the APC Constitution did not envisage a situation where certain individuals, whether as governors, former governors or party leaders would coerce members into accepting a premeditated outcome as mutually agreed option. A forced outcome is never a consensus, because any procedure that does not uphold the freedom of choice of individuals cannot be said to embody the progressive politics that APC ought to represent.

8. We may have missed the opportunity to right these wrongs at the two levels where congresses already held, but the forthcoming national convention presents a perfect opportunity that we must take advantage of. Consequently, the APC REBIRT demands that open contestation must be the only option for every position in the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, rather than imposing anointed candidates on members of the party in the name of consensus as was the case with the party’s recent Wards and Local Government congresses.

9. We demand that the set of leaders that will emerge from the forthcoming national convention must be those who do not only have what it takes to give a new life to the APC in the interest of all members, they must be people with unquestionable characters and proven records of progressiveness. Therefore, stringent conditions must be given as criterias qualifying anyone to hold a national office in the All Progressives Congress. The question of the many ex-this and ex-that having to run the affairs of the party despite their glaring failures in previous responsibilities must not be entertained.

10. We equally charge the party’s Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) with ensuring that the National Convention's date, guidelines, and other arrangements are made public prior to the state Congress slated for October 16th, 2021. This will not only dispel the widely held believe that the Buni-led committee is playing out a script with its continuous stay in office, it will ensure proper and adequate planning for the convention. Conducting this national convention and handing over to a duly elected and constituted National Working Committee is even more germane at this point in time that many legal challenges have been mounted against the Caretaker Committee in the court of law.

11. Gentlemen of the press. Shortly after it’s formation in 2013, the APC became a mass movement of not only its registered members but also a critical mass of Nigerians who believed in the visions and personalities of President Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some of the other founding leaders of our great party. These individuals must come to the realization that they represent the hopes and aspirations of a vast membership of the party, and must not continue to look away or remain in silence as the very fortunes they worked hard for are being frittered away by the actions of a few and self serving individuals. President Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other concerned leaders must rise up to repose the confidence of the people who still believe and rely on their leadership by ensuring that we do not only get the forthcoming national convention right with the enthronement of leaders the APC needs at this time, but also safeguard their legacies from being wiped away.

12. On our part, we must reiterate that our demands here represent the yearnings of majority of members of the APC across the country. In the past few weeks, we have held series of consultations with relevant stakeholders who share in the APC of our dreams. In the days ahead, we will continue with these consultations and expand it to reach even more stakeholders who are tired of the status quo. We therefore call on members of the party with progressive ideals to join us in this onerous task of saving the All Progressives Congress from becoming extinct.

Suffice to add that this press conference officially signals our campaign toward the Rebirth of APC. Depending on how the leaders of the party responds to our clarion calls, we will continue to roll out our plans until we are certain that the APC has been given a new lease of life. We hope we won’t get to some of them before concrete actions are taken.

Thank you and God bless.

Signed
APC REBIRTH

People will always complain when they lose--- Akpanudoedehe

People have aspiration and if they fail or not met, they are bound to form association. We will always look for credible candidates to win. People must make themselves to love the party. What people should be talking about the performance of the party in giving dividend to Nigerians. It is their right to vent anger but consensus allows cohesion and cohesiveness.

Those God wants to be there will be there. The beauty of this CECPC I'd to ensure rancour free process and we are doing that. But not everybody will be happy.

I want to advise them to stay in the party and associate with the stakeholders and lobby them.
We followed the Constitution of the party to conduct the process. The report before us don't give impression that the processes were flawed.

People should stop playing to the gallery. We set up appeal panels and I am not sure they explored the channel for redress. Even when they go, they can't prove their case.

The national secretary also dismissed claim that party faithful were not being carried along.
We will continue to mend fences, I won't say people are being carried along hundred percent bit I can say the party is owned by the people now, not by power blocs or minority.

They must trust the chairman of having the elasticity to accomodate everybody and bring everybody together. People will always complain when they lose. This Careraker can say since inception, we have never had it so good as a party. We have stabilize the party and brought more people to the party.

Instead of vilifying us, they should be praising President Muhammadu Buhari

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

NIGERIA AT 61: THE VISION UNDEFEATED, BY VP OSINBAJO

*(FIND BELOW: FULL TEXT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH)

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has observed that even though there are current security, economic, religious, and ethnic challenges, the collective vision of a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, where righteousness abounds, still abides.

This was the summation of Prof. Osinbajo's remarks at the 61st Independence Anniversary Inter-denominational Church service and the 45th anniversary service of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which held at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja today.

