₦airaland Forum

TheRareGem1:
On Sunday, the Nigeria basketball team, D’Tiger becomes the first African nation to defeat Team USA, although it was an exhibition but the defeat didn’t go well with Team USA Basketball fans.

In a recent development, the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo while delivering a speech at the send forth ceremony of team Nigeria for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the state House yesterday made a reference to the 90-87 defeat against the US team led by all-world forward Kevin Durant. ‘‘For anyone who thinks we are joking, maybe they haven’t seen the exihibition basket ball game on Saturday against the USA team, especially that amazing block by Precious Achuwa against Kevin Durant (KD) who is probably the best NBA player probably right now, so Precious, you are the real MVP’’, he said.


Following the development, American celebrity sports commentator, Kelvin Clancy had taken to his Twitter account to express disappointment that the United States had lost to Nigeria’s D’Tigers.
”’We lost to Nigeria in Basketball? Do they even have food?
”You know what am just gonna watch UFC,” he wrote.

Contrary to his opinion, the US coach Gregg Popovich said “I thought that the Nigerian team played very physically, did a great job in that regard and knocked down a lot of 3s,”.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klddV5_HJ-E

Osinbajo is the real MVP

MadamVanessa:
No darling.

My father can never be a uselessss vice president that has been religated to a mere commissioner position.

Not only ur father failed himself & failed in raising you, Bcoz what we are witnessing indirectly now is as result of his failure. Now that u ave refused making him proud, what's the assurance that ur kids won't regret having u as a useless as their coming father ��

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

FG’S DEPLOYMENT OF FALCON EYE SURVEILLANCE WILL SAVE NIGERIA BILLIONS OF DOLLARS LOST TO PIRACY, SEA ROBBERY, CRIMES – OSINBAJO

*VP commissions Navy’s maritime security architecture providing actionable intelligence

Nigeria’s deployment of the state-of-the-art surveillance system, Falcon Eye for maritime security will save the country several billions of US dollars, while effectively degrading piracy and other crimes around the Gulf of Guinea and beyond, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, who represented the President today at the commissioning of the facility.

The surveillance facility incorporates various sensors located along the nation's enormous coastline.

According to him, “it is estimated that Nigeria loses several billions of dollars annually to various forms of criminality particularly piracy and sea robbery.”

Also, he added that on account of “the escalated risks in some of our maritime areas, insurance premiums for commercial vessels coming to these areas have risen sharply making maritime trade an unattractive proposition.

“This underscores the need to enhance our maritime security architecture. Consequently, a critical contribution of the Falcon Eye System will be the provision of actionable intelligence for curbing maritime threats to our economy.”

Prof. Osinbajo noted that “the maritime industry occupies a prominent position in the matrix of our vital economic interests and it encompasses activities ranging from fishing and resource exploration to marine research and shipping among other endeavours.

“Of all these activities, shipping stands out as a critical link in Nigeria’s international trade engagements because it is the cheapest and most efficient means of moving large volumes of goods.

“Given our economic aspirations and our commitment to international trade, ensuring the security of shipping lanes within and proximate to our waters is in our national interest.”

Emphasizing the critical nature of the surveillance system, the VP said “the Falcon Eye System will serve as a force multiplier for our naval platforms tasked to effectively secure our maritime environment from external aggression. It will also enable the Nigerian Navy to effectively combat any maritime crime that could disrupt the conduct of maritime trade.”

He observed that the Federal Government has shown clear commitment in containing emerging threats around Nigeria’s maritime domain including the assent the President gave to the Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Bill on the 24th of June 2019.

According to the Vice President, last month, the President conducted the “launch of the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, otherwise known as the Deep Blue Project. The Deep Blue Project is a maritime security initiative of the Federal Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Defence implemented by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

“It combines air, land and sea assets with operational components constituted by the Navy as well as other branches of the Armed Forces, the security services and law enforcement.”

“Between these initiatives, we have significantly increased our national capabilities in the areas of maritime surveillance and criminal interdiction within our territorial waters.”

Earlier in separate remarks, the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo said the project will enhance Nigeria’s capability to ensure the security of vessels in and around the Gulf of Guinea.

The highpoint of the occasion was the commissioning of the project’s Command and Control Centre and a real-time interaction between the Vice President and field commanders on the operations of the Falcon Eye Project.

Present at the event were the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi; Senate Committee Chairman on Navy, Sen. George Sekibo; House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; representatives of the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police; among others.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
13th July 2021

MadamVanessa:
A mere Erand STAR boy commissioner.

Can your father EVER

MadamVanessa:
A mere Erand STAR boy.

Errand boy that is greater than your lineage combined ���

More pix

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN on behalf of President Buhari Commissions The Falcon Eye Project at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja. 13th July 2021. Photos; Tolani Alli

https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/vp-osinbajo-on-behalf-of-president-buhari-commissions-the-falcon-eye-project-at-the-naval-headquarters-on-13-07-2021/

*VP charges team, recalling notable exploits of 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney Olympics teams



As Team Nigeria to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics prepares to leave the shores of the country, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has called on the team to replicate the outstanding performances of past Nigerian Olympians, noting that “you stand on the shoulders of giants.”

Recalling the exploits of past Nigerian teams, the Vice President added that “you will also carry with you the encouragement of the great exploits of Nigerian Olympians before you.”

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today at the send forth ceremony for Team Nigeria to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, at the Presidential Villa. The event also marked the formal handover of the Nigerian contingent to the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the unveiling of the team’s official outfit and kit.

He reminded the team of “such legends as Chioma Ajunwa who won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics for the long jump and became the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event.

“The Super Eagles in 1996 who won the gold medal for football; that was the team that had the greats; Augustine Okocha, Celestine Babayaro, Daniel Amokachi (who was present at the event,) Sunday Oliseh, Taribo West, Kanu Nwankwo, Abiodun Obafemi, Emmanuel Amuneke, Emmanuel Babayaro, Garba Lawal, Joseph Dosu, Kingsley Obiekwu, Mobi Obaraku, Uche Okechukwu, Teslim Fatusi, Tijani Babangida, Victor Ikpeba, and Wilson Oruma —that was the year we defeated the world’s best footballing nations – Brazil and Argentina and we all held our heads high.”

Continuing, the VP said “in 2000, in Sydney again we beat the best in the world, we won the gold in 4×400 meter relay after the American team was disqualified for using performance-enhancing drugs. Our team then was Clement Chukwu, the late Sunday Bada, Enefiok Udo-Ubong, Jude Monye, and two other members of the team, Fidelis Gadzama and Nduka Awazie.

“And for anyone who thinks we are joking, maybe they haven’t seen our exhibition basketball game on Saturday with the USA team, especially that amazing block by Precious Achiuwa against KD – Kevin Durant, who is probably the best player in the NBA right now. So Precious, you are the real MVP!

“You stand on the shoulders of giants and with the quality and intensity of training you have received and your exploits during the qualification series for the Olympic Games, I am confident that by God’s grace, you will again make history and beat the best in the world.”

Urging the team to promote the Olympian ideals, Prof. Osinbajo said “Olympics is about fair play, honesty, teamwork, respect, and friendship. I trust that you will, as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, represent our nation excellently.

“Fair play clearly enjoins every athlete not to use any prohibited substances or to cheat in any way. Half of the joy and satisfaction of victory is that it was won fairly.”

“Every one of you participating in the games is opening a page in history for yourself, your families, your community, and the nation.”

Prof. Osinbajo then assured the team of the prayers and support of all Nigerians as they compete with athletes from other nations.

His words: “Your performance at the games will inscribe your names in national and world sporting history. You carry the hopes and aspirations of millions as you compete in Tokyo. But you will in this endeavor, have the assurance of the prayers and best wishes of all Nigerians.”

While commending the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare for coordinating the various sporting Federations in preparation for the Games, the Vice President urged the athletes to make good use of facilities at its training ground in the City of Kizarazu to put themselves in proper shape ahead of the Games.

He urged the team to continue to observe all COVID-19 protocols and to strictly adhere to the IOC Playbook in order to safeguard their health and those of others around them.

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, said the athletes were ready to do the country proud and presented to the Vice President, the made-in-Nigeria kits for the Nigerian contingent.

“I am happy to announce today that the complete kit for Team Nigeria to the Tokyo 2020 Games was produced with a heavy dose of local content. We thank AFA Sports, Africa For Africa, a local sports equipment manufacturing company for delivering on the production of uniforms for Team Nigeria. This is a veritable testament and commitment of the Buhari administration to support and grow local content and industry in all sectors of the Nigerian economy.”

On his part, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr Habu Gumel thanked the President and the Vice President for honoring Team Nigeria and assured that the contingent will not disappoint the country.

