₦airaland Forum

Olawale Olaleye

Since his emergence as Nigeria’s number-two citizen, different accounts had been flying around on how Professor Yemi Osinbajo, actually secured the coveted vice-presidential slot, a majority of which revolved around the person of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, his former boss. Indeed, the recent revelation by Chief Bisi Akande in his book, “My Participations” was equally slanted to further pin down the narrative.

You may recall that in 2016, Professor John Paden, authored a biography, ‘Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of leadership in Nigeria’, where he dismissed speculations that Tinubu, influenced the emergence of Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate, but contended that Buhari, instead, chose Osinbajo despite a lot of pressure from Tinubu, who was interested in the position. That book raised a lot of dust and as expected, Tinubu’s soldiers went for the professor.

But, regardless of whichever version you must have read or heard, what you are about to read now is the untold story of how Professor Osinbajo, became Buhari’s running mate and eventually, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It happened that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was almost running against the deadline for the submission of names of its candidates ahead of the 2015 presidential election. There was no debate about its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, who had emerged at a convention held in Lagos in December of 2014. But the party had been held hostage on its choice for the running mate.

In the forefront of the confusion that had ensued as a result was Tinubu, who didn’t hide his desire to fill the slot. He hinged this on the understanding he allegedly had with Buhari in the early days of their proposed alliance, before the merger that eventually culminated in the formation of the APC, now boasting several other tendencies.

With a bigger house made possible by what was known as the ‘legacy parties’ and other individuals, who championed the change movement, a Muslim/Muslim ticket had become arguably impracticable.

This much was canvassed by a majority of the actors with stakes in the party, especially, with the increasing attacks from the Boko Haram terrorist group. They had considered a Muslim/Muslim ticket a very hard sell.

However, with 24 hours to deadline for submission of names, coupled with the fact that Tinubu had made a smooth choice of a running mate nearly impossible, including the fact that he was made to chair a selection committee, which failed to fly, because of his vested interest, Buhari then decided to take the bull by the horn, being the candidate.

While the underhand intrigues subsisted, Buhari had set up a team of some persons, including a former governor of Zamfara State, Abdul-Aziz Yari; former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki; incumbent Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal and his predecessor, Magatakarda Wamakko, amongst others to shortlist names of likely candidates for him, from the South.

Interestingly, it seemed there was a consensus that with the role of the Southwest, the running mate must come from the zone, reason other interested folks from other parts of the country could not fly.

The committee had completed its work and submitted a list of three names to Buhari. First on the list is a former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, followed by Senator Olorunimbe Mamora and third, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. Please, follow the trend and how Osinbajo’s name first featured in the 2015 theatrics.

Armed with the list and wary of the deadline staring him in the face, Buhari left for Tinubu’s house in Abuja, first to explain that a Muslim/Muslim ticket was not going to fly, meaning he would be unable to run with him and that in the alternative, he (Tinubu) could recommend anyone from the list to him as his preferred choice for the slot. At least, he thought it was okay to do him that honour.

Unfortunately, Tinubu didn’t receive the news well and flared up so bad that he was alleged to have engaged in war of words with Buhari, who stormed out of his house, after Tinubu had insinuated betrayal. Amongst those in Tinubu’s house at the time were Chief Bisi Akande, Rauf Aregbesola and Adams Oshiomhole. But only Oshiomhole walked Buhari to his car as he made to leave the house.

From Tinubu’s house, Buhari stopped over at the home of a former governor from the Southern part of the country and told him all that transpired, and went back home – angry and disappointed.

Getting home, he sent for Saraki and when the former Senate President got to his place, he narrated what happened and the embarrassment meted out to him, saying if Tinubu wanted a fight, he was ready and he would give it back in full dose.

But Saraki pleaded with him that it was too early and that the situation was not what they couldn’t manage well before the elections. Saraki immediately contacted a former Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and hinted him that there was fire on the mountain and that he needed to come around to join forces with him to manage the situation. Amosun left his home in Abeokuta, first for Lagos and then Abuja, and straight to Buhari’s home.

Thus, when he got there, he was intimated with all that had happened, but he was particularly worried about deadline and pleaded with Buhari to let him take it over from there. So, he left for Tinubu’s place to close the deal.

By the time he got to Tinubu’s residence, Oshiomhole had left but still with him were Baba Akande and Ogbeni Aregbesola. Typical of Amosun, who would not waste time on anything, he told Tinubu that Buhari’s mind was already made up, but that he should decide now, who he wanted as the running mate, at least, that only the individual he chose would be presented to Buhari and not give him the pleasure of choosing from a list.

Still angry and disappointed, the first person Tinubu suggested in that rage was Oshiomhole. But as if planned, there was almost a unanimous opposition from everyone in the room. Then, Aregbesola suggested Osinbajo and he (Tinubu) opposed it, saying Osinbajo was one of those, who campaigned against a Muslim/Muslim ticket and must therefore not benefit from it.

Now, let’s digress a bit. Tinubu’s anger against Osinbanjo was this. The former Lagos governor had set up a team of persons close to him to ponder the Muslim/Muslim idea and the best way to push it forward. Those on the team included Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyom, Mr. Wale Edun, Mr. Dele Alake and Mr. Dapo Thomas. The team met regularly at a private Guest House on the Island, Ikoyi to be precise.

But Osinbajo had during one of their meetings said pointedly that there was no way he would defend a Muslim/Muslim ticket in good conscience especially, with the state of security in the country. He asked on what account would he go back to his family and say he was part of such a decision? Of course, Tinubu got a feedback from the team and held it against him, even though Osinbajo didn’t mean any harm.

Therefore, at the mention of Osinbajo, he revolted almost instantly. But he needed to give a name and time was fast going before deadline. So, he asked to see the list brought by Buhari and on sighting it, he said, “Okay, let’s run with Oyinlola.” To that too, Baba Akande protested and it was back to square one.

Again, Aregbesola prevailed and contended that, like it or not, Osinbajo remained a member of Tinubu’s political family and therefore, still his best bet. After a few minutes of grumbling, he reluctantly agreed to Osinbajo. And Amosun asked him repeatedly if it was a deal and he responded in the affirmative. Final answer kind of thing! Mamora was not even to be considered as far as Tinubu was concerned. Those who know Lagos politics would understand why.

When he finally agreed to Osinbajo, Aregbesola even pleaded to be given the honour of being the person to break the news to Osinbajo. But Amosun didn’t have the patience to acquiesce to that request. For him, time was of the essence and that assignment was handled business-like. Therefore, how Baba Akande handed them a note with Osinbajo’s name and ordered them to Buhari is still a mirage. Besides, Aregbesola did not go with him.

Anyway, in the presence of all, Amosun made a call to Osinbajo to ask, where he was and that a plane would be sent to convey him now to Abuja. But, incidentally, Osinbajo replied that he was in Abuja already, because he had a case at the Supreme Court.

Great, everything seemed to be working together for good, he reckoned. Then asked him to come immediately to Ogun House in Abuja, and when he arrived, he first congratulated him saying, “You’re the next vice-president of Nigeria.”

With a confounding gaze, he conveyed him in his (Amosun’s) car and drove straight to Buhari’s house, with Kemi Adeosun, former Minister of Finance, sitting in front of the car.

Getting to the candidate’s residence, Amosun asked Osinbajo to wait downstairs, while he went upstairs to see the president and told Buhari: “I have him sir,” and Buhari asked: “Who?” and he replied: “Your running mate”.

The APC candidate then came downstairs, where he first met with Osinbajo for the first time as introduced to him by Amosun and immediately, ushered them to a sitting area in the kitchen, where his nomination form was filled in a hurry.

Osinbajo, filling his form in Buhari’s dinning area, was guided by Mrs. Adeosun, Amosun and Sarki Abba, one of Buhari’s domestic staff, to hasten up the process. Buhari, too, was there watching them complete the process.

This is why for those, who know the story, how Osinbajo later turned out to be Amosun’s enemy remains a mystery to them. But with this insider picture of how Osinbajo ‘walked from Lagos to Abuja’, readers can now decide by themselves, the person, who actually made Osinbajo the vice president. To do this, however, five centres must be factored into account.

The first is the team set up by Buhari, which included him amongst the three potential candidates. The second is Aregbesola, who consistently mentioned him until it was approved. The third is Tinubu, who reluctantly agreed to his choice, without which they probably would have been unable o move on.

The fourth was Amosun, who had to run a major and serious race from Abeokuta to Lagos and Abuja to make sure that phase in the life of APC was closed. The fifth and most important is Buhari himself. He could have rejected him if he wanted to. After all, he was going to be working with him and definitely should have a say in the choice of his partner.

But if you asked this writer, no one person made Osinbajo vice president. The coming together of everyone as designed by God did the job. Therefore, no one person can claim the glory. This, in a nutshell, is the story of Osinbajo’s journey to the seat of power, Abuja.

All the additions and facts deliberately mutilated by Baba Akande are curious. But, it is understandable. Above all, if you are in doubt, many names are mentioned here as witnesses to the journey, you can check with them all.

DISTURBING NEWS: Katsina State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Rabe Nasir, reportedly assassinated earlier today Thursday by Unknown Gunmen suspected to be terror bandits in his residence in GRA, Katsina metropolis.

LIQUIFIED PETROLEUM GAS SHOULD BE TRANSITION FUEL IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES – OSINBAJO SAYS AT GLOBAL FORUM IN DUBAI*

_*LPG now designated fuel of choice in Nigeria as 20-million Cylinder Injection Scheme set-up_

_*Nigeria presents a unique LPG investment destination, VP adds_


"The world should not have to choose between energy poverty and climate change as this can be addressed with both natural gas and Liquified Petroleum Gas as transition fuels alongside other renewable sources."