The event tagged 'Together, Come Let Us build', was attended by several dignitaries, especially representatives of the National Assembly, Judiciary, and members of the Federal Executive Council including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

There were also eminent religious leaders, including the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A Adeboye; CAN President, Rev. Supo Ayokunle; among others.

According to the VP, "we have since become the most educated and most entrepreneurial nation in Africa. Ten of our 36 States have larger economies than at least 15 African countries. From our ranks, we have the most accomplished men and women, in the arts, the sciences, in sports, in technology and commerce."

Prof. Osinbajo added that "our current trials cannot draw the curtains on our story, because the vision is for an appointed time and because this country is greater than the sum of its parts and the sum of its mistakes; and because the God we serve is greater than the sum of our collective hopes and imagination, our nation will surmount our current travails and emerge in victory."

Below is the full speech of the Vice President titled "Nigeria: The Vision Undefeated."

SPEECH DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE 61st INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY INTER-DENOMINATIONAL CHURCH SERVICE AND THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE OF THE CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN) ON THE 26TH OF SEPTEMBER, 2021

PROTOCOLS

Let me begin by delivering to the Christian Association of Nigeria, the warm felicitations of Mr. President, President Muhammadu Buhari on this occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Association. He has asked me to commend the work of CAN especially within Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, to ensure brotherliness and peace amongst all Nigerians regardless of faith. Congratulations today on behalf of Mr. President.

I have titled my remarks today - The Vision Undefeated.

61 years ago, our founding fathers laid out a vision, that the many nations and ethnicities, North and South of the Niger, 300 languages or more, differing tribes, and religions, would by the grace of God become one Nation. That their diverse strengths and gifts would coalesce into a formidable economic and regional force. And that these united nations may become the largest aggregation of black people on earth. A beacon of hope to all peoples of African descent, long bruised by the afflictions of slavery and colonial exploitation. Nigeria will be the reaffirmation of their dignity and a tonic to their spirits.

The Lord blessed the vision and prospered the land with richness in oil, in gas, in minerals of every hue. In fruit trees, in palm trees, in crops of every kind, in savannahs and forests, arable land, seas, rivers, and the riches embedded in them.

That vision of our forebears inheres in the words of our National Motto: Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.

Through the years, we worked that vision, through thick and thin. From subjection to colonial monarchy, to a sovereign republic, to civil rule to military rule. We fought a bitter war amongst brothers that cost millions of lives, and though we still wear the deep scars of those wounds, the Lord preserved the Republic.

We have since become the most educated and most entrepreneurial nation in Africa. 10 of our 36 States have larger economies than at least 15 African countries. From our ranks, we have the most accomplished men and women, in the arts, the sciences, sports, technology, and commerce.

But today, yet again, our path has been dogged by conflict; religious and ethnic, economic challenges, insurgencies and banditry, much darkness, many valleys, and many thorns. And so many ask, “can the vision of the nation united, the nation peaceful, the nation righteous and the nation prosperous yet abide?"

But the vision is not destroyed because of the many trials and tribulations, nor is the vision denied by the days when the fig tree does not blossom, or when there is no fruit on the vines; nor is the vision nullified when the labor of the olive fails, neither is the vision defeated because the flock is cut off from the fold, leaving no herd in the stalls.

The Lord God, our strength, He will yet make our feet like the feet of the deer, and we, who had been in the valley, He will make us walk on our high hills (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Neither hailstones nor hellfire can destroy the vision because the Creator of the universe is the visioner, the One who gave the vision is the Lord of dreams. And indeed even after we have suffered for a while, this God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle us. (1 Peter 5:10)

Our current trials cannot draw the curtains on our story, because the vision is for an appointed time. Our today is not our tomorrow because the vision is for an appointed time.

This country is greater than the sum of its parts and the sum of its mistakes, and because the God we serve is greater than the sum of our collective hopes and imagination, our nation will surmount our current travails and emerge in victory.

(Habakkuk 2:3) For indeed the vision is yet for an appointed time; though it tarries. But at the end, it will speak, and it will not lie. We will wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

May the Lord prosper this land, and its peoples forever, Amen.

Congratulations to CAN at 45 and happy anniversary Nigeria at 61.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless you all.

Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
26th September 2021

The ruling All Progressive Congress, APC Appeal Committee for Kebbi state Local Government Congress has declared that no petition or complaint concerning the just concluded local government Congress across the 21 Local Government areas of the state.

This was made known in a statement released by the Chairman of the five-member Committee, Mallam Alwan Hassan.

He revealed that the Appeal Committee members were given the ratification by the APC National Secretariat of the party in Abuja to receive petition or complaint from Local Government Congress that might have emanated from the local government in the state but the committee haven't received any petition or complaint so far.