“I am happy to inform Mr. President that all the 15 athletes on Olympic Scholarships qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, which slowed down the training momentum for the Games, we are still optimistic that the crop of Nigerian qualified athletes will do our nation proud at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

One highpoint of the occasion was the formal handover of Team Nigeria to the Nigeria Olympic Committee by the Vice President and the Sports Minister, and the unveiling of the official outfit and kit of the team.

Present at the ceremony were Federal Legislators, officials of the Japanese Embassy in Nigeria, 45 athletes and their coaches, officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and the Nigeria Olympic Committee, among others.

https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/osinbajo-to-nigerias-olympics-team-you-stand-on-the-shoulders-of-giants/

Glory all the way

More pics

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN on behalf of President Buhari unveils Team Nigeria's 2021 Olympic Kit and attends the send forth ceremony for the athletes en-route the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games at the State House Banquet Centre, Abuja. 12th July, 2021. Photos; Tolani Alli

AXA Mansard MyAXA Plus App emerges as the Most Innovative New Digital App of the year

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, a member of the AXA Group and global leader in insurance and asset management, is pleased to announce that it emerged as the winner of the Most Innovative New Digital App of the year in the Insurance section of the just concluded Annual Global Business Outlook (GBO) Awards 2021.

The winning app, MyAXA Plus, allows registered and un-registered users to generate instant quotes of any product; use the BMI calculator; read blog articles; check investment trends & rates; calculate returns on investment; calculate market value of any car; and contact sales agents for more information.

Speaking on the award, Chief Client Officer of the company, Mrs Rashidat Adebisi said We thank our highly esteemed customers for this prestigious award, the need to improve their experience and delight them drives the passion to enhance our services and engagement platforms.

MyAXA Plus has been very well received because it provides a much improved, seamless, and satisfying experience. The users are at the heart of every feature and action on the app.”
MyAXA Plus provides the following features:
- Get Protected: Buy health and life insurance policies to protect you and your loved ones from unforeseen circumstances.
- Make claims: Customers can make claims on their insurance policy, enabling fast reporting of incidents and payment of claims by the company.
- Book hospital visits: HMO customers of
AXA Mansard can receive care at over 1,700+ hospitals, and with MyAXA Plus, they can also pre-book hospital visits, reducing their wait time while also getting faster access to specialist consultations.
- Renew insurance policy: Customers, by providing their car plate number on the app, can also renew their motor insurance policy within a few minutes.
- Invest & liquidate funds: Investors, whether with high or low-risk appetite can find the right investment options on the app.
Also, liquidation of funds and crediting of customer account is completed within 5 minutes via the app.
Data-driven advice: App users can make informed decisions by checking the market rates and trends before investing funds, reading articles by experts, and interacting with a robo-advisor that uses information provided by the customers to suggest the right products and insurance cover in seconds.
Whilst thanking the organizers, she said, Our team is set to work with all stakeholders to continuously provide superior customer experience and to develop more innovative and value-adding products and services that will serve the changing needs of customers. This is premised on our purpose, which is to Act for Human progress by protecting what matters.
@@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 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.
Global Business Outlook is a UK-based publication dedicated to covering vital industry sectors. Their goal is to be a leading information provider on critical events and developments in the world of business.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN chairs the inaugural meeting of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy Committee at the State House, Abuja. 9th July 2021. Photos; Tolani Alli

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

OSINBAJO HARPS ON REVIVING ECONOMY IN THE AFTERMATH OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC AT LAUNCH OF TRANSCORP'S NEW PRODUCT

A digital hospitality platform would not only provide a major avenue for other small businesses in the value chain to grow, but would help revive Nigeria’s hospitality industry in general, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
This was the summation of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, on Thursday night in Abuja where he was special guest of honour during the official launch of “Aura” by Transcorp Hotels PLC, described by its proponents as a digital platform designed to connect people to quality accommodation, great food, and awesome experiences in several places.

At the event, which was also attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN; Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Ade Ipaye; Chairman of Transcorp Group, Mr. Tony Elumelu; among other dignitaries, the Vice President stated that a digital innovation like Aura is a welcome idea.

In what was an immersive experience, the launching event featured delectable Nigerian cuisine, video presentations and life performances by leading Nigerian artists and celebrities including Tiwa Savage.
Prof. Osinbajo said, “yes, there are a number of digital hospitality platforms already, but I think the unique offering here is that Transcorp, possibly Nigeria’s foremost luxury hotel, is putting its huge reputation behind the service of helping customers choose the best accommodation restaurants, and experience tours available in Nigeria. The advantages of this service are varied.

“First, the customer can rely on the experience and judgment of world class personnel at Transcorp in choosing hotels and restaurants. Second, Transcorp helps to build other smaller hospitality businesses, and even those simply offering their apartments simply as short-let apartments, by recommending their accommodation to potential guests.

“A Transcorp recommendation is more or less an accreditation that the accommodation or other hospitality service meets the high standards for which Transcorp is known. This is great all around and will help revive the hospitality industry, especially since the downturn in the aftermath of COVID-19.”

The Vice President added that he found the app easy to navigate, with a copious offering of hotels, short-let apartments, experience tours.
“They lure you into it by showing you a photo of an incredibly mouth-watering meal, and I saw a few that almost convinced me to break my fast early. So, there was an amazing looking Chicken Cheese Pizza from Barnyard lounge in Asaba, some irresistible chicken meal – a 5-star chicken - from Platino in Lagos, and some 'carry go suya' spice prawns at 355 here in Abuja. So, from the photo of the meal that takes you to the restaurant itself, you have booking options, dine-in, pick up or delivery.”

The VP added that, “I think the feature many especially property owners will find most fascinating is the host feature; as this enables you to put up your own property. And there are terms and conditions you need to meet for your property to be accepted. Same for whatever other entertainment facility you may wish to put out there for letting.”

Prof. Osinbajo commended the Transcorp team, including Mr. Elumelu; Group CEO of Transcorp, Mrs. Owen Omogiafo; and CEO of Transcorp Hotels, Mrs. Dupe Olusola; for designing such digital platform at this time.

“This is an excellent innovation, a service that leverages smoothly on technology and one that will be a tremendous boost to the hospitality industry as a whole. And because I have checked it out myself, I can say that my Aura experience has been quite good,” he stated.
In her remarks, Mrs. Olusola noted that, “Aura is a digital hospitality platform that gives the opportunity to all our stakeholders and guests to actually be able to book accommodation and experiences just at their fingertips.

"Aura is an opportunity for us to diversify our economy, an opportunity to create jobs and employment, and to develop domestic tourism and leisure travel.”

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

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, attends the Aura by Transcorp Event as the Special Guest of Honour and launches the Aura Platform at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja on the 8th of July, 2021.

GENERATING $1B BY 2025, LEATHER INDUSTRY IS A GAME-CHANGER WAITING TO HAPPEN IN NIGERIA, SAYS OSINBAJO

*VP launches National Leather & Leather Products Policy Implementation Plan in Abuja

Being one of the highest producers of leather and finished leather products in Africa with a projected revenue of US$1 billion by 2025, the industry could become a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy by improving the country’s foreign exchange earnings, boosting growth, and providing employment for young Nigerians, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo, who stated this during the formal launch and sensitization workshop on the National Leather and Leather Products Policy Implementation Plan in Abuja today, added that with the right planning and strategy, optimizing the value chain, these goals could become reality soon.

He referenced a study carried out by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) which projected that the Nigerian leather industry has the potential of not only increasing its earnings by 70 percent but also generating over US$1 billion by 2025.

According to the Vice President, “there is no question that properly organized, the leather and leather products industry could become one of the major items in Nigeria’s export basket.

‘‘The leather value chain is extensive. It includes animal husbandry, tanneries, finished leather products, and leather products marketing. The leather and leather products industry currently employs over 750,000 workers with about 500,000 workers in the finished leather goods sector. About 11 leather exporting companies have been active at the upstream end of the leather value chain.

“Also, the export of leather has grown steadily, reaching a peak of $117 million in 2018. Exports fell in 2020 largely due to the pandemic, but to date, are in the order of $272m.”

Speaking further, Prof. Osinbajo explained that the country was yet to maximize its potential in the sector despite exporting millions of semi-finished and finished leather products to destinations including Italy, Spain, India, South Asia and China.

With the formal launch of the National Leather and Leather Products Policy Implementation Plan, the VP noted that Government now has ‘‘a real opportunity to address specific challenges and shortcomings of the leather sector with pragmatic strategies to permanently resolve these issues for optimal productivity.”

He asserted that “there is now a clear line of sight to our emergence as a major hub for the manufacture of leather goods with the refocusing of the leather sector to value addition from its previous focus on exporting semi-processed leather.”

Describing the Plan as all encompassing, Prof. Osinbajo noted that relevant Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and the organized private sector are assigned specific responsibilities for its various objectives and strategies.

He added that the Plan covers eight thematic areas, including intellectual property rights, governance, E-leather, environmental and social best practices, marketing, funding, critical infrastructure, and research and development.