This was the kernel of the lead keynote address delivered this morning by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where the World Liquified Petroleum Gas Association,  (WLPGA) is holding its week-long forum.

The  association's 2021 LPG Week brings together over 2,000 delegates from 72 countries, including major LPG companies, senior public sector officials, industry experts and other relevant stakeholders.

Speaking on the theme “Energizing Tomorrow” at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Prof. Osinbajo noted that it was “worrying that a growing number of wealthy nations have banned or restricted public investment in fossil fuels, including natural gas.”

“Such policies often do not distinguish between different kinds of fossil fuels, nor do they consider the vital role some of these fuels play in powering the growth of developing economies, especially in sub-Saharan Africa,” he stated.

“As development finance institutions try to balance climate concerns against the need to spur equitable development and increase energy security, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union have all taken aggressive steps to limit fossil fuel investments in developing and emerging economies.

“The World Bank and other multilateral development banks are being urged by some shareholders to do the same. The African Development Bank, for instance, is increasingly unable to support large natural gas projects in the face of European shareholder pressure.”

While he acknowledged that all countries have a part to play in the fight against climate change, Prof. Osinbajo emphasized that “a global transition away from carbon- based fuels must account for the economic differences between countries and allow for multiple pathways to net-zero emissions.”

The VP, who was accompanied to the event by Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, the Nigerian Ambassador to the UAE, Mohammed Rimi, among others, submitted that it should not be necessary to have to choose between energy-poverty nexus and climate change since both can be properly addressed simultaneously.

Noting that there were still close to 600 million Africans without access to electricity, Prof. Osinbajo observed that, “for developing countries, unlike the rest of the world, the transition to net zero emissions poses two... existential problems.”

Explaining the imperative for the global community to balance concerted efforts at addressing global climate crisis with energy-poverty issue in developing economies, VP Osinbajo said, “aside from the climate crisis, we have the problem of lifting millions out of extreme poverty. And access to energy is a huge part of that.”

“For the few with access to electricity, it is either unreliable due to lack of generating capacity and infrastructure, or unaffordable due to high prices. But a more important aspect of that problem is the 2.6 billion people globally without access to clean cooking solutions, including over 900 million in Africa.”

Continuing, he said, “in fact, this energy-poverty nexus has distinct gender characteristics. A report from the World Health Organization revealed that about 4.3 million people die annually from inefficient cooking practices using polluting stoves paired with solid fuels like charcoal and kerosene… So, clearly there is an urgent need to transition from these fatally hazardous fuels to cleaner energy,” he stated.

Citing Nigeria’s efforts at balancing energy security with environmental sustainability, Prof. Osinbajo stated further that the Federal Government has developed an Energy Transition Plan “which shows that achieving net-zero by 2060 will require investments of about $410 billion, above business as usual, and that natural gas will play a critical role in addressing the clean cooking challenge, as well providing grid stability to integrate renewables at scale.”

According to him, “Nigeria has also developed an integrated energy plan with a clean cooking model which shows the clean cooking opportunities across technologies such as electric- cooking and LPG.

“This model shows that there is an opportunity to transition at least five million households to LPG solutions, which will cut emissions by 30% compared to business as usual, reduce other pollutants by 90% or more and avoid 6.9 billion kilogrammes of forest loss from biomass collection.”

The VP added that "LPG remains an ideal fuel to support the journey to renewables, as it is easily stored, does not degrade over time, requires no heating or complex filtration to keep the fuel in a usable condition, and does not constantly boil off."

He said that for a gas-rich country like Nigeria with over 206 TCF of proven reserves and an additional 600 TCF scope to be proven, "it is evident that what makes the most sense from the point of view of balancing energy security with environmental sustainability is the use of LPG at least as a transition fuel."

Citing Nigeria as an example, Prof. Osinbajo said, “for countries such as my own, that is rich in natural resources but still energy poor - from the point of view of access, the transition must not come at the expense of affordable and reliable energy for people, cities, and industry. On the contrary, it must be inclusive, equitable, and just—which means preserving the right to sustainable development and poverty eradication as enshrined in global treaties such as the Paris accord.

The Vice President then made reference to Nigeria’s Energy Transition, observing that the plan is tied to adopting and domesticating all forms of cleaner energy.

“These cleaner energy systems include solar for electricity, waste to energy, wind energy, hydro power and natural gas.  which aims to adopt and domesticate all forms of cleaner energy sources from household use to commercial use,” he stated.

Buttressing his points, the Vice President highlighted other proactive policies and plans of the Federal Government put in place since 2017.

He mentioned particularly the implementation of Nigeria’s Domestic LPG expansion initiatives, including the LPG policy as part of its National Gas Policy; the National Gas Flare Commercialization Programme; as well as specific provisions in the new Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 that elevates LPG as the fuel of choice compared to other competing fuels.

“And we have established a 20 million Cylinder Injection Scheme; 5 -10 million of these are to be introduced in pilot States next year. We have also established an LPG Energy Fund in the order of $50 million, in its first phase, in partnership with AFREXIMBANK," the Vice President disclosed.

He also listed the mandated conversion of 58,000 Telecommunications cell sites from diesel to LPG due to identified emissions from the industry and an Autogas conversion scheme and capacity building in the 12 pilot States.

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo explained that the FG has “consummated a collaboration with the EU through a study on CO2 savings based on the National LPG Expansion Implementation Programme for Clean Cooking. Also in the last three years, several LPG coastal terminals have been opened in Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar, with the latest one opening in Warri later this month.

"We also have a waiver of import duty on machineries, equipment and spare parts for the establishment of LPG plants for 10 years (subject to renewal) and a 5 - Year Tax holiday for investors in the LPG value Chain.”

While the Vice President stated the desire of the Federal Government to support investors, he noted that Nigeria’s “interventions would result in significant reduction in the rate of deforestation and create millions of direct and indirect employment opportunities for Nigerians.”

Aside from being an effective transition fuel, the VP asserted that "LPG is set to be part of the destination as it is being used as a precursor for green hydrogen with zero emission," adding that "an eventual move to bio-LPG will allow countries like Nigeria to keep existing infrastructure in place, capitalize on already existing supply and distribution chains and reach net-zero at far lower cost.

He said, “this also helps to overcome the concern of stranded assets. Consumers will not have to re-invest in expensive electrical solutions if their gas appliances can be re- purposed for zero carbon LPG.

“Our target is 5,000,000MT, and this requires at least USD$6 billion for the required LPG infrastructure roll-out to meet our target. From inland and coastal terminals to cylinder filling plants, bobtails, semi-trailers, valves and regulators, Nigeria presents a unique LPG investment destination for setting up manufacturing facilities and support services for the expanded LPG value chain in the National LPG Expansion."

Vice President Osinbajo was later conducted round the exhibition stands put up by different participants at the WLPGA Week.

Other speakers at the grand opening of the WLPGA week included the UAE Minister of Energy & Infrastructure, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouel; the Deputy Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency, Ms. Gauri Singh; and the CEO of the WLPGA, Mr. James Rockall.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity)
Office of the Vice President
7th December, 2021

VP OSINBAJO TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT 2021 GLOBAL FORUM ON LIQUIFIED PETROLEUM GAS IN DUBAI THIS WEEK

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, departs Abuja early today to participate at the World Liquified Petroleum Gas Association forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he will be delivering the keynote address.

World leaders, top government ministers from several countries and Chief Executives of major multinational corporations in the Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) sectors around the globe will be attending the week-long 2021 World LPG Week from Sunday through Thursday this week under the auspices of the Paris-based World LPG Association.

Prof. Osinbajo will be speaking on Tuesday at the forum, which is attracting over 2,000 delegates from 72 countries, on the theme of the LPG Week - “Energising Tomorrow.”

The World LGP Week, which first held in Amsterdam in 2019, is an annual event bringing together major LPG companies, senior public sector officials, industry experts and other relevant stakeholders.

This year’s LPG Week, which will hold at the Dubai World Trade Centre, creates the opportunity for global stakeholders to engage with the activities lined up, including a global exhibition, technology conference, the LPG Development Summit, among others.

The World LPG Association was established in 1987 and granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, ECOSOC, in 1989. WLPGA is the umbrella association which globally coordinates the LPG industry.

Vice President Osinbajo is expected back in Abuja on Thursday.

Laolu Akande,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,
Office of the Vice President.
6th December, 2021

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, a member of the AXA Group and global leader in insurance and asset management, has recorded N48.78 billion Gross Written Premium, up 24 per cent from N39.46 billion in September 2020.

According to the company, Net Premium Income of N27.13 billion, up 14 per cent from N23.75bn in September 2020.

Investment and Other Income of N3.25 billion, down 50 per cent fromN6.56 billion in September 2020.

Operating Expenses of N6.26 billion, up 6 per cent from N5.92 billion in September 2020, while profit before Tax of N5.00bn, down29% from N7.06bn recorded in September 2020 and profit after Tax of N3.81bn, dip33 per cent from N5.67bn in September 2020.

Speaking about the results, the Chief Financial Officer of the company, Mrs Ngozi Ola-Israel, said. “The business remained resilient through the third quarter delivering ₦48.78bn in revenues, growing 24 per cent YoY from ₦39.46 billion and ₦8.39 billion in underwriting profit, growing 20 per cent YoY from ₦7.01bn. The decline of 29 per cent and 33% respectively in the PBT and PAT is driven by fair value losses in the current year compared to fair value gains in the previous year and gain on disposal of a subsidiary in the previous year which did not re-occur this year.

The fundamentals of the business remain strong, and we remain committed to continuous improvement in our technical and operational performance as we approach the end of the year.”