He further stated that the Congress was successful and satisfactory as endorsed by every stakeholder of the party in the state.

While commending the party members in the state for their unity and understanding, he urged them keep up with the zeal of maintaining the progress of the party.

In Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Theory of Social Contract, he says that man is born free but constantly in chains. One of such chains are our need to belong and to be recognized in and by the society we belong. I may have time to expand on this someday but here is a perspective.

It is always a thing of joy to receive the news that the party you have always supported and even sacrificed for, keeps growing in number. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has proven its tendency to outlast the speculations of naysayers as evidenced by the influx of decampees.

While we celebrate this feat, it is important to forewarn that loyalty in politics is not for the feeble minded; it comes at a cost too steep for he who has not fully prepared for it.

I have followed and led many who without anything in return, have sworn allegiance to the party and would rather give up the ghost than to pitch tent elsewhere. As much as they may not be doing it with a high expectation of being rewarded, it would be a noble gesture for their efforts to be rewarded or at least, recognized.

Without prejudice or reservations, I welcome Mr. Femi Fani Kayode into the APC fold and I have no doubt he will make tremendous contribution to the progress of the party. However, his grand reception at the state house and his picture moment with the president and attendant publicity fanfare even from the presidency in my opinion, sends a confusing message up my spine.

I remember working tirelessly to hold a dinner with the president, for state coordinators of a campaign organization that worked against all odds. They put in their personal resources … I remember the one from Plateau was robbed and attacked during campaign.

A volunteer was murdered by insurgents in the Northeast during campaign. The one from Benue had one of his executives murdered, and throughout the Election Day, he kept calling the headquarters so that security should be mobilized to protect him because some assailants were after him.

The one in Rivers fought and had to keep shaking off death threats on the daily.

As much as people believed that the president had no support from the SE, the coordinator from one of Southeastern states had to be shuttling between the hospital where his wife was on admission and the polling unit, another had to disconnect infusion from his veins just to go and ensure that a situation report was sent.

The coordinator from Adamawa called and said, Atiku boys have come to his area and are spending a lot of money to the point that he has been made a laughing stalk, he said he has spent all he had but it is just like a drop in an ocean.

As peculiar as these instances are, each volunteer and coordinator had his or her story that is similar that would take volumes to cover.

Now, these people never got to have that dinner with the president, but today, here is a picture of the president with one of the people, that made their work even more difficult during the campaigns.

This is the price of loyalty in Nigerian politics. It won't change anytime soon. Our party may be growing by those coming in, but I fear with how they are shown preference to those who have always been loyal, could be an exodus waiting to happen. We can do better. We should do better.

~ Abubakar Barde
APC Young Stakeholder

Fani-Femi Kayode isn't a hypocrite!
By Haruspice

Truth be told, Fani-Kayode may be more useful to Buhari than the army of appointees around him, the man will go all miles to defend his new master, unlike the people Buhari appointed but can not stand in defence of him. List 5 ministers you see educating Nigerians on the policies of Buhari's administration. You are benefiting from the canopy of APC but never seen in the open standing for the man that made it possible for you.

Buhari appointed a lot of people who in turn looked away from other members of the party. If those who Buhari appointed remembered those they started with, Buhari wouldn't have been subjected to the combined and unfair onslaught by some justifiably disgruntled people. Imagine if Hadiza Bala and Mariam Uwais had carried Oby Ezekwesili and Aisha Yesefu along, do you think they would have become pain in the neck of Buhari? Some people assumed power and forget their circle, forgetting that your circle is the potency of your aspirations!

What are the lots of the members of the Buhari Support Organisation once headed by the current minister of Agriculture Mallam Mahmud? The members are not only forgotten but abandoned. Who abandons those who made things happen for you?

What happens to Bashir Ahmad's Buhari New Media Center BNMC? You gathered young people who sacrificed their time and resources selling the Buhari brand only for you to leave them stranded without even the courtesy of appreciation! Besides Ismaeel Ahmed and Sanusi Ohiare who are consistently in touch with the young APC folks, show me any other beneficiaries of the APC benevolence that has given back to the circle they once shared!

You formed government, got appointed and leave those who shouted chanji upandan with you and hire cronies who were never near the toiling ground. Almost all aides to APC appointees are not people who struggled to enthrone the government. You can't build a house with people and chase them into the rain for new occupants; that is a bad way of rewarding loyalty. Not all of us have the heart of enduring perceived see finish. Learn to remember those who made things happen.

Again, Fani is even more loyal than some of Buhari's appointees, he shows his loyalty in the open and never in hypocrisy. At least, Femi justifies his motive unlike those who benefit from Buhari but are never out in his defence.

Frankly musing