Commending the initiative of the Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST) regarding the plan, Prof. Osinbajo said the establishment of Nine (9) Extension Centres across the six (6) geo-political zones will help to train and develop young entrepreneurs in Nigeria as well as provide innovative research and development in the sector.

Noting that the Institute is also collaborating with the Military for research, development, design, and production of military footwear, the VP added that, “the very idea of an implementation plan is refreshingly innovative. It addresses the malignant problem of great plans but poor delivery that appears to bedevil many policies of government.”

“The next steps are clear and the stage is set for establishing the leather and leather products industry in Nigeria on a sure-footed and well thought out growth trajectory,” Prof. Osinbajo stated.

The Vice President commended the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, and his team for developing the Plan, as well as other relevant government agencies and international bodies such as the European Union (EU) and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) who are partnering with the Federal Government in the implementation of the policy.



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

*Igboho*
Reactions have continued to trail the recent moves by the Federal Government to cripple agitations for secession in the Southeast and Southwestern parts of the country.

Some Nigerians who reacted to the developments were sceptical on why the security agencies are clamping down on ‘innocent’ agitators while “terrorist sympathisers” particularly Ahmed Gumi and the Miyetti Allah are allowed to go free despite indications of ties with bandits and other criminals.

Others, however, are of the view that the agitators have overstretched the limits in their actions and utterances.

Sunday Igboho has also debunked his arrest rumour.

In a viral video, he said, “Rumour has been circulating that I have been arrested at the Guru Maharaji. I am not at Guru Maharaji, I am in my house in Ibadan. Thank you very much.”

@sanni_suarez: "No juju is greater than FG, they just getting substantial evidence from you now. By the time they wish to arrest you, they will do that for once without being failed."

@cyrilemeka: "I recall during the time of Obasanjo when the DSS and police kept trying to arrest Gani Adams when he was then the head of OPC, just when they're about to get him, he vanishes mysteriously. I see the same happening for this guy. They can only try."

*YorubaNationRally*
Most of what trended on the Nigerian social media space today are rooted in this YorubaNationRally

Despite the ban on the rally announced by the Lagos State Police Command, some people still came out under heavy security presence to assemble at Ojota.

Some of the reactions on social media about the rally are seen below:

@AyowoleSanyaolu: "Today at the #YorubaNationNow rally in Lagos, it wasn't a Fulani man that ordered the shooting of live rounds that killed a young girl, it was a Yoruba Police Commissioner, working under the orders of a Yoruba Governor. Let that sink in!"

@realFFK: "A 14-year girl has been shot dead by the police during the Yoruba Nation rally in Lagos. So young! What was her crime? This is unacceptable. This is wicked. This is evil. This is barbaric. This is provocative. This is tragic. This is dangerous. I call for restraint."

@instablog9ja: "#YorubaNationNow: Police deploy water cannons, teargas against protesters in Lagos."

@SaharaReporters: "Yoruba Nation Rally: Heavy Police Presence In Lagos As Protesters Shun Venue."

@funshographix: "We're in Ojota now. People are here shouting Yoruba nation. More people are still coming from outside Lagos. Sunday Igboho is coming too. Self-determination is our right. Lagos is Yoruba land. We've every right to do Yoruba nation rally in our land. No going back on Yoruba nation."

@OgbeniDipo: "May the soul of the young girl who has reportedly died after being hit by a stray bullet in Ojota rest in peace. May God comfort her family and friends. The police should not be shooting at a peaceful protest or rally."

@Sawani47: "Let me get this straight: a Yoruba state govt is using its largely Yoruba police force to stop a rally for Yoruba Nation.

"If you kill your fellow Yoruba and attack your own Yoruba establishment, are you fighting for or against Yoruba?"

@Daddy_Morayo: "I would rather DO WHAT THE WORLD IS SCARED OF, than to participate in a protest. These people steal millions of dollars and you think you can just get through them via MERE protest. They will massacre anyone or just tag you WANTED."

@izymac247: "First step in making people slaves is to make them so poor that they can't say no to orders that are utterly ridiculous and inhumane.

"If the energy and effort Nigerian police and soldiers used to stop peaceful protests was channeled to combating crime Nigeria will be very safe."

@PulseNigeria247: "Despite huge police and military presence, Yoruba Nation agitators defy warnings, gathered in large numbers to demand a sovereign Yoruba state."

@firstladyship: "I’m so proud of those protesting in defiance. We are all Sunday Igboho & Nnamdi Kanu. But why is Tinubu Lagos always different? Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo protests was peaceful. Police just killed an innocent girl at Lagos rally. Another life wasted."

@thecableng: "Gunshots, teargas as police disperse Yoruba nation agitators in Lagos."

*Tinubu*
National leader of the All Progressives Congress Chief Bola Tinubu, trended alongside the Yoruba Nation Rally, as people questioning his continued silence over the agitation.

Some also say that Tinubu is being careful over what's unfolding in the Southwest so that his comments would not be used against him ahead of the 2023 presidential race.

*IPOB*
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) trended for various reasons.

However, attention was given more to this caption by @thecableng: "IPOB commander: How we killed 10 girls for rituals, attacked police stations in Imo."

Some of the reactions to the story are seen below:

@NakedNick: "Lies. I first saw it on Punch."

@bashir_1306: "If you saw it on another news platform yet you say it is a lie then you have the problem. Because they cant be reporting the same lies because they hate you despite some of them being owned by your people."

@eluke99: "Planting an electronic news publication before the trial commences… An after thought. Nonsense fabrications. Reports already have it that the CCTV footage of the prison break weren’t people from the region. Even the governor confirmed it."

@iyaboawokoya: "This point of yours will be a good defence for the man who confessed."

@Edward_Onoriode: "I doubted this news until I listened to this Audio from Nnamdi Kanu himself giving this order."

@Abdulla47763468: "Yet some MNK proxies defend these atrocities, refused to term it as an act of terrorism. I believe they're beginning to understand the language of bubu."

@OgbaraOlabode: "They will say na propaganda but we fail to realize that this is not the way to fight for a referendum."

@ReBrand_Human: "Buhari has made the Yorubas and the Biafrans more united than ever before. Good to see Yoruba nation and Biafra coming together to break this curse called Nigeria."

@Amaka_Ekwo: "For eight good days, the Kenyan Government detained Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and IPOB was not aware to stop them from taking MNK to Nigeria?"

@QDpaper1: "Every IPOB miscreants apologist now support Yoruba nation protest, is this how miscreants love Yorubas?"

*Buhari*
While President Muhammadu Buhari has become the topic in virtually all national discourses, for today's trend, these comments here form the basis:

@Emeka667917813: "The people shouting marginalisation are clamouring for another Hausa Fulani (Atiku) to be President. It makes me feel like it’s not really about marginalisation but about them not liking Buhari."

@WudiSnipper: "Constitution requires Buhari to crush Kanu, Igboho, says NBA Vice President."

@LAIDETOS: "So, now in what language will Buhari talk to the Yorubas asking for the #YorubaNationNow?"

@Nwankwo_03: "Buhari's Government Has Failed To Learn From Past Mistakes - Aisha Yesufu."

@distinguished09: "This is not it. It is not in the place of any govt to decide if the people can protest or not. That is firmly captured in the constitution. Buhari should simply respect the people’s choice. Unless we are no longer in a democracy."

@chickxk: "Full-blown war is bound to happen in this country before Buhari vacates office if the NA don’t do anything about it sooner."

*EndSARS*
@MobilePunch: "Yoruba Nation: Police deny killing 14-year-old girl, claim no shot was fired."

@starleeon_: "Who went to the protest ground with a gun?"

@oye_rapheal: "I wonder ohh... Who was shown with a gun on the camera."

@Caringfreeman: "Lekki toll gate: Army Denies firing at peaceful protesters

"Ojota peaceful protest: @NigeriaPolice denies shooting 14years old girl...