Also speaking on the development of the financials at the end of September 2021, the Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance, Mr Kunle Ahmed, said“We thank our customers and partners for their continued faith in our security and service delivery, they are responsible for the GWP growth recorded in the third quarter despite the challenging economic terrain. The increase in our claims paid further emphasizes our financial strength and capacity to protect businesses in a very challenging economy.. As we wrap up the year 2021, we will continue to improve our distribution channels, refine our service delivery and horn our underwriting and technical capabilities for the ultimate benefit of our customers”

VP presides as NEC meeting endorses Finance Bill 2022

With more room to redefine the exchange for international competitiveness and the largest concentration of young people in the primary market, Nigeria is in a better position to advance its capital markets locally and globally.

This was the view expressed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, in his keynote speech today in Abuja at the first Capital Market Conference of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group.

Later in the day, the VP presided over a virtual meeting of the National Economic Council where the Council composed of all State Governors, FCT Minister, Central Bank Governor, and Federal Government officials endorsed a memo on the Finance Bill for 2022.

Highlights of the bill was presented to the Council by the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed who explained that the proposed bill is intended to be passed alongside next year's budget.

According to the Minister, some of the proposed legislative changes cover domestic revenue mobilization, closing tax loopholes, public financial management and tax administration reforms as well as international taxation issues. She added that some of the principles of the proposed Finance Bill 2022 are to ensure fiscal equity, avoid double taxation, and support businesses especially MSMEs.

Members of the Council endorsed the Bill subject to a few observations to be made.

Meanwhile, while speaking on the NGX Conference theme: "The Future Ready Capital Market: Innovating for Nigeria’s Sustainable Recovery," the Vice President stated that, “every smart investor must be looking now at how to be a part of the miracle of the Nigerian Unicorns, the about five or six indigenous Nigerian companies (driven by young Nigerians) that became billion-dollar enterprises since 2015 in the midst of two recessions.”

The Vice President, who emphasized the digital transformation of the markets, highlighted the many opportunities this move would provide for the capital markets, which includes bringing in more young investors.

He advised the adoption of technology "to bring in a new crop of young investors, many of who use their smartphones primarily for engaging with commerce and banking activities today. And you have commendably begun the journey to the digital transformation of the market, following the highly successful example of the banks and, of course, the telcos."

The VP added, “today, the huge retail outlets already created by the telcos with well over a hundred million subscribers, the wide reach of banks, especially with the numerous financial inclusion initiatives, make this probably the most auspicious moment for digitizing the capital market to bring in the millions of new young retail investors.”

The VP also noted the efforts of the NGX Technology Board to attract tech companies he referred to as ‘the present and future tech unicorns’ to the market as a viable option for raising capital.

Prof. Osinbajo stated that technology will also give “more investors the opportunity to benefit from the phenomenal growth of these companies.”

However, he observed that “we must work gingerly to ensure that where policy may be involved, we enhance and not encumber the ability of these companies to raise capital quickly and efficiently. This, of course, will call for mirroring successful global best practices."

Prof. Osinbajo, who noted that this was probably the most exciting time in the history of capital markets in Nigeria, added that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) also offered exciting new prospects for cross-border listings, activity, and the formation of long-term capital.

“Your brand campaign, 'the Stock of which Africa is made of' which was well commended by Mr. President is not only imaginative but bold and focused. I think of importance now is that the NGX must work with government AfCFTA negotiators, especially as the process progresses to setting the rules in the service sector," he submitted.

Urging the NGX to see itself as a critical player in the AfCFTA negotiations, the VP added that “we are at a point where we are looking at negotiating Service Rules, we have looked at Rules of Origin already, so this is the time to come into play to get the best deals possible from all our partners all across Africa.”

He further stated that with the successful completion of its demutualization process, “which fully commercializes the functions of the exchange as a corporate entity and importantly, separates the regulatory function to prevent conflicts of interest, the NGX can now focus on its core function of exploring new opportunities, leveraging strategic partnerships and transacting business to deliver profit.”

According to the VP, while its primary market not only has the largest concentration of young people, the NGX is “now positioned to reverse the trend of declining IPOs in capital markets worldwide, with offerings that are more business-oriented and less constrained exchange such as you have now.

“We also now have a greater room for redefining the exchange for international competitiveness. This is especially so as is currently being done, reviewing the governance framework and, of course, the profit orientation of the exchange means that investors can look forward to seeing more fast-growing companies listed on the exchange.”

On how the Federal Government is supporting the capital markets to become globally competitive, the Vice President stated government’s efforts in the AfCFTA negotiations, as well as policies to improve the economic environment, including the recent passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, and incorporation of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

He added that "next year, the Federal Government will further strengthen the frameworks for concessions and public-private partnerships (PPPs) especially as they relate to infrastructure."

Prof. Osinbajo also pointed out that the Government-backed N15trillion Infrastructure Fund being set up in partnership with the private sector will further help to bridge infrastructure gaps.

The VP observed that despite a significant withdrawal of foreign investors and domestic institutional participation in 2021, “the NGX in 2020 was the highest performing exchange with a return of 50% on the All-Share Index, when compared with 98 other exchanges tracked globally by Bloomberg.”

Prof. Osinbajo added that one of the ways to fast-track the return of foreign and domestic institutional participation is through effective collaboration between government agencies, regulators, and the Exchange.

Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to a partnership with the NGX, the VP observed that, “we need the capital markets for the economy and the capital markets need a thriving economy for its own growth.

“This government has shown its commitment to working with the NGX, in many ways, including the President's signing of the demutualization bill into law in 2018. So, the point of a reassuring business environment for foreign and local investors is not lost on us as a government.

“I believe that all government agencies, and regulators in our financial system such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, the SEC, PENCOM among other key stakeholders, realize that we must work with the NGX to ensure that the excessive risk premium within the market is abated and foreign investors are reassured of a transparent foreign exchange mechanism and other regulations that will enable them to channel their resources in and take their resources out with the least possible constraint.”

On climate finance, capital markets, and the benefits for Nigeria, the VP said the Federal Government and the NGX have taken the initiative of issuing the first African Sovereign Green Bond and the first Climate Bonds Certified Sovereign bond.

“We became only the fourth nation in the world to issue one. The value of Nigeria's green bonds market has now hit $136 million within three years with four issuances recorded since the debut issuance by the Federal Government in 2017. And it continues to grow,” he said.

Prof. Osinbajo further highlighted the Federal Government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan 2021-2025 and collaboration with the private sector in its implementation.

"The Plan envisages that the economy will grow from about 3% this year rising to 6.33% in 2025. The key, of course, is the implementation of the Plan, which is expected to be supported by a range of measures of fiscal, monetary, and trade measures," according to the VP.

In his opening address, the Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Limited, Mr. A.B. Mahmoud, SAN, thanked the Vice President for honouring their invitation, while noting that the Conference is in line with the government’s economic growth plans.

The Conference also featured remarks by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Right Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila; Senator Ibikunle Amosun - who represented the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan; Conference chairman, and Chairman, BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu; and goodwill messages (via Zoom video) from His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II; and the Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Lamido Yuguda.

The event also had in attendance the Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Ahmed; and the host of the Conference, the CEO, Nigerian Exchange Limited, Mr. Temi Popoola, among others.

‘Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
30th November 2021

VP says collaboration key to success, highlights digital & creative sectors as future drivers of economy

*20,000 paid Jubilee Fellowships for graduates start January

*AfDB $600million Digital & Creativity funding also expected next year

As the Federal Government continues building a more resilient and competitive economy, the private sector's strong partnership has been restated, especially to drive the success of Nigeria’s new National Development Plan.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this on Friday at the 2021 Presidential Policy Dialogue of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

While highlighting the importance of the private sector in driving Nigeria’s economy on the path of sustainable growth and job creation, Prof. Osinbajo noted that "the private sector on which so much depends and so well represented here, will rise up to help Nigeria achieve these noble objectives by working closely with Government.”

He disclosed that the collaboration of both government and the private sector "must promote productivity and value addition and move away from the despair of managing limited resources to producing and creating more in a competitive and sustainable manner."

The Vice President further said through the new National Development Plan, the Federal Government is placing particular focus on job creation, value addition, and promoting a business-friendly environment.

Explaining how the collaboration would be implemented, the VP stated that the Plan “envisages an investment commitment of N348trillion over the plan period of which it is expected that Government at all levels will come up with about N49.7trillion or about 14%, while the private sector is expected to invest N298 trillion or about 86%.”

In addition, the Federal Government has continued to take deliberate steps to encourage the private sector in improving the country’s business environment, by enabling more speedy transactions and removing bureaucratic obstacles.

“For instance, the very first Executive Order issued by this Government, EO 001 was on promoting transparency and efficiency in the business environment. Executive Order 003 promoting support for local content in public procurement had a similar objective in mind," Prof. Osinbajo recalled.

He then stated that when fully implemented, the National Development Plan’s strategy of becoming a value-adding economy will help create many jobs.

According to him “the strategic objectives of the Medium-Term Plan include establishing a strong foundation for a diversified economy, investing in critical infrastructure, enabling human capital development and improving governance and strengthening security. The implementation of the Plan is expected to be supported by a range of measures of fiscal, monetary, and trade measures, including reformation of subsidy regimes and a better functioning foreign exchange market.

“In terms of strategic direction, increasing productivity is the cornerstone. In practical terms, this means focusing on value addition as the guiding principle for all sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, digital services, tourism, hospitality, sports, and entertainment. In agriculture, for example, equal attention is given to primary production as well as other aspects of the value chain such as storage, transportation, processing, marketing, and exports.”

Prof. Osinbajo added that Government worked closely with the private sector to ensure Nigeria benefits greatly from the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreements.

In the same vein, he noted that the private sector “must contribute to the articulation of the National Trade Strategy, provide support to our negotiators in AfCFTA processes while taking full advantage of the opportunities provided by this free trade area.”