"They will kill anybody openly and deny it openly... Who wan probe them?
#KeepitOn #ojota"

@adahobehira: "This innocent girl would have been alive without today's event. My condolences to the family."

http://abuhamdalat..com/2021/07/social-media-trends-for-saturday-3rd.html

*VP graces coronation of Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero
Beyond its proud history and traditions, Kano is a melting pot of diverse tribes and cultures and a place that is home to all and for all Nigerians, where they can co-exist peacefully regardless of differences, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
Prof. Osinbajo stated this today in Kano, during the coronation of Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano, where he represented President Muhammadu Buhari.
The event which drew dignitaries from far and wide featured, besides the administration of the oath, and the formal presentation of the Staff of Office to the Emir, traditional rites, prayers, recitals and speeches.
The Vice President, who conveyed the President’s warm felicitations and personal good wishes to the State government and people of Kano, described the coronation as ‘historic’, while noting that Kano is revered as a major commercial and economic centre in sub-Saharan Africa.
“It is only the tolerance of the culture of Kano, where opposite ideas can co-exist peacefully, that you could have a thriving free market economy, with several millionaires and yet also be the base of radical left of Centre political ideas. This is after-all the city of the socialist man of the masses, Mallam Aminu Kano and many of his disciples. Kano is also the home of the richest man in Africa, Alhaji Aliko Dangote,” he said.
He added that, “we are all proud of this city; proud of its legacy of tolerance and warmth and very proud that it indeed remains home to all and for all Nigerians, regardless of tribe and ethnicity, and the melting pot of diverse tribes and cultures assimilated into a robust, vibrant and cohesive whole.”
Congratulating the Emir of Kano on his coronation, the VP said, “Your Royal Highness, it is this great city over which God has given you the good fortune of being Monarch, a privilege which you know comes with the obligation of preserving these rich traditions of brotherhood of all tribes and tongues.
“You inherit not only one of the most revered thrones in Africa, but on a more personal level your great father was known for his wisdom, courage and integrity. He loved his people and served them with honor and complete commitment. You have a goodly heritage but a particularly difficult act to follow. But we are confident that by the grace of God you will exceed the reputation of your illustrious forebears.
“So today, as you ascend the throne of your fathers, carrying with you the love and trust of your people. I can only offer you a prayer: I pray that this land will prosper in your reign, I pray that the Almighty God will be merciful to you and to the people of this land, and that his hand will be upon you to guide and direct you daily. Your family and tribe will increase, your days will be long, and as your days so shall your strength, your wisdom and your favour with God in Jesus name. Amen.”
While also congratulating Kano State Governor Umar Ganduje for “midwifing a generational change of guards that only a few will experience in their lifetimes,” Prof. Osinbajo added that “the swearing-in and handing over of the Staff of Office to the new Emir of Kano is in fulfillment of the extant law and practice of the installation of Emirs.”
Dignitaries present at the event included the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan; Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; several governors, including the Governors of Katsina, Aminu Bello Masari; Kebbi, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Bauchi, Bala Mohammed; Jigawa, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Kogi, Yahaya Bello; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal; Zamfara, Bello Matawalle.
Also present were the Ministers of Aviation, Hadi Sirika; Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (Retd.); and Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono; as well as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Abubakar III, and other traditional rulers.


https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/why-kano-is-home-to-all-nigerians/

*Igboho*
Self-acclaimed Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho is still making the trend after the raid on his apartment by the DSS.

With the agency now declaring him wanted, Nigerians have again taken to social media to express their views.

@Joe_Blaze05: "No matter how strong you are physically or spiritually, when govt get your time forget it.

"You forget say na where your juju end another man own start. I like the guy but he's not bigger than the govt when they are ready for him."

@bee_qu1: "Dont mind them... He won't be the first... Government sef dey use jazz."

@clinton_edoka: "I swear when govt ready if you like be devil dem go catch you."

@mrfestusogun: "To be clear, the SSS lacks the power to validly declare Chief Sunday Igboho wanted without a court order or instituting an action against him. Benedict Peters v. EFCC & Others.

"We will restrict any attempt to intimidate lone voices in our national wilderness."

@_Oluchy: "You really think any of these works in this country at the moment? Buhari is now the judge, jury and prosecutor."

@Joysparkle24: "There's nothing like human rights in this country, just live your life and pray you don't get into the government bad books."

@OtunbaWarri: "I've said this so many times, all these rallies and protests won't change anything, the best all these guys can do is just to wait 2023 and make their vote count. People are just losing their lives to all these protests and rallies."

@naughtyibadan: "make everybody find one weapon on July 3rd rally. If army or police do anyhow, make una show dem anyhow, it's obvious the war has started since alot of assassinations happened in the last 2 months & now Nnamdi Kanu and Igboho are the next target. Igbo and Yoruba should merge & fight dem."

@Fakiaman: "They should not be in a haste... He will be present in Lagos rally and they won't be able to do anything to him because he has not committed any crime but DSS AND NIGERIA ARMY that have refused to protect Nigerians, wanted to assassinate him and his family in the midnight."

@emodi_ekene: "At this point in time we all should be working to leave this country not make it better."

@Yanjoo64: "But Gumi is in the house relaxing. Coming on live TV saying bandits are fighting for their rights, bandits are abducting & killing hundreds of people and he’s not a wanted man."

*Buhari*
Some of the comments collected on this trend are reproduced hereunder:

@cchukudebelu: "For some reason, this long, vocal debate on "human rights abuse" was swiftly abandoned when Jonathan handed over power to Buhari.

"(All the talk about "Leahy Laws" were abandoned with the Super Tucano sales)."

@SaharReporters: "Igboho Should Be Thankful Buhari’s Government Only Planted Guns, Not Bombs In His House—Activist, @adeyanjudeji."

@SodiqTade: "Buhari wants to round up Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho but ignores Sheikh Gumi that openly had a meeting with bandits because he is from the privileged tribe. And instead of arrest he was given the opportunity to do PR for bandits on TV stations. Same with Miyetti Allah. Observe!"

@GazetteNGR: "I’m deeply shocked bandits killed Zamfara lawmaker: Buhari."

@OgbeniDipo: "Someone on Clubhouse just said the next President will be worst than Buhari. I reject it in Jesus name and cover Nigeria with the blood of Jesus. If that happens, omo."

@Maybek: "Should we tell him? Well, this is why GEJ said stealing is not corruption to educate Buhari and his likes but people were too emotional to listen."

@OlorogunErnest: "Buhari is clamping down on agitators from the SE & SW while bandits are reaping billions off Nigerians in the North via kidnappings, rape, killings, terror attacks etc. All the FG does is to negotiate using Gumi.

"Now I believe Nigeria is currently led by a Northern cabal."

*Lagos*
Despite earlier reports on the postponement of the Yoruba Nation Rally, @DailyPostNGR and some online media came up with this caption and other related ones "Sunday Igboho: Yoruba Nation Lagos rally will hold - Co-organisers dare Police."

@MobilePunch: "Yoruba Nation: Hold police responsible if Lagos rally turns violent - Igboho's spokesman."

Some of the reactions on the above stories as they trended on social media are seen below:

@YeleSowore: "I totally and unequivocally support the Oduduwa rally scheduled for Lagos tomorrow, I urge organisers and participants to ignore the Nigeria Police Force and massively come out! Protest is NOT a crime. Tyrant @MBuhari must be defeated. #BuhariMustGo
#Revolutionnow."

@emekannaoma: “We want to confirm again that the Pro-Yoruba Nation rally scheduled to hold on Saturday July 3rd, in Lagos will proceed as scheduled,” Prof
Akintoye reiterated."

@CletusNwafor: "Democracy is fragile... It must always be defended... We must be ever vigilant.

"When will Nigerians arise to defend the erosion of our democracy by the despotic @MBuhari regime?"

@Godswillluv: "This is what we need from the Yoruba people, it’s time for those Oduduwas who truly believe in the course of the Oduduwa nation to stand and stand resolutely. It’s time for the entire southern region to unite and form resistance and alliance against tyranny."

@yorubaToUN: "We’re going to remove Nigeria flags on Oduduwa soil tomorrow and replace it with oduduwa flag and USA flag. We’re ready for what’s coming."

@chibest408: "We must! I repeat We must stand up and resist Tyranny! Speak up in the face of tyranny."

@Nwa_Onyemauche: "Igboho or no Igboho let the rally go on."

@wordforwar: "That's very good. We are born free, can't become slaves in our own land."

@derealAyoola: "We move, Ojota right?"

@CJInternationei: "It will hold no matter what."

@Justfight_X: "They cannot stop what's coming."

@okebobby: "Gani Adam's will be there, leading from the front."

*Fulani*
The fulanization narrative was pushed on the social media space with some prominent Nigerians indulging in what has now become a conspiracy theory.

The views on this trend are summarized in these comments:

@GovSamuelOrtom: "If the federal government has the capacity to arrest Nnamdi Kanu in a foreign land, they should exhibit the same zeal to arrest armed Fulani herdsmen who are terrorizing our country. The herdsmen have claimed responsibility for the killing of many Nigerians."

@segalink: "You clamp down on agitation from the SE & SW despite the understanding of the rationale for both, but culture & fund the impunity of Bandits & serial murders of Fulani Herders.

"How else do you hope to convince any Nigerian that we are not under a conquest that needs Resistance?"

@TemitopeSenator: "Obasanjo's revelation of Nigeria being fulanized is starting to take shape.
No matter the darkness, light will come forth, Nigeria will never fall!
Nigeria will survive this dark regime!!
Help is coming!!!"

@funshographix: "Awolowo was jailed by fulani govt

MKO was jailed & killed by fulani govt

Sowore is on restricted bail by fulani govt

Nnamdi Kanu was kidnapped into Nigeria by fulani govt

Sunday Igboho has been declared wanted by fulani govt

For how long our mumu will stop with one Nigeria?"

@vanguardngrnews: "Fulani leaders openly talk about their affinity to Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, boasting that any attempt to chase them away from Yorubaland will lead to more killings.”

@ChimaStephen2: "South east have not started. When we start the world will need to join hands with the north to be able to defeat us. Just like they have always did. Fulani have never won any war on their own. They always need foreign help."

@RealOlaudah: "An Igbo man was made to sign the press release by DSS on Sunday Igboho. In consonance with age-long Fulani strategy of divide and rule. Knocking southern heads together, to keep their divisions, while exploiting the cracks to continue their hegemony. 'Mene mene tekel upharsin."

@damonbarak: "Southerners have always been used against each other but they will never realize until it’s too late."

@ayemojubar: "Buhari govt via DSS declared Sunday Igboho wanted because he called for self-determination and a rally to avert the evil being perpetuated by killer Fulani herdsmen.

"So why are Yoruba elites and elders quiet on this, repeating the mistakes Hausa made when they were invaded?"

@GeneralOria: "Just understand Igboho doesn’t speak for Yoruba people.

"Yoruba are too sophisticated to follow Sunday Igboho dogmatically. We don’t cut off our head because we have headache."

@Adrianac123: "To every demand of NIGERIANS from #EndSARS to Biafra, Sunday Igboho, the reaction of the regime has been violent. But to the violence of Boko Haram, Fulani Herdmen, ISWAP and Bandits, the reaction of Buhari's regime has been peace, dialogue, ransom. A tipping point. @Gidi_Traffic."

@real_i_smart: "One Nigeria is a scam. We are tired of fulanilization."

@mrfestusogun: "When will these Fulani imperialists in power declare Fulani herdsmen wanted?"

@Enugu_: "The criminal silence we got from the Enugu State Government when terrorist Fulani herdsmen invaded and killed our people in May, is what we are experiencing again in the case of security agencies invading & burning homes, kidnapping our young people this week in Enugu."

@merrybola: "Terrorist Fulani herdsmen and their sympathizers like Sheik Gumi are no doubt being handled with kids' gloves by the Federal government."

*Nnamdi Kanu*
The engagements here and similar others constituted the bedrock of this trend:

@thecableng: "[TOP STORY] Wike to FG: Don’t discriminate — go after bandits like you did for Nnamdi Kanu."

@mikedavidxson: "Exactly what we're saying.
No insecticide for some.
and deodorant for others.
as I'm tweeting this. I'm yet to see any report of arrest made by this govt with regards to those who killed about 6 policemen in a bid to rescue Wadume from prosecution in Taraba state."

@adahobehira: "Wike hypocrisy will soon be expose."

@CJInternationei: "So Wike is now comparing Nnamdi Kanu to bandits. Well, you will get a taste of what you deserve when the time comes."

@OzoAnukwe: "Hence, it takes this Nigerian regime's kidnapping of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in a foreign land together with the killings of young people in the southern Nigeria for governor Wike to finally see the lack of fairness in this regime's handling of insecurity."

@sam7pb: "Nnamdi Kanu's ‘abduction’ from Kenya violates international laws— Family."

@TheGuildng: "Just In: Kenyan Govt. clears air on Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest, extradition to Nigeria."

@SaharaReporters: "Present Proofs That We Were Involved In Nnamdi Kanu's Arrest— Kenyan Authorities Tell Nigerians."

@todayng: "BMO: Nnamdi Kanu’s rearrest indicates no hiding place for troublemakers."

@EjioforBar: "Update,
Thankfully Our effort is yielding the desired result. We have just received a communication approving Our visit to Our Client- Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Shall keep the World posted on the outcome, immediately after the meeting, later in the Day. God is with Us."

@OdogwuNjabaOrlu: "So-called south east governors have not said a word regarding the issue with Nnamdi Kanu and unrest in alaigbo obviously triggered by fg."

@Infoxclusive89: "IPOB Members should pray for Nnamdi Kanu to survive, See the kind of torture he is receiving in DSS custody."

@CollinsIkpeba: "@BorisJohnson. Both Nigeria and Kenya undermine your sovereignty by arresting your citizen and you kept quiet. Give Nigeria terroist government ultimatum to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hale and hearty, after that we will examine him, if there is anything... hmmmmmm God bear us witness."

*Malami*
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami was trolled on Twitter after some online news platforms quoted him as telling the United Kingdom High Commissioner, that Twitter was banned to protect Nigeria’s interest.

Some of those who criticized the minister said the ban was not in the interest of Nigerians but that of the Federal Government.

Their reactions are captured here:

@molarasho: "But not Nigerians interest?!!"

@bright_r: "Which interest does Nigeria still have??"

@dj_jaysix: "And they will lift the ban before 2023 election to campaign on the platform."

@TwittarNg: "Some of these guys have ghost accounts and they pretend to be law-abiding SMH."

@manlikedray: "1- Malami can't speak for my interest.
2- Nigeria has no interest."

@Opeyemi_Tunde1: "We banned Twitter to protect Nigeria’s interest — Justice Minister Malami

"On what basis is this na... Bros you no get point you are only gagging the citizen and nothing more you wanna kill our freedom of speech."

Meanwhile, Mr Abubakar Malami has stated the reason he addressed a section of the media in Hausa following the arrest of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

In an interview as reported by Daily Independent, Malami's spokesperson, Dr. Umar Gwandu explained that his principal first addressed newsmen in English language but later spoke in Hausa following the request by international media stations like the Hausa-speaking service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

He said the stations had appealed to the Minister to also speak in Hausa language for the effect of the soundbite after the English language address.

Since yesterday the minister has been dragged and criticized for announcing Nnamdi Kanu's arrest in Hausa language. He is being accused of favouring an ethnic group above another.

*El'Rufai*
Many Nigerians, especially from the South, have blasted the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El'Rufai, for reportedly saying that bandits and terrorists are different from IPOB, hence should not be treated with the same swiftness that led to Nnamdi Kanu's arrest.

Those who reacted to the Governor's statement seemed to have misunderstood him.

A cursory look into the report showed that El'Rufai was emphasizing that different approaches should be employed in handling the different groups because according to him, bandits don't have a known leader, whereas the leader of IPOB is known and could be identified.

He also said that in the case of Boko Haram, Shekau was known as the leader and that he was always hiding and at the same time physically involved in guerrilla war, but Nnamdi Kanu was in oversea inciting people back home to take up arms against the government.

Here are some of the reactions:

@KeansoLala: "These men have one common agenda and that is what they are carrying out, they are never against their own, but the south is their common enemy."

@IdorenyiEtuk5: "But location of bandits & other fulani terror groups are well known to FG & its security agencies, even Gumi who acts as their spokesperson, spiritual father & advocate is well known. These killers are doing greatest damage to national security but FG pretends they're lawful agitators."

@obiagwupaschal: "@elrufai speak from both sides of the mouth and should not for any reason be taken serious. Because bandits are independent criminals, same energy used in kidnapping a freedom fighter like Nnamdi Kanu should not be deployed in arresting and kidnapping Bandits right? Akpuru otele!!"

@pdauda: "Usual suspects bending over backwards to quickly define and categorize bandits as the lesser evil. And he's your model for progressive leadership? This?"

@Operepete1: "@elrufai is there anything bad in leading IPOB?"

@Governo23340847: "The north will forever defend their children. Buhari has been rehabilitating terrorists since 2015. Pantami has shown loyalty to them on different occasions. Gumi is advocating for them."

@silas_essien: "They think of their evil which is the cause of all agitations in Nigeria as a lesser problem. It is careless talk like this one that turns all our problems into ethnic and religious war. If you call your evil good who will admit his is evil. Very disappointed @elrufai."

*Tinubu*
In summary, this trend captures the opinion of some Nigerians on Tinubu's 2023 presidential ambition, his chances against Atiku and also his stoic silence over the current situation in the country.

The views as expressed on the bird app are seen below:

@RealOlaudah: "For those hailing Tinubu in 2015 as the most powerful politician in the land, and in 2019 as a master strategist who's positioning himself for power, I hope the handwriting is getting clearer by the day. Or are you still hoping upon hope?"

@ayosogunro: "For all his machinations, Tinubu has totally lost respect in the South West and he will probably be the last person to realise this - and by then it will be too late for him."

@asemota: "I may not like Tinubu and you may not like Ibori but something was common to both of them and it is not corruption allegations. It is that they were able to stand up to OBJ who in my opinion is still our best President ever. Maybe there is something in defiance that helps."

@ADEBOWALE__: "I heard Tinubu's media guys have paid some of our influencers to be trending Tinubu and take advantage of Igboho's situation.

"Buhari is not good for us so is Tinubu not good either.

"I don't mind been ruled by an easterner if he does it well. My people have failed too."

@Magajibnw1: "Which Easter will contest against Tinibu and win? No way! Come 2023 we all shall choose between Tinubu or ATiku!"