He added, “this government has always emphasised that the private sector has a key role to play in our efforts to build a more resilient and competitive economy. Private companies are engaged in design, construction, logistics and financial components of national infrastructural projects just as we are fully conscious that good infrastructure is vital to enable the private sector to be efficient and competitive.

“As things stand, negotiations on the Rules of Origin which are very important for boosting local production are at about 87.65% complete with outstanding work of about 10% on textiles and 2% relating to automobiles. In services, 41 countries have made offers but which are still to be verified. The Phase 2 negotiations on Investment, Intellectual Property, Competition are at early stages while talks on Women and Youth in Trade and Digital Trade are yet to start.”

The VP also highlighted the infrastructure development drive of the Buhari administration, including the Abuja-Kaduna railway, Lagos-Ibadan railway, and other major projects nearing completion such as the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abuja-Kano Expressway, and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline.

Prof. Osinbajo stated that the country’s infrastructure will improve further when InfraCo, the N15 trillion infrastructure fund being set up in partnership with the private sector, fully takes off.

Speaking further on the Government’s proactive steps in mitigating the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19, the Vice President noted the far-reaching impact of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) which helped Nigeria exit recession faster than most countries at the height of the global pandemic.

He also stated how the ESP helped in saving and creating jobs, with millions of Nigerians as beneficiaries of ESP components such as the MSMEs Survival Fund.

His words: “the resulting Economic Sustainability Plan emphasized rapid health interventions, keeping businesses going, creating and protecting jobs, boosting local production and providing social protection for the most vulnerable sections of society.

“The ESP also included a suite of macroeconomic policies including fiscal grants, tax breaks, regulatory forbearance to banks as well as reduced interest and moratorium on CBN intervention facilities amongst other things.

“These interventions paid off as we had a very short recession and we are now seeing a rebound in economic activity with GDP growth of 5.01% in the second quarter of this year and 4.03% in the third quarter."

The VP also stated the Federal Government’s interventions in reducing the country’s youth unemployment gap through job initiatives.

These include the N-Power scheme (where up to 1.5 million young Nigerians were recruited over two cohorts), and the Jubilee Fellows Programme - in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, the European Union, and other partners - a one-year work placement scheme for 20,000 young Nigerians set to kick-off in January 2022.

The Vice President observed that “while this was a scratch on the surface as well over two million young people enter into the workforce every year, there is no doubt that the Nigeria private sector has to thrive in order to create the number and kinds of jobs that we need but it is also important for the Nigerian youth to acquire the skills and knowledge of the workplace.”

This is a major reason why Government is ramping up its efforts to prepare Nigeria’s economy for the future by diversifying the economy, as well as creating a more enabling environment for the digital and creative sectors to thrive, the VP added.

“For instance, the Big Six Technology Companies Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft and now Tesla, account for up to half of the value of the NASDAQ 100 and had nearly $1trillion in revenues in 2019. By contrast, Nigerian GDP in 2019 was just about $450billion. What this shows is that as a nation, we have to embrace technology and learn to use it for our own developmental purposes.

“This is one of the reasons why the Advisory Group on Technology and Creativity which brings together public and private stakeholders articulated the need to strengthen the ecosystem of support to the digital and creative sectors.

“This resulted in the conceptualization of the $600million investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises programme (i-DICE) with the African Development Bank which we hope will become operational early in 2022," he noted.

The Vice President added that even as the country adopts measures to cope with the fall-out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it also has “to factor in the need to mitigate and adapt to climate change and the relentless march of the digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
27th November 2021

In line with company’s strategy to deepen insurance penetration in the country, AXA Mansard Insurance plc, a member of the AXA Group and global leader in insurance and asset management, has announced the launch of its new Personal Insurance product called ‘No Yawa’.

‘No Yawa’ is a retail product that covers accidental death, medical expenses and disability (permanent total, partial disability, total temporary).
The product provides a 24-hour coverage for any accident suffered by the policyholder irrespective of his location- whether at home, office or social gatherings.

“Yawa” is a colloquial name for ‘trouble’ in pidgin. This resonates across all socio-economic classes, denoting a plan that covers any kind of trouble – injury and accident that threatens ability and life.

Speaking about the product, the Chief Actuary, Mr Jolaolu Fakoya stated, “Our aim is to give our customers the confidence to achieve their dreams without fears or worries. Regardless of the kind of injury suffered, ‘No Yawa’ provides the coverage to ensure that our customers recover without the hassles of its financial burden.”

Convenience being one of AXA Mansard’s focus points, the company has made it possible to make premium payments through a range of approved channels both physical and online such as:
• any of AXA Mansard’s branches or welcomes centres.
• The company’s digital platforms - AXA Mansard website (www.axamansard.com) and Mobile Application- MyAXAPlus.
• The company phone line- 0700 AXAMANSARD (0700 292 626 7273). Existing customers of AXA Mansard can contact their relationship managers.

In his closing remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Kunle Ahmed stated that “Even with the best precautions, accidents are a reality of life. At AXA Mansard, we care about people and what matters to them; this has driven us to develop this product to alleviate some of the financial burden arising from accidents. We will continue to listen, research and develop innovative products that add value to our people.

AXA Mansard is registered as a composite company with the National Insurance Commission of Nigeria (NAICOM). The Company offers life and non-life insurance products and services to individuals and institutions across Nigeria whilst also offering asset/investment management services, health insurance solutions and pension fund administration through its three subsidiaries - AXA Mansard Investments Limited, AXA Mansard Health Limited and AXA Mansard Pensions Limited respectively. The parent company was listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange in November 2009.

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

VP, Alaafin headline launch of International Centre For Yoruba Arts And Culture in Ibadan_

_*Alaroye Publisher explains mission of the forthcoming Center_

The work of centers such as the International Centre For Yoruba Arts and Culture could become a base for how culture can help in building a more inclusive, fairer, and more just society, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo, who was speaking this afternoon at the launch of the Centre in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, added that the Centre could strengthen the bonds of unity within an ethnically diverse nation such as Nigeria.

“The work of this Centre should also offer a base and sanctuary which reflects how Yoruba culture can contribute to the tools of nation-building,” the VP stated.

Reflecting on President Muhammadu Buhari’s observation in 2018 that the rest of Nigeria could learn from the accommodating nature of Yorubas in South West regardless of religion, ethnicity, and politics, Prof. Osinbajo asked, “how can the rest of the nation learn as President Buhari observed, from the way Yorubas manage within their families to accommodate diverse faiths and beliefs?

“At a more reflective level, we will through this repository and the traditions embedded in the artworks and cultural artefacts, imbibe the triumphs, challenges, inventions, and spiritual heritage of the Yoruba people.

"And how here at home, Yoruba culture also had to adapt to the onslaught of colonialism in Nigeria by the British and in Benin and Togo by the French. In 'Death and the King’s Horseman', a classic play by Professor Wole Soyinka, we see forces at work that tried to adapt cultural practices with tragic consequences.”

Highlighting the Omoluabi philosophy of the Yoruba people, which is used to describe a person of integrity, trust and honour, the VP observed that, “in a nation dogged by the abdication of high values especially in leadership, perhaps the Centre might take on the task of formalizing the pedagogy on the concept of Omoluabi for teaching in our schools. Omoluabi, the true moral quintessence of the Yoruba race - the virtuous man, or the man or woman of character.

“Perhaps scholars here will distill the heart of the Omoluwabi ethos, and reveal the attributes of trustworthiness, reliability, honesty, and forthrightness for coming generations of Nigerians. Perhaps the world needs to know that the Omoluabi is one whose word to brother and stranger alike is reliable, who believes in the equality of all men regardless of race or belief, and that all deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness. One who believes that the commonwealth is not to be stolen or personalized, but it is for the good of all."

In the same vein, the Vice President noted that “culture is not just about the past, and it is neither static nor immutable, it is constantly creating and recreating;” and “progress is not merely determined by fidelity to tradition, but by our capacity for invention and reinvention.”

Prof. Osinbajo further said Nigeria could further leverage its diversity to harness strength and raise development capital.

As the VP observed, a continuously changing global landscape and the Fourth Industrial Revolution have made it more vital to adapt to technological innovation changing at lightning speed.

According to him “the future of mankind is at an inflexion point with COVID-19 and climate change already disrupting life as we know it. To cope well, we must draw strength from our cultural capital - the wealth of tangible and intangible knowledge that emanates from a society’s core and enables it to cope with change.

“One of the tasks of scholars, enthusiasts, and citizens interested in understanding the Yoruba heritage is to use culture as a tool for helping us discern our place in the world and to rekindle our visionary capabilities. This intent is inherent in the design and work of this Centre.”

On the potential impact of the International Centre For Yoruba Arts and Culture, Prof. Osinbajo observed that “the World Centre will therefore serve not just as a place of memory, but as a place that inspires us and fires our collective imagination, even within the dynamic contexts of advances in technology, ideas and thought.”

Beyond being a place for the study of Yoruba arts and culture, he also stated that the Centre could join the advocacy for the return of artefacts to their original homes, while also becoming a destination point for many Africans in Diaspora to trace their origins to the Yorubas.

Equally, the Centre should also promote closer links between the Yoruba people in the homeland and their kin in the diaspora, he added.

The VP commended the visioners of the Centre, particularly Mr. Alao Adedayo, who is also the Publisher of Alaroye Newspapers, for the boldness and ambition of their enterprise, as well as the enormous self-sacrifice and patriotism that it entailed.

“You have initiated a place that will give context and depth to our understanding of our past, our place and role in the present, and hopefully our preparation for the future. A place that will help tell a fuller, deeper and richer story of a proud, creative, and colorful people, but also of the rich tapestry of cultures, races, ethnicities, and faiths of which they are a part,” he added.