@lollypeezle: "No one is even talking about carrying Tinubu along in anything. The Federal Government is not carrying him along. The Yoruba groups are not carrying him along. Bobo is just there with money and fame, no more power. Tinubu fell."

@shola_olushola: "If you see any Nigerian saying Atiku 2023, the individual does not care about Nigerians or Nigeria, but about his/her own greed. Nigeria will be going backwards if either Atiku or Tinubu becomes President."

@MasterKcee: "It irks me to see people still talking about voting Atiku or Tinubu. What was the purpose of the #EndSARS protest, truly we deserve what we are getting."

@Princeverest: "So Tinubu and his boy would stop a Yoruba nation rally in Lagos tomorrow all because of what he is eyeing that he knows the north will never give to him. If I were Tinubu, I will start retracing my steps. That is what can guarantee his 2023 ambition."

@Lopeziyke_: "Whether you cry about TINUBU's silence on the happenings in Nigeria or his silence on the harrassment of Sunday Igboho by the Nigerian govt, I tell you some ignoramuses from the SW, especially Lagos will still honour him with whatever he seeks for. Actually, some people never learn."

@InMassacre: "Tinubu refused to speak because he’s eyeing 2023. Please someone should inform him that there won’t be 2023 election."

VP urges States to send EndSARS judicial panels’ progress reports
*Reconciliation reached regarding States’ repayment of Budget Support Facility
As plans for next year’s budget begins to gather pace, the National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) which was presented to it at an emergency meeting of the Council today.
Besides the MTEF presentation, the NEC also updated its focus on the reports of the State Judicial Panels set up across the country after last year’s EndSARS protests. Today, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, urged States where the panels are still sitting to also send interim reports so as to measure progress.
According to the Vice President, the reports are now being received ahead of a Council meeting where presentations would be made on them, both for States where the panels have concluded their work and those that are still sitting.
These were some of the major highlights of the emergency meeting of the Council which held virtually and was presided over by the Vice President, with several State Governors, FCT Minister, Finance Minister, Central Bank Governor, and other government officials in attendance.
It will be recalled that the Council recommended the establishment of judicial panels nationwide to address complaints of police brutality after the President dissolved the Police SARS unit. Almost all States in the Federation set up the panels, including the Federal Capital Territory.
The Council comprises the 36 State Governors, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as well as other senior Federal Government officials.
During the presentation of the MTEF to the Council, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Ahmed, stated that the draft of the 2022-2024 MTEF/FSP was prepared against the backdrop of global economic recovery, amidst improved vaccination outlook and lower incidence of (COVID-19) infection.
She also said the Nigerian economy sustained a tepid recovery in first quarter of 2021 posting a Year-on-Year (YoY) GDP growth of 0.51%, consolidating the exit from recession in Q4 2020, reflecting the easing of COVID-19 induced restrictions.
The Minister recalled that the economy, which lapsed into recession in Q3 2020, after two successive quarters of negative GDP growth, promptly emerged from the recession with a positive 0.11% GDP growth in Q4 2020. She added that the Medium Term Fiscal Framework showed that there are continuing global challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19.
The presentation to the Council by Dr. Zainab Ahmed today followed the public presentation of the paper yesterday and a forthcoming presentation to the Federal Executive Council soon.
Also at today’s meeting, Council was informed that the issue of the repayment of the Budget Support Facility has now been resolved after a meeting presided over earlier this week by the Vice President, Governor Kayode Fayemi, representing the States, the Finance Minister, and the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Under the new arrangement, the Central Bank of Nigeria has offered a fresh bridging financing to States as they resume the repayment of the FG-backed Facility.


https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/nec-endorses-2022-2024-medium-term-expenditure-framework-fiscal-strategy-paper/

By Oluwafemi Popoola

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a Professor of Law, formerly the Attorney General of Lagos State, embodies the promises of a new moral order going by his long history of integrity as a public officer, which he brightly displayed in Lagos State politics, with an impeccable record when he led the legal reforms in the state, not to now talk of his attributes thus far as the Vice President of Nigeria, an office which offers him a constitutional role as the Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC) with brilliant deliverables thus far, writes Oluwafemi Popoola, saying, the opposition only used the NEMA, FIRS, and EFCC issues, where he has already been vindicated, as mere political contrivances intended to distract him.

Ever since Vice President Yemi Osinbajo assumed office after the historic 2015 election win, so much has been said on his integrity and personality which was the major selling point for the APC during their 2015 election campaign.

Prof Osinbajo, the former Attorney General of Lagos State, and a Professor of Law embodies the promises of a new moral order going by his long history of integrity as a public officer, this he brightly displayed in Lagos State politics, as his impeccable record when he led the legal reforms in the state is white as snow, not now to talk of his attributes thus far as the Vice President of Nigeria, an office which offers him a constitutional role of the chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC).

As expected, there has been a legion of commentaries and discussions by many observers, writers, political commentators, analysts and revisionists directed at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor in a bid to dissect his faith, politics, philosophy and integrity.

In the Nigerian political context and possibly other climes, the moment an individual presents him/herself for a political post, his life automatically becomes a subject of pubic scrutiny. While one would expect that such scrutiny is inevitable as politicians anywhere in the world are expected to be accountable to their people, but the amoral politics of the Nigerian landscape presents a different reality.

Going by Nigeria’s chequered political history, many traditional politicians are generally viewed with distrust because they are sometimes seen as simply occupying public offices for occupying sake, rather than truly serving the people in their exalted position. This general assumption makes political offices in the country a no go area for persons with high moral value and decency.

While the Vice President has enjoyed a great deal of affection and praises by many commentators which is an alien experience for politicians in this country where they are generally held in low esteem, Osinbajo has also endured a furnace of persecution, denudation and name calling like “V.P. Academics” from his traducers, who believe he should not be treated differently. Well, life they say is a mixed bag and Osinbajo’s political career is no different. It has not entirely been a bed of roses for the sprightly 64-year-old, neither has it been a golgotha of thorns.

Osinbajo’s reputation and longstanding integrity was firstly put to the fire in a virulent manner at the backdrop of Tunde Fowler’s exit from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) due to corruption cases.

A letter from the late President’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, had surfaced on the Internet querying the FIRS boss on the discrepancy in their figures. The following day, the story came up that the VP allegedly took N90 billion from that same FIRS to fund the 2019 elections. It was the most confusing story of the year in 2019. There were a lot of insinuations and gossips. While some believed it was a knife fight in the APC party politics by some cabals who wanted to reduce Osinbajo growing influence, others posited that the purveyors of such malicious lie had planned it well by dragging Osinbajo to the Fowler’s corruption story due to their similar backgrounds and chummy relationship. Fowler was a childhood friend and a former classmate of the VP.

The apocrypha story trended in beer parlors and on various social media platforms for some days but the purveyors were having difficulty explaining to us how such huge amount of money was delivered.

With another intent to puncture the integrity of the former Law Professor, the Vice President was also dragged into the issue of the N5.8 billion National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) scandal this time by the opposition PDP.

The main opposition party had claimed that the Vice President had “failed to provide a cogent response to the report of the House of Representatives on the N33 billion NEMA fraud in addition to allegations that the N5.8 billion was withdrawn from the national coffers, while he was Acting President, without legislative consent and expended without recourse to extant due process, procurement and contract rules.”

Osinbajo’s only administrative iniquity was the immediate action he took when he approved funds for the emergency operations in the North East at the time the entire region was facing a severe humanitarian crisis. They claimed that the funds were from the consolidated Revenue Fund not budgeted funds. Although, it was later discovered that the funds approved were actually from budgeted funds, specifically the Rice Levy.

Babafemi Ojudu, the presidential political adviser while responding to the claim said, “Nowhere in the House of Representative Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness report was there an allegation of corruption against the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, and this is why claims against him from some quarters regarding the report are mere political contrivances intended to distract him.

“It is evident that the opposition are in search of company for their acts of grand corruption which brought Nigeria to its knees as of May 2015. They cannot find that company in the Vice President.

“First, there is nowhere in the politicised House of Reps report where the VP was accused of corruption or embezzlement of funds. I challenge them to quote any word or sentence that makes such an accusation.”

Again, the Vice President found himself enmeshed in another campaign of calumny. A renowned merchant of fake news, Jackson Ude, on July 8, 2020 through his media platform Pointblank News published a story with a headline that says “How Magu Embezzled N39 billion, Gave Osinbajo N4 billion, Begs for Soft Landing.”

For those who are not familiar with the fake news monger, here is a man who once worked with the former President Goodluck Jonathan government. He has a clear history of blackmail and false publications. The Mrs Oyindamola Amuka fraudulent story and the former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala blackmail he orchestrated are still fresh in our memory.

Jackson is a notorious fraudulent publisher, whose illegal activities have denied him a stay in the country. So, such publications against the person of the VP holds no water as none of the reputable news media published similar story.