Also at the event, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III praised the idea of the Center while highlighting the pride of place that Yoruba people hold in Nigeria and around the world. Referring to a recent speech by the VP detailing how young Nigerians are making global waves in technology and innovation, the Alaafin said such exploits by many young Yoruba youths show the high esteem of the Yoruba people.

The Alaafin, who spoke in Yoruba, also called for the preservation of Yoruba customs and traditions.

“Considering the rate at which things move these days, it will be disastrous allowing our traditions go into oblivion in the face of permissiveness. Languages often hold the record of a people’s history, including their songs, stories, praise, poetry and ancient traditions, " the prominent Yoruba monarch said.

He also observed that with the gradual extinction of a language, humanity could lose access to local understanding of plants, animals, and ecosystems, some of which have important medicinal value, and many of which remain undocumented by science.

In his remarks, Mr. Alao Adedayo, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Centre and Publisher of Alaroye Newspaper, said, the centre was set up to preserve in one place, the culture, tradition, language of a people, adding that it will also promote the idea of Yoruba people coming together to achieve things and help in nation building.

Alao also emphasised that the centre would be to serve as a one-stop shop, offering old, new, recreated and reconstructed materials for researchers, lecturers, students, authors, journalists, historians and members of the public interested in Yoruba history, arts and culture as a tool for nation building, national cohesiveness and mutual understanding.

Others speakers at the event which attracted different groups from the Southwest States, Kwara and beyond were the deputy governors of Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan; Ogun State, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; and Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, among other dignitaries also attended and spoke at the ceremony.

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
*23rd November, 2021*

OSINBAJO HAILS COCA COLA'S PLANNED $1B INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA, CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF COMPANY IN NIGERIA

*Adds: It’s a testament to the possibilities in the Nigerian economy


Coca Cola’s plan to invest $1 billion in Nigeria in the next five years testifies to the possibilities in the economy despite challenges, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Monday evening at the 70th anniversary gala of the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC).

According to the Vice President, “your ongoing investment in the country, which I am told will be in the order of $1billion in the next five years, testifies to your faith in the possibilities of Nigeria.”


“And you can rely on the partnership of the Nigerian government, (and i dare say the Nigerian people too) as you make these great strides,” Prof. Osinbajo assured.

While narrating his personal and family stories about drinking Coke, including how he drank two bottles of Coke a day up until 2017, the Vice President reiterated that the Buhari administration’s commitment to “creating an environment that allows the private sector innovate and thrive remains active and sincere, despite the challenges.

“And we will continue to work with businesses across the broad spectrum of our dynamic economy to ensure that we do this with a clear view of the opportunities and problems of the day.”

Prof. Osinbajo further stated that in the 70 years that the company has operated in Nigeria, it has demonstrated “commitment to the Nigerian people with repeated investments, in the building of production facilities across the country, in creating thousands of jobs but also in your active support of every aspect of our national life, from health to education, from women and youth empowerment to sports. All done with conscious respect for the environment.”

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said “I think it is fair to say that the commitment has been met with the enthusiastic patronage of generations of Nigerians; families who have been supported by the stable careers of staff who have grown with the company through the years.”

He explained that “young people who have found successful careers in sports and entertainment inspired by your support; consumers from Lagos to Kano, Rivers to Plateau, linked by distributors in every region of the country, who have built enduring businesses getting Coca Cola into the hands of millions; a robust value chain that includes service providers and marketing agencies, creators of the iconic Coke adverts that have formed part of our individual and collective memories all these years.”

The high point of the event was the presentation of awards to distinguished staff and partners of the company across the country.

On his part, Board Chairman of NBC, Amb. Segun Apata recalled the company’s growth and contribution to the economy and noted that the company will continue in its 70 years tradition of investing in the economy as well as impacting its host communities through several initiatives, especially for the youths.

Nigerian Bottling Company also known as NBC was incorporated in 1951 but started production in 1953 at the basement facilities of the mainland Hotel, owned by Leventis Group, producing Coke licensed by the Coca Cola Company.

The gala night was also attended by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
November 23, 2021

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.”

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

A support group loyal to the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on the aegis of Progressive Consolidation Group (PCG) has explained why it opened a campaign office to mobilise more support for the Vice President, saying Osinbajo is the one country need to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

The group was reacting to a report by this medium regarding the campaign office.

A statement signed Sunday evening by its publicity secretary, Barr. Emmanuel Pippa, the PCG explained that Professor Osinbajo is yet to be acquainted with its activities.

“We wish to clarify that the said office belongs to our coalition of support groups which strongly believes in Professor Osinbajo as the leader Nigeria needs in 2023, and is determined to get him to declare an interest in running for the office of President as early as possible. Solely for this purpose, our recently acquired administrative office is located in the heart of Wuse area of Abuja.

“Even though Professor Osinbajo is yet to be acquainted with our activities, we intend to operate through a new organ, The Progressive  Project (TPP) to coordinate youth, women and other groups across the federation. 

“Ours is therefore not a campaign office but a venue for coordination, handling of increasing volume of correspondence and meetings in readiness for the time when Vice President Yemi Osinbajo accedes to our request for him to run and consolidate gains made under President Muhammadu Buhari. Party chieftains will of course lead the real campaign when that time comes. 

“Being a heartbeat away from the number one job, there are countless APC members and even, non-partisan citizens across the federation who are pushing for Professor Yemi Osinbajo to succeed or highly revered President Buhari, solely in the interest of the nation. 

“We are convinced that Osinbajo’s level of familiarity with the vision, achievements and challenges being handled by President Buhari is second to none, and that such insight would enable a new APC  administration hit the ground running in 2023.

“We anticipate that various new and existing pro-Osinbajo platforms will become part of the group to which their focus appears more relevant.”


https://www.blueprint.ng/2023-we-opened-campaign-office-not-osinbajo-pcg/

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

My dear Gbemisola Taiwo,

Let me begin by commending your passion exhibited towards the Affairs of UNIKOSA in the past .

The fact that You and I are contesting for the Apex position ( President of UNIKOSA) at this time that very few could take such step, even though many are capable, is praiseworthy.

Without much ado, I am writing you as response to allegations levied against my person, the Association and other highly respected Alumnus some weeks ago.

I waited for you to release evidence(s) of this criminal allegation, before I issue my response to no avail.

I hope you are aware of the legal implications and consequences of such weighty but unfounded and baseless allegations on my integrity, the name my generations have built over the years and above all our dear Association.

Unfortunately, it was brought to my notice that you have refused to consider the consequences when you reiterated it in your recent facebook interview.

Had it been I wasn't mentioned by you, I would have personally investigated this allegation because of the damage it's doing to UNIKOSA as a family (it's tearing us apart). Like everyone else in the association and friends of UNIKOSA, I was taken aback when I heard. It is baseless!

The race to the Presidency of UNIKOSA is largely a call to service and a test of integrity that attracts meaningful development. It also requires capacity to rebuild both human and physical infrastructure.

It requires you submitting yourself, your time and resources for the good of the Association, not otherwise!
A sacrifice for the Alma Mata not a funfare!

It grieves me to learn that you accused I, Johnny, to have gone beneath the standard of my hard earned personality to issuing a death threat to an opposing candidate, whom I consider to be a sister!

I understand that the allegation of threat to life is criminal and must be handled by relevant security agencies.

I want to believe that you have engaged the agencies concerned to look into this matter because, I have not been invited for any interrogation on the matter besides the unfortunate announcement on Facebook and other references you make to the matter in your media engagements.

Given the aforementioned, I would like you to know that every time you mention this unproven, unfounded, untrue, false and baseless allegation in the media or anywhere, you undermine the integrity of the UNIKOSA you aspire to lead and drag her image in the mud.

As far as I am concerned, I do not know anyone whosoever, that would issue a death threat on your life in the name of supporting me. THIS CONTEST IS NOT A (DO)OR DIE!

However, for the benefit of doubt and the spirit of strengthening our brotherhood as UNIKOSANS, while I still expect this matter to be looked into by the relevant authorities, I hereby request you, to present the threat to life issued by me and the party through whom you received the threat. I REQUEST THAT YOU SUPPORT YOUR ALLEGATIONS WITH EVIDENCES, PLEASE.

This would be the first step as we try to unravel the agents of discord that want to corrupt the rebuilding process of our dear Association and alma mater.

ELECTION is part of the process engaged to bring the best candidate out of the lot. We should compete in a healthy manner, without recourse to blackmailing, intimidation or threat of any kind. These are the hallmarks of my campaign.

My tenacious zeal for the development of our Alma mata is my strategy of winning the election and achieve greatness for UNIKOSA. I would not take sides with anyone who acts contrary or tries to shortchange the standard of sportsmanship.

If there is any truth in the allegation, then, let the relevant authorities handle it or you should submit to the internal committee setup to look into it.

Dear sister, irrespective of circumstances or situations, we should always consider the future implications/ consequences of all our actions.

While I await your response accordingly, I pray you live long, be prosperous and enjoy life.

As I plead to all UNIKOSANS to vote me worthy as their President, I hope to win this election. Subsequently, I will need all hands on board.

LONG LIVE UNIKOSA!!!

Yours truly,
Akinjide Ogunwale
UNIKOSA Presidential Aspirant

An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has waded into the controversy surrounding the recent allegation of christianisation levelled against Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The group related what it knows about the Vice President and insists on truth, fairness and objectivity.

MURIC’s opinion was expressed in a press statement issued by its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Wednesday, 17th November, 2021.

The group said, “A certain document alleging christianisation on the part of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was circulated last week and we decided to investigate. This is what the Glorious Qur’an 49:6 recommends for Muslims in such circumstances. We should not just believe everything we hear or read in these days of fake news. We should investigate in order to get to the root of the matter before taking a stand.