Not only did the Vice President through his lawyer requested the Inspector General of Police to investigate Jackson and his malicious story, but it also defies human reasoning to imagine how Magu or the EFCC that doesn’t have a vault in its office or has a total control over the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), will dole out such fortune to the Vice President (that by law he is not answerable to).

Although the allegation would later disappear into thin air not only the report could not be substantiated but because there are some Nigerians who refused to be gullible. Those that can tell between facts and fictions and won’t mistake a monkey for a gorilla have since trashed the malicious fake news.

The coordination and the barrage at which most of these smear campaigns against the VP always hit the media space has raised a suspicion from some quarters who believe someone or an organised network of people was after VP Osinbajo ahead of the 2023 politics of scheming and permutation.

As Donald A. Adams put it: “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.” I can confidently say that Osinbajo came to Nigerian politics with reputation and integrity. That is why up till now his loudest traducers have not come up with a valid corruption case against him. He is a man of honour and integrity. Everywhere he goes, he is lauded and garlanded for his virtues. What is bred in the bones they never goes out through the flesh.

A Renowned Professor of Law, Itse Sagay, while commenting on Prof Osinbajo said: “The Vice President is an incorruptible man of God, a man of high moral standing who is as clean as a whistle. He will not appropriate any money that doesn’t belong to him to himself.”

During a gathering of the All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters at a dinner sometime in 2019 after the victory of the re-election of APC government, Osinbajo said: “As I repeated many times during the course of the campaign that our country is not short of ideas, we are not short of projects; we are not short of money either; what we are short of is integrity in office.”

While all this scheming, politics, permutations, constant barrage against the person of the VP may not end anytime soon as clock ticks towards the 2023 general election, Osinbajo will continually remain a person of interest being a major asset of the ruling APC. The fight will get more belligerent if the APC party decides to give him a presidential ticket and Osinbajo should have nothing to fear. His integrity which has brought him this far will definitely not abandon him in the hands of his accusers.

• Popoola is a political analyst, content analyser and news aggregator with WEPUSH Media.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo presides over an Emergency National Economic Council Meeting at the Statehouse, Abuja. 2nd July, 2021.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

*HOW TO RESURRECT BURIED PROSPERITY THROUGH SUSTAINABLE MINING, BY OSINBAJO*

_*VP canvases effective collaboration between FG, States, Local Govts & communities as game changer in sector_

_*Adds: "We must discourage export of raw minerals"_

By effectively harnessing and maximising its plethora of wealth buried in the ground in various parts of the country through sustainable mining, Nigeria will not only become less dependent on crude oil as a major revenue earner, millions of job opportunities will be created for Nigerians, among other benefits to the economy, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Thursday at the maiden edition of the (virtual) Strategic Engagement on Sustainable Mining Titled: Resurrecting Our Buried Prosperity in Abuja.

In his recorded keynote address delivered at the Conference, the Vice President added that effective collaboration among all levels of government to ensure the proper regulation of mining activities will ensure that the country fully reaps the rewards from its largely untapped wealth.

Noting that mining revenues go to the Federation Account and is shared between the Federal Government, States and Local Governments, the VP said, “the Federal Government cannot effectively regulate mining without actively, and deliberately working with States, Local Governments and mineral-producing communities.

“The Federal Government, States and Local Government have to jointly develop working arrangements to ensure that mining is attractive to investors, profitable for States and Local Governments, not just from proceeds but also from personal income tax paid to States by mine workers and staff of mining companies.

“This engagement is one that could be a game-changer for mining in Nigeria, and it could mean a new era of huge earnings and prosperity for our people from our mining resources. But this will only happen if we adopt a collaborative and cooperative approach. If we work together, we will reap far more than we could ever gain by working alone.”

Making a case for the development of the Mining sector to drive national development, the Vice President referenced the huge iron ore deposits, gold, bitumen, tin, coal, among other precious minerals deposits in different parts of the country.

He stated that sustainable mining activities, will further help reduce the country’s dependence on crude oil to grow a productive and competitive economy, noting that with deposits in excess of 42 billion tonnes, Nigeria has the second-largest bitumen deposit in the world and almost twice the country’s oil reserves.

He added, “How about iron ore? We have the 12th largest iron ore deposit in the world, more than 3billion tons. Besides, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) confirms that Nigeria has over 44 mineral deposits in commercial quantities in over 500 locations across the 36 States and Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. These minerals range from industrial and energy minerals, such as iron ore and coal, to gemstones, including sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.

“So buried in the ground in various parts of Nigeria are riches that could ensure that no Nigerian is unemployed, underfed, or neglected. And this is not mere speculation because, before the discovery of oil, Nigeria developed its infrastructure, roads, rail, dams, provided free education in the western region for example, from the proceeds of minerals, agriculture and taxes.”

“It is clear that unless we get the management of our solid mineral resources right, we would continue living in the terrible paradox of suffering in the midst of plenty. The problems are numerous but solvable. The principal issue is that of the challenges of implementing the regulatory framework,” he said.

Prof. Osinbajo added that the Buhari administration has taken some major steps to further develop the country’s Mines and Steel sector, including in the areas of security.

He said, “as part of the the Federal Government’s post-COVID-19 efforts to preserve existing jobs and create new opportunities, N6 billion was approved for the Mining Sector under the current Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), for the development of Mineral Processing Clusters across the six geo-political zones of the country to promote large-scale investment in mineral exploitation.”

“On security in mining areas, as part of broad efforts to re-engineer the national security architecture to more efficiently confront our challenges, the President recently approved a raft of measures aimed at ensuring the security of mining concerns and mining sites.

The VP further said these measures, which will be driven by the Office of the National Security Adviser in concert with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, “will be hugely significant in creating an enabling environment for the growth of the sector.”

He added, “There must also be a framework for ensuring that environmental degradation is remedied.

“We must discourage the export of raw minerals. Refining, processing, or beneficiation is the only real way to maximize our mineral wealth and create good-paying jobs and opportunities for our people.”

While commending the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the Hon. Minister, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite; and the Minister of State, Mines and Steel, Dr. Uche Ogah, for driving the initiative, the Vice President urged that the strategic “engagement should lead to the production of or the fine-tuning of a clear working document that spells out with clarity the roles and responsibilities of each party, the FG, the States, the Local Governments, and the mining communities.

“Even where these roles and duties have been defined in existing legislation, this is an opportunity to simplify the language, explain the relationships, take input on implementation concerns, and get everyone’s buy-in,” he said.

The conference was organised by the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*1st July, 2021*

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

GOVTS, COMMUNITIES COLLABORATION WILL BE A GAME-CHANGER FOR NIGERIA’S MINING SECTOR

REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE MAIDEN EDITION OF THE STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT ON SUSTAINABLE MINING TITLED: RESURRECTING OUR BURIED PROSPERITY ON THE 1ST OF JULY, 2021.

PROTOCOLS

As of 1940, Nigeria was already globally a leading producer of Tin, Columbite and Coal. Potential coal reserves are today estimated to be as high as 3billion tonnes. much of our coal is high-grade clean and bituminous with a low sulphur and ash content.

Even farther back in 1913, gold in commercial quantities had already been found in parts of Northern Nigeria and what is now Osun State. Bitumen was discovered as far back as 1900 mostly in the Southwest Zone, the bitumen belt covering what are now Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, and Edo States and today with deposits in excess of 42 billion tons we have the second-largest bitumen deposit in the world and almost twice our oil reserves.

How about iron ore? We have the 12th largest iron ore deposit in the world, more than 3billion tons. Besides, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) confirms that Nigeria has over 44 mineral deposits in commercial quantities in over 500 locations across the 36 States and Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. These minerals range from industrial and energy minerals, such as iron ore and coal, to gemstones, including sapphires, rubies and emeralds.

So buried in the ground in various parts of Nigeria are riches that could ensure that no Nigerian is unemployed, underfed, or neglected. And this is not mere speculation because, before the discovery of oil, Nigeria developed its infrastructure, roads, rail, dams, provided free education in the western region for example, from the proceeds of minerals, agriculture and taxes.

But with the discovery of oil, these incredible riches have remained buried in the ground for decades. In many parts of the country, you find illegal miners with poor equipment essentially scraping the surface of these deposits. Some better-equipped operators are able to do more, but they largely exploit cheap labour, and pay next to nothing in taxes or royalties, and cause environmental damage that is never remedied.

It is clear that unless we get the management of our solid mineral resources right, we would continue living in the terrible paradox of suffering in the midst of plenty. The problems are numerous but solvable. The principal issue is that of the challenges of implementing the regulatory framework. While the Ministry of Mines and Steel has the legislative mandate to regulate mining in the country, many States and local governments have embarked on the imposition of their own rules and regulations on miners in their States, including issuance of Registration, Permits, Community Development Agreements (CDA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on miners. Some State Governments, in a bid to shore up their revenues, impose illegal fees, taxes, and levies on foreign and local licensed mining companies and operators.