“We were actually surprised when certain facts were revealed to us during our investigation. We may not belong to the VP’s camp in any way, either politically or in matters of creed, but MURIC must consistently hold on to the truth.

“Blackmail, character assassination, fake news and disinformation are not in the character of Muslims. It has never been part of us. Hurting the innocent is equally alien to our DNA. Instead of hanging their actions on the necks of their adversaries, Muslims own up when they are the culprits. They prefer to be punished in this world in order to escape from the punishment of the Hereafter.

“It is our oppressors who always make sure that they are the first to cry out when indeed they are the aggressors. No true Islamic group will engage in mischief, lies, deceit and intrigues. Genuine Islamic groups are transparent. You can read them just as you read a book.

“It is these characteristics that have been nagging at our conscience since the controversy surrounding the allegation of christianisation levelled against Vice President Osinbajo began. The great Shaykh Uthman Bin Fudi said ‘Conscience is like a wound, only truth can heal it’. Our conscience was jogged and it is only by telling the world what we know that we can have rest of mind.

“During our investigation, we stumbled on an article written by a female Muslim presidential aide in the VP’s office. The article, which surfaced recently on social media, affirmed the presence of 18 Muslim officials in Osinbajo’s office. The onus is on those who accused the VP of christianisation to prove that some or all of those Muslim names in the VP’s office were fabricated to convince Nigerian Muslims that the VP is neither a hater nor an oppressor of Muslims.

“However, an opportunity to confirm one of the claims made in the article defending the VP came our way just by chance and we feel compelled by principle to share the information since we are stakeholders. Nations are built by stakeholders who speak the truth. On the other hand, they are destroyed by those who withhold the same truth.

“The opportunity we refer to occurred way back in 2018 or 2019. It provided a concrete and undeniable evidence which we witnessed by ourselves as a group and it confirmed that Mr. Abdul Rahman Ipaye, a Muslim and a former commissioner in Lagos State who was mentioned in the article as the highest staff in the VP’s office is, indeed, a bona fide staff of Osinbajo.

“What happened was that the director of MURIC was invited to deliver a lecture at an Islamic event organized by the League of Imams, Ikeja branch. We stand to be corrected but at least it was organized by an Ikeja-based Islamic organisation. The programme was held in one of the popular hotels in Ikeja, Lagos. We also remember that Dr. Saheed Timehin, another lecturer from the Lagos State University, delivered the second lecture at the event.

“It was after we arrived at the venue that we learnt that VP Osinbajo was to be the chairman of the occasion or the special guest of honour. We felt that the organisers had committed a fatal mistake by inviting Christian and a pastor for that matter. We thought the VP would not come and if at all he would honour them, he would send a representative. But we were wrong. Yemi Osinbajo was there physically.

“He also gave the organisers so much time after the programme because we remember him inviting about six Muslim leaders to what looked like a conference room. The director of MURIC was one of them. He asked them to table whatever they wanted the Federal Government (FG) to do for their organisations.

“Each leader made his group’s requests. We remember vividly that the request made by MURIC was that FG should free the 54 innocent soldiers who were serving a ten year jail sentence. The Vice President told the director of MURIC to quickly forward a petition to his office in Abuja. The petition was forwarded within three days.

“This is our only personal experience with the VP. We never met him again since then. As usual, the director of MURIC did not attend that lecture alone. He was accompanied by about five members and they all saw the VP that day though they were not in the conference room for the private discussion.

“We can also confirm that the VP was accompanied by the most senior staff in his office, Mr. Abdul Rahman Ipaye, who was mentioned in the article written in defence of the VP. In fact it was Mr. Ipaye who called a week later to confirm that our petition on the 54 soldiers had been received by the VP. This can at least confirm that the VP has Muslim staff in his office.

“MURIC is known for raising its voice against those who oppress Muslims but we do not wish to be known for remaining silent when we see Christians who accommodate Muslims. Objectivity demands that we speak up for the good Christian who accommodates Muslims. This is what we are doing today so that our consciences can rest.

“Nigerians already know our stand regarding the politics of the land come 2023, It is a principled stand but that does not stop us from speaking up in support of the truth. Afterall we are not politicians who feel no qualms withholding facts or calling black white.

“Our position can be likened to that of a man who was present where the death of somebody occurred. He saw that the man stumbled and fell. No man was near him. But an innocent man who was standing several meters away was later accused of pushing the deceased to his death and was being tried for murder. This man has a duty to tell the jury what he witnessed or live with the heavy burden on his conscience till he dies.

“MURIC has no connection whatsoever with the VP. Therefore, we are not doing this because we are close or because we have a deal. The director of MURIC will not take a political appointment. In fact, just a few weeks ago, we had cause to publicly accuse Osinbajo of involvement in the FG’s attempt to demolish the Islamic City on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. We claimed that he was acting as proxy for the Redeemed Camp. But the VP has denied any involvement in that. We have to give him the benefit of doubt.

“We must speak up when a Christian does the right thing. That is objectivity. That is fairness. That is humanity. That is Islam. Speaking up for Muslims alone but closing our eyes when a Christian performs righteous deeds is not fairness. We reject selective activism.

“Allah will ask us yaom al-Qiyamah if we hide this testimony just because the man being accused today is a Christian. Neither should MURIC sweep the truth under the carpet and pretend that it knows nothing simply because the group does not share the same political ideology with the VP. We accused the VP a few weeks ago of being behind FG’s plan to demolish the Islamic city on Lagos –Ibadan Expressway but he has denied any knowledge of it.

“Having political differences is not a crime, neither is it a sin before Allah. But to allow an innocent man suffer the pangs of perjury when speaking the truth by those who have some facts may help in vindicating him is punishable by Allah. We prefer to tell the bitter truth and be mocked by homo sapiens in this world than to face Allah’s punishment in al-Akhirah for hiding the truth.

“Our findings are not exhaustive. Neither do they foreclose further inputs from other Islamic organisations and individual Muslims. But they are without prejudice to our stand on major issues in the political arena. We are already committed to another project. Our major concern is that political and religious differences apart, an innocent man should not be crucified simply because he is a Christian. We insist on truth, fairness and objectivity.”


Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

https://www.muricnigeria.com/osinbajo-muric-bares-its-mind/

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The Company offers life and non-life insurance products and services to individuals and institutions across Nigeria whilst also offering asset/investment management services and health insurance solutions through its two subsidiaries - AXA Mansard Investments Limited and AXA Mansard Health Limited respectively.

The parent company was listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange in November 2009.

ZendayaColeman:
Pastor BDSM sabi talk trash ehn. Man of God my foot. Tueeh





The short pretender & deceits na 5 & 6

Osinbajo is greater than your entire lineage combined

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on behalf of President Buhari attends the 2021 All Nigeria Judges’ Conference in Abuja. 15th Nov, 2021. � Tolani Alli

Osinbajo is my only candidate for 2023.

Osinbajo all the way.

Nigeria’s widely-admired Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has come under fresh pressure and citizen demand to enter the race to replace his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari, when his second and final term completes its course in 2023.

A support group, Nigerians Ask for Osinbajo, launched this week in Nigeria’s administrative and commercial capitals, Lagos and Abuja, with the stated mission of persuading the Vice President, who remains coy on his ambition and political future, to heed the call of Nigerians from all across the country and declare for the 2023 race which some polls suggest he is favorite to win.

The group’s convener, Engr. Kolawole Adepoju, according to a statement seen by this publication, described Prof. Osinbajo as “an individual who has been tried, tested, and has been found to possess the qualities required to accelerate the development of our Nation.”

This, alongside his qualities as a “man of peace, bridge-builder, and an individual of impeccable character”, makes him uniquely qualified to preside over the affairs of the country at “a very important phase in the life of our Nation”, Engr. Adepoju said.

The group draws its members from seasoned politicians, trade union leaders, prominent members of the private sector, youth advocates for good governance and others who believe that the emergence of Prof. Osinbajo in 2023 is crucial to “protecting the future of the country from vultures”.

The widespread support the group has enjoyed, despite only just announcing its formation, indicates favorable public sentiment towards Prof. Osinbajo making the promotion as the President of the country.

The legal professor has been at the heart of the administration’s successful moves to rebound and refloat the economy following the debilitating effects of low oil prices (as Nigeria remains an oil-based economy) and the pandemic. He has also spearheaded efforts to reduce the country’s huge population of the poor with targeted social schemes, all of which recorded positive impact while under his watch.

Prof. Osinbajo is widely perceived as a competent and disciplined leader who has managed to keep his personal integrity despite wading through the murky waters of politics in a country where many still consider public office as an avenue for personal enrichment and self-gratification. Indeed, unlike the Prof who maintains a clean record, other names considered for the office have previously held office to damning allegations of corruption or have led questionable moves that place huge question marks over their probity.

The support group, Nigerians Ask for Osinbajo, will hope to tap into this public sentiment as they dial up activities intended to get his campaign on the road and ultimately signal to the Vice President that he enjoys the backing of the country to succeed his boss.

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, Office of the Vice President. She writes from Abuja.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/233045-%E2%80%8Emost-osinbajos-aides-are-muslims-presidency-says-refutes-nepotism-allegation.html

We insist UN, EU, others support impositions of sanctions, says Osinbajo in Accra_

An ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government held yesterday in Accra, Ghana to review the political situations in Guinea and Mali, has decided to maintain the sanctions imposed on Guinea and impose similar ones against the Mali Transitional Government.

The Communique at the end of the 3rd Extraordinary Summit on Guinea and Mali attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN on behalf of the President, stated that "the Authority decides to uphold the suspension of the Republic of Guinea from all ECOWAS governing bodies as well as the travel ban and freeze on financial assets imposed on the members of the CNRD and their family members until constitutional order is restored," in the country.

Similarly, regarding Mali, the ECOWAS leaders at a meeting presided over by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority resolved that in "conformity with the decision taken on 16th September 2021, the Authority decides to impose sanctions with immediate effect against individuals and groups who have been identified, including the entire transition authorities and the other transition institutions.

"These sanctions will also be imposed on the members of their families. The sanctions include a travel ban and a freeze on their financial assets. It further instructs the President of the Commission to consider and propose additional sanctions at its next Ordinary Session on 12th December 2021, should the situation persist."

The ECOWAS Summit attended by leaders from 13 countries then called “on the African Union, the United Nations, and the bilateral and other multilateral partners to endorse and support the implementation of these sanctions."

Speaking to the media at the end of the Summit, Prof. Osinbajo noted that African countries have gone far beyond military coup as a means of changing political actors and that coups are unacceptable.

He added that ECOWAS Heads of State and Government will continue to prevail on the military juntas in Guinea and Mali to return their countries to democratic rule.

According to the VP, “one of the important points that the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government make is that coups and coups de'tat generally are just completely unacceptable....and that we cannot continue to have a situation where they are tolerated for the simple reason that in Africa, West Africa in particular, we’ve gone way beyond military coups as an answer to the question of change in political actors.”

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said, “there is a very strong feeling amongst the Heads of State that we must insist, that other international bodies: the UN, EU, and other regional groups must support the impositions of sanctions on individuals and groups that choose not to follow the democratic process of change of government and choose to go by way of coup de‘tat.”

Referring to the situations in Guinea and Mali, the Vice President said “it appears from all indications that much progress has been made in Guinea, although we are still concerned that there ought to be much more clarity on transition.

“But Mali is a much more difficult situation, there is much concern because very little progress had been made."

President of Ghana and Chair of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, had earlier briefed the meeting on the outcome of a high-powered delegation led by himself to Guinea and Mali on the 17th of September and the 17th of October respectively, as part of the resolutions of the previous Summit held on the 16th of September this year.

At the end of the Extraordinary Summit, the ECOWAS communique stated that “the Authority endorsed the main recommendations contained in the memorandum on the political situation in the Republic of Guinea and the report on the political situation in the Republic of Mali.”

They decided as follows:

A. On the political transition in the Republic of Guinea
- The Authority reaffirms its demand for the unconditional release of President Alpha Condé.

- The Authority takes note of the recent developments in Guinea, particularly the adoption of the Transition Charter, the appointment of a civilian Prime Minister and the formation of the Transition Government.

It urges the Transition Authorities to urgently submit a detailed timetable of activities to be carried out under the transition towards the holding of elections, in accordance with the decisions of the Extraordinary Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government held on 16th September 2021.

- The Authority decides to appoint H.E. Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas as Special Envoy to Guinea with a view to strengthening dialogue with the Transitional authorities towards a successful and short transition process.

B. On the political transition in the Republic of Mali
- The Authority remains concerned about the deterioration of the security situation in Mali, as a result of the heightened political uncertainties in the country. It calls on the Transition Authorities to intensify their efforts to improve the security situation, especially by ensuring effective state presence in the affected areas.

In this context, the Authority calls on the neighbouring countries to step up security presence along their borders with Mali and instructs the ECOWAS Commission to deepen the ongoing discussions with the African Union Commission with a view to enhancing the security situation in the Sahel.

- Furthermore, the Authority calls for a more robust and offensive mandate and enhance the operational capacity of MINUSMA to deal with terrorism challenges in Mali. ECOWAS will accordingly request the United Nations Security Council to make the necessary amendments to the mandate of MINUSMA.

- On the political front, the Chair of ECOWAS informed the Authority of the official notification by the transition authorities of their inability to meet the transition deadline of February 2022.

The Authority highly deplores the lack of progress made in the preparations for the elections, including the absence of a detailed timetable of activities for the conduct of elections on the agreed dates.

- The Authority reiterates the need to adhere to the transition timetable in respect of the elections scheduled for 27th February 2022 and calls on the Transition Authorities to act accordingly to ensure an expeditious return to constitutional order.

Accordingly, the Authority calls on the International Community to take the necessary measures to ensure that the transition authorities respect their commitment to an expeditious return to constitutional order.

- The Authority condemns the expulsion of the ECOWAS Permanent Representative to Mali in this critical context and calls on the transition authorities to uphold the spirit of dialogue and collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission to ensure a successful transition.

- The situation in Mali and Guinea will be reviewed at the Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on the 12th of December 2021.

The Authority reaffirms its adherence to all the ECOWAS normative frameworks, particularly the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

Besides the President of Ghana and Nigeria's VP, the Summit was attended by 4 other Presidents from Ivory Coast, Senegal, Niger and Guinea-Bissau, 1 other VP from Benin Republic, the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, 3 Foreign Affairs Ministers from Gambia, Liberia and Togo, and 2 Ambassadors from Sierra Leone and Cape Verde.

The session was also attended by Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS Mediator for Mali, Mr. Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Mahamat Saleh Annadif, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mr El-Ghassim Wane, Head of MINUSMA and Mr Maman Sambo Sidikou, Special Representative for MISAHEL, representing the President of the African Union Commission.

The Vice President was accompanied to the Extraordinary Summit by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) and the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr Adeyemi Dipeolu.

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
8th November, 2021

IKOYI HIGH-RISE COLLAPSE:
OSINBAJO SADDENED, CONDOLES WITH AFFECTED FAMILIES & DEBUNKS DESPICABLE LIES IN SPONSORED ONLINE REPORT

*VP has no interest whatsoever in said property
*All his property, assets already publicly declared



Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is saddened by the events that occurred in Lagos on Monday, 1st of November 2021, where a high-rise building under construction on Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, collapsed. He condoles with the families and relatives of all those who have died, were injured or affected in the collapse. Prof. Osinbajo considers this painful loss of lives a horrible tragedy.

Also, the attention of the Vice President has been drawn to an obviously sponsored falsehood regarding the recently collapsed building published by Sahara Reporters on November 4th, 2021, to the effect that:

1. The VP owns the land upon which the collapsed building in Ikoyi stood.

2. That the said land was sold to him by Chief Michael Ade. Ojo, Chairman of Elizade Motors; and

3. That the Vice President, at some point, intervened with the regulatory authorities in Lagos State to unseal the said property. 

Let it be made absolutely clear that Prof. Yemi Osinbajo does not own and has never owned the said land.

He has also never been involved, in any shape or form, in the development of this or any other land since he became Vice President.

At no time whatsoever did the VP buy this or any other piece of land from Chief Michael Ade. Ojo, or entered into any transaction for the sale of that land or any other piece of land from Chief Ade. Ojo or anyone for that matter.

All property and assets owned by the Vice President have been publicly declared.

Also, the Vice President has never spoken to the Governor of Lagos State or any other official of the State Government regarding the unsealing of the said building on Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, which subsequently collapsed. He has, indeed, never acted to influence any other regulatory action on the collapsed building, or any other building for that matter, in Lagos State.

The Vice President restates categorically that he has no interest whatsoever, and has never had any interest, either legally or beneficially, in the land, the building or development.

The wickedness and viciousness of a lie that seeks to utilise a tragedy where so many people have lost their lives, even as rescue efforts are ongoing, and in wanton disregard to the feelings and untold grief of their loved ones for political gain, reveals a dangerous desperation, as well as the heartlessness of the perpetrators of such despicable lies.

Sahara Reporters were undoubtedly well rewarded for their criminal and inhumane conduct. Typical of a hatchet job and deliberately irresponsible journalism, the publication was not signed by anyone.

The Vice President has referred this disgraceful publication to his lawyers for prompt legal action.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
5th November, 2021

Falsehood cannot stand the proof of truth!

After they were confronted with the fact, the alleged reports, maliciously linking the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, to the collapsed Ikoyi building published by online platforms, notably SaharaReporters and NairaLand has been tampered with.

While nairaland has removed the content altogether from its blog, SaharaReporters on its part has locked its comment section on its own blog.

Fake News and Hate Speech are twin monsters, that if not checked, can ruin a nation.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is innocent!

#YemiIsInnocent

Founder, VC requests VP: You are an accomplished academic, be our mentor

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN has commended the establishment of the Al-Istiqama University in Kano, saying such an endeavour has huge potential to impact people in a significant and positive way.

Prof. Osinbajo spoke yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while receiving on a courtesy call a delegation from the new university led by the founder, Hon. Suleiman A. Kawu Sumaila, OFR, a former member of the House of Representatives and later Presidential Liaison at the National Assembly.

"This may be the most important thing you can do; you will impact a lot of people. God has given you this opportunity to do this," Prof. Osinbajo told the founder and others in the delegation, even as they requested that the VP, being an accomplished academic himself, should mentor leaders of the new institution.

Expressing excitement about the prospects of the new university (which, according to the delegation, has registered close to 500 students permissible for the school already), the VP prayed that "you make this a unique opportunity, impact the students so much that they won't just be the beneficiaries alone, but the nation too."

While noting the important assignment of (running) a university, the Vice President then urged the university management to pay attention to issues of funding, stating that “university funding is very expensive."

Prof. Osinbajo recalled his experience as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Redeemers University, Ede and also cited the establishment of Crescent University, Abeokuta, both of which are faith-based universities, emphasising the significance of funding to make the idea of a private university successful.

At the meeting the Vice President also urged Nigerians generally to continue to be respectful to each other. He added that "we must teach tolerance," avoiding situations where people take hard positions as such could be divisive.

"We need to respect each other, it's so important, " Prof. Osinbajo stressed while also admonishing that "the love of country is so important."

Earlier the founder of the faith-based Al-Istiqama University, Hon. Sumaila, told the VP that he learnt a lot from him while serving as Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House).

"You are a role model. We want to benefit from your experience as an academic," he observed while disclosing that the university is located in a rural setting in Sumaila, about 80km from Kano. He added that 100 students in the University have already received scholarships from eminent philanthropists in Kano.

Among the Al-Istiqama University delegation were several academics, including the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Shehu, a Professor of Educational Psychology, who was previously with the Department of Education, Bayero University, Kano.

According to the University’s VC, "as a faith-based university, we share the world view that God is integral," adding that there is a need to bring back religious education. He also described the VP as “an accomplished academic, an accomplished leader, and we see you as a leader."

The Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila (AUSU), is a privately-owned university in Kano State, Nigeria. It is officially accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). "The mission of the University is to encourage global study, experiential learning and research, interdisciplinary scholarship, creativity and entrepreneurial endeavours with ultimate fear of Allah," according to its website.


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

My vote and family’s vote is for Osinbajo

In a speech by President Muhammadu Buhari, delivered by his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Nigerian youths have been encouraged to remain resilient and keep moving whatever may be the situation.

"Wherever you are in this country, whatever you are doing,  keep moving , don’t look back, you will win eventually, keep moving ahead, whatever the situation - We move, " the President said while declaring open a three-day National Youth Conference today at the Moshod Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

In a highly inspiring speech that details some of the advances that Nigerian youths are making nationally and globally across sectors, the President assured young Nigerians that now is the time for them to engage and work assiduously to achieve personal and national objectives.

He encouraged young Nigerians to mobilise and participate in the political and national development process, noting that with them, and the Government together "it is within our power to emerge stronger," from wherever the nation is at present.

He advised the Nigerian youth not to succumb to cynicism and hopelessness, adding that they are "our reservoir of hope."
After delivering the President’s speech the VP interacted with young people at the conference and went round some of the exhibition booths mounted by some young MSMES.

Everyone with access to the internet and other forms of visual media has seen the images. They have also volunteered their opinions on them, informed or not. The wide adoption of the internet and its attendant pressure to rack up ‘engagements’ and ‘views’ have compelled ‘news reporters’ (a title many now lay claim to because they have an audience and can string sentences together) to frame events in ways that draw the most frenzied reactions from others.

You are encouraged – baited even – to offer your own ‘two cents’ or pass judgments on people and situations you have faint knowledge of. It will therefore not come as a surprise if you too have left a comment on any of the platforms that reported the event and splashed the images with ‘interesting’ captions.

For the uninitiated who feel lost and are wondering what the event and images are; I refer to the meeting between Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Governor Bola Tinubu. The duo was photographed days ago in a warm embrace as the Vice President paid a visit to Asiwaju Tinubu, fresh from his London trip where he had undergone a knee surgery.

This otherwise run-of-the-mill event, in which a former Governor turned national leader of the APC received the presence and well wishes of his former Attorney General turned Vice President, gained heightened significance and became perhaps the most consequential political event of the week (some would say month) as we gradually countdown to the much talked about 2023 General elections.

It contrasted the irresponsible and baseless reporting of a face-off involving the two, stories planted in the press by those driven to hysteria by their own insecurities. Although politicians are known to be experts at concealing their true emotions, this meeting, in which the country’s second most powerful individual personally delivered his good wishes to a purported adversary, was completely avoidable and would not have happened if indeed the Vice President harbored ill-will. What does he stand to profit beyond silly accusations of a ‘surrender’ from a supposed fight he remains unaware of?

A clash of the kind they have portrayed and caused the press to circulate, requires two conscious and fully aware parties. The meeting is proof that the Vice President has no such intentions. He is at peace – with himself and others. What has become clear is that the Vice President is convinced that aspiration to leadership should not drive a wedge between allies, particularly if the alliance is built on mutual respect and the firm understanding that loyalty does not – and should not – equate subservience.

Asiwaju Tinubu is yet to announce his interest in the Presidency but should he do so, it ought not to hurt his relationship with the Vice President. And vice versa. Any candidate sure of himself and his achievements should not require others to pave the way and surrender; instead, a case should be made to the party and Nigerians who are the ultimate deciders.

Recent history has reinforced the fact that no successful campaign is built primarily on the ‘de-marketing' of others. For the voting electorate, a resort to such crude tactics is an admittance of weakness; a thinly-veiled confession of poor credentials. Strong candidates present their achievements and lay out their vision. They welcome opposition as true democrats, and rely on the superiority of their argument and gravitas to clinch victory.

Perhaps this is a lesson the overzealous foot soldiers and self-declared allies need to learn. It may provoke a reflection on the true cause of their insecurities and convince them to focus on building a sturdy ship instead of blackmailing perceived opponents into pulling out of the contest. It is a strategy doomed to fail.

Whether or not they will learn this lesson is anyone’s guess. But time will soon reveal the obvious truth that: Prof. Osinbajo is not the enemy, neither is he in a face-off. A man can be guilty of many things, but not for excelling at his job and being widely admired as a result.

ENERGY TRANSITION PLAN:
WHY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES SHOULD CHANGE DIRECTION TO FAVOUR AFRICA @ COP26 - OSINBAJO

*Gas should be a transition fuel, says Tony Blair

*VP explains Nigeria's plan

*Joins Tanzanian President, Former UK Prime Minister, UN ECA official to discuss Africa and Climate Change


A few days to the commencement of the COP26 holding in the United Kingdom, Nigeria's expectation is that more developed countries will change the direction of the conversation around energy transition in favour of Africa at the global summit, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

He stated this yesterday at a virtual panel discussion on “A Just Transition: Balancing Climate Mitigation with Africa’s Development”, organized by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.

With him on the panel were the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, the former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair and the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Dr Vera Songwe.

The COP26 summit, scheduled to hold in Glasgow, Scotland, from October 31 – November 12, will bring the global community together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Talking about the expectations, Prof. Osinbajo noted that conversations at the forthcoming Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, must be tilted in favour of Africa, as “the conference will be an opportunity to engage and change the direction of the current conversation especially as it affects Africa.”

According to him, “it is an opportunity to talk, to engage, and I think that we really need to engage. I think we need to just change the direction of the conversation especially as it affects Africa and then talk in concrete terms about what the implications of net-zero emissions by 2050 or whenever, will mean for Africa and the world.”


The Vice President also explained that Nigeria already has a plan for the transition. "We drew up an energy transition plan and we are probably one of the few developing countries to have drawn up a plan and try to cost the plan. This is why we have the figure of $400 billion.

“If you look at what can work, we are looking at Nigerian Climate Change Finance Facility. There’s one which we are working on at the moment with the African Finance Corporation, AFC, and ARM Harith; we are trying to create that facility. We think that we could mobilize up to $10 billion to finance local green projects.”

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said, “the Federal Government is also on the verge of operationalizing an InfraCo, a N15 trillion Infrastructure Fund which could have a dedicated green finance component as well as projects to reduce emissions from main pollutant activities in Nigeria.”

“There are other initiatives that we are working on, and one of those is being able to exploit our gas resources for as long as it is possible because it is an important issue for us and thereafter, a diversified economy, especially around technology. That would help us a great deal in being able to secure a significant amount of money,” the Vice President added.

Earlier in his submissions, former UK Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair called for a new partnership with Africa on Climate Change, noting that “it is going to be necessary to use gas as a transitional fuel, and doing that is essential, not only for development but also for the environment.”

He said the partnership will also “help put the projects for clean energy and development in Africa on an investable footing. When people invest in Africa, the rates of returns are very good and the risks are not as great as people think they are.”

Aligning his thoughts to views expressed by Mr Blair, the VP said “it is an important forum to talk about what we really could do in concrete terms.

“I really like the idea of a new partnership with Africa on Climate Change because a lot of the conversations going on about climate change are over the heads of many of us in Africa because the issues that concern us are not on the table.”

Speaking about a plan that would work for Africa, Prof. Osinbajo said “if we say the current arrangement isn’t going to work, what practical plans do we have on the table, how will it be funded?

“Some of what has been said already, especially about investible projects and making sure that we are able to tie this to investments so that it makes business sense, and makes commercial sense. And it is not just a situation where people are being asked to make significant commitments at a time when everyone is a bit irritated by the aftermath of the pandemic and people are being asked to make commitments that they won’t live up to.”

Regarding financing for African countries to transition to cleaner energy, the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan stated the need for developed countries to keep their commitments. According to her “we are expecting the world to come to our aid for financing so that we can implement the adaptation processes with climate change.

“Tanzania has been severely hit by effects of climate change, but then the adaptation process needs a lot of money that developed countries have not given to developing countries like ours. We have been trying to do adaptation from our own funds and with the little funds that we have been given under bilateral agreements, but there is a big gap not only for Tanzania but the whole of Africa… The developed countries have to be transparent on financing.”

While commenting on Africa’s contribution to global emissions, Executive Secretary for UN Commission for Africa, Dr Vera Songwe, observed that “Africa’s population is 17% of the global population and only 3.8% of the emissions comes from Africa; 15 times more emissions come from the United States, 7 times more emissions in China.”

She went on to say, “we do need to look at what Africa can do differently… For us to have a just, equitable and inclusive transition, I think it is important for Africa to take a seat at the table and say, yes, we deserve to have this transition space for gas.”

Dr. Songwe also noted that “if we (Africa) were to double our energy generation, which means every African will have access to electricity, we would increase global emissions by 1%. However, by increasing global emissions by 1%, we can then move to the multiplication of solar and wind investments by 38%. As we do more of the 38%, we would be doing less of gas.”

The event was moderated by Kamissa Camara, Director of External Affairs & Policy, Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. There were also other virtual attendees.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
29th October, 2021