Enforcement of these taxes often leads to the frequent arrests and harassment of licensed miners and their workers, and closures of mining sites. This happens frequently. Regrettably, such actions by State Governments constitute a major disincentive to prospective investors in the sector and invariably jeopardize the efforts of the Government to deepen the mining industry in Nigeria. There is no way this will ever benefit the majority of our people. Then there are the huge security concerns that always develop in the struggle for control of mineral resources in poorly regulated, unregulated or ungoverned spaces. Almost invariably, these situations lead to criminal activities and particularly, the proliferation of weapons and armed groups. This is true historically and more evident now.

On the African continent, we have ample examples of how resource extraction can trigger an increase in criminality. Here in Nigeria, armed banditry hiring and equipping of armed groups by illegal but powerful mining concerns in many resources-rich areas is clearly fuelled by the chaotic regulatory environment.

It is for these reasons that this strategic engagement with the leadership of the 774 local governments is critical. It is apt and timely especially as the Federal government through the Ministry of Mines and Steel seeks to fully implement its robust and wide-ranging remit in policy and legislation.

This engagement will certainly help in explaining the regulatory framework to the governments at the community level where most of the mining activities take place. It will enable the ministry and other stakeholders to get direct feedback from the local government authorities and those who have to deal with these issues daily.

But where are we today? In 2016, the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in collaboration with industry stakeholders formulated The Roadmap for the Growth and Development of the Nigerian Mining Sector Industry. The road map addresses some of the tensions between the Federal Government and subnational entities in relation to mining.

The Roadmap which identifies partnership with mining communities as one of the “critical levers of success” states that “success in Nigerian mining requires partnership across multiple communities, stakeholders and institutions” and also stresses that “the role of state governments as both co-investors and sector champions is critical.” It further asserts that “a sustainable growth model” for the sector can be found “only through government innovations and partner action e.g. community engagement mechanisms, shared investment and co-creation of opportunities.”

Section 19 of the Nigerian Mines and Minerals Act establishes the Minerals Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO). In each state which is composed of representatives of the Federal, State, and Local Governments and is designed to serve as a platform for fostering synergy in mining operations across all tiers of government.

Consequently, the Act accords communities the status of co-investors in the development of mineral assets. The Minerals Resources and Environmental Management Committees are important in bringing order, fairness, inclusion, and equity to mining and its value chains. Mr. President has also mandated the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD) to prioritize the orderly and efficient development of 7 strategic minerals in the Mining Roadmap namely Coal, Bitumen, Limestone, Iron Ore, Barites, Gold, and Lead/Zinc ore to support local industries and for export of processed mineral products.

The Ministry was further mandated to strengthen synergy with State Governments and relevant security agencies for the enhanced security and safety of mining areas. The Ministry is also expected to foster collaboration with the private sector in growing the mining industry in order to create employment opportunities.

Recently also, as part of the post covid efforts to preserve existing jobs and create new opportunities N6 billion was approved for the Mining Sector under the current Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), for the development of Mineral Processing Clusters (MPC) across the six (6) geo-political zones of the country to promote large-scale investment in mineral exploitation. It is gratifying that the Ministry has recorded considerable progress on these Mining Process Clusters.

And on security in mining areas, as part of broad efforts to re-engineer the national security architecture to more efficiently confront our challenges, the President recently approved a raft of measures aimed at ensuring the security of mining concerns and mining sites. These measures which will be driven by the Office of the National Security Adviser in concert with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development will be hugely significant in creating an enabling environment for the growth of the sector.

A few things emerge from the regulatory and policy framework that I have just shared and you’ve heard quite a bit about it in earlier statements made, and I will make some suggestions:

1. Mining is constitutionally under the Federal Government of Nigeria.

2. Mining revenues go to the Federation Account and is shared between the Federal Government, States and Local Governments. States where resources come from get 13% derivation in addition to their share.

3. The Federal Government cannot effectively regulate mining without actively, and deliberately working with States, Local Governments and mineral-producing communities.

4. The Federal Government, States and Local Government have to jointly develop working arrangements to ensure that mining is attractive to investors, profitable for States and Local Governments, not just from proceeds but also from personal income tax paid to States by mine workers and staff of mining companies.

5. The communities where mines are located must also have some direct benefits aside from jobs for their residents. We must find a formula for compensating the communities for environmental degradation and erosion.

6. There must also be a framework for ensuring that environmental degradation is remedied.

7. We must discourage the export of raw minerals. Refining, processing or beneficiation is the only real way to maximize our mineral wealth and create good paying jobs and opportunities for our people.

This engagement today should lead to the production of or the fine tuning of a clear working document that spells out with clarity the roles and responsibilities of each party, the FG, the States, the Local Governments and the mining communities. Even where these roles and duties have been defined in existing legislation, this is an opportunity to simplify the language, explain the relationships, take input on implementation concerns, and get everyone’s buy in.

We must commend the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the Hon. Minister, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite and the Hon. Minister of State, Mines and Steel, Dr. Uche Ogah, for this initiative. I think the Ministry has been fortunate in having able, dynamic and farsighted ministers since we came into office in 2015. Well done indeed. I can only encourage you to continue to approach your role as the regulator and administrator of the nation’s mines and metals sector with open mindedness and flexibility especially in your collaboration with the States and local governments.

I must also urge all officers of the Ministry to rededicate themselves to the realization of the set target of a 6% contribution of the mining sector to the nation’s GDP by 2025.

FinaIly, let me say to all participants that this engagement is one that could be a game changer for mining in Nigeria, and it could mean a new era of huge earnings and prosperity for our people from our mining resources. But this will only happen if we adopt a collaborative and cooperative approach. If we work together, we will reap far more than we could ever gain by working alone.

It is now my special privilege and pleasure to declare open the maiden edition of the strategic engagement on Sustainable Mining by the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development with Nigeria’s Local Government Chairmen and other critical mining stakeholders.

I wish you all fruitful engagements.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I thank you.

Released by:

Laolu Akande,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,
Office of the Vice President.
1st July 2021

Suspected bandits have killed the lawmaker representing Shinkafi Constituency in the Zamfara House of Assembly, Muhammad Ahmad.

The Director-General, Press and Public Affairs, of the assembly, Mustafa Jafaru-Kaura, who disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday revealed that the gunmen also kidnapped the lawmaker’s son and driver.

According to him, the incident occurred on Tuesday at Sheme in Kastina State while Ahmad was on his way to Kano.

“He (lawmaker) was taking his son to a hospital in Kano. The lawmaker’s son and driver were kidnapped by the bandits,’’ Mr Jafaru-Kaura said.

http://abuhamdalat..com/2021/06/bandits-kill-zamfara-lawmaker-kidnap.html

It fits into Buhari’s plan to lift 100m Nigerians out of poverty, says VP



In line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda to lift 100m Nigerians from poverty within a decade and the globally acclaimed Sustainable Development Goals, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is leading the Federal Government’s collaboration with the United Nations to improve Nigeria’s food systems.

The effort is to attack the menace of hunger, combat malnutrition, reduce poor diet-related diseases among others.

The Federal Government and the United Nations had led series of public dialogues at national and sub-national levels that culminated today in the presentation of the Nigeria Food Systems mapping report to State governments across the six geo-political zones.

Prof. Osinbajo made the presentation at a Consolidatory Dialogue for the UN Food Systems Summit held in Abuja, attended by some State Governors, the Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, Ms. Amina Mohammed, members of the Federal Executive Council, Nigeria’s development partners, and other dignitaries from the academia, private and public sectors.

Speaking at the event, the Vice President said aside from the goal of realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and guaranteeing food security for a growing population, the sustainable food systems effort fits into the plan of the Buhari administration to eliminate poverty across Nigeria.

According to the Vice President, “for the government of Nigeria, our commitment to sustainable food systems is one of the key strategies for eliminating poverty across Nigeria.

“We know that our target of lifting a hundred million Nigerians out of poverty within a decade is only achievable if we focus on substantially improving agriculture and food systems which assure us of not just good food, but also jobs.

“This perspective on addressing hunger, malnutrition, and poverty runs through our policy frameworks, including our recently launched National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy, and our Nutrition Policy that addresses the issues of a sustainable and nutrition-sensitive food system.”

The President had previously named his deputy, the Vice President as Chairman of the Steering Committee to oversee the implementation of the National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy. The VP is also the Chairman of the National Council on Nutrition.

Emphasizing the need to develop more efficient food systems, the Vice President noted that “our food system must be resilient enough to significantly impact nutrition security, and our collective efforts must reduce the malnutrition numbers.

“We must realise that defining bold steps to improve food systems and by extension, food security ensures that children have improved health, early development, and increased intellectual and emotional readiness to learn.

“This translates to positive school engagement and improves the potential of children growing into healthy adults.

“On the other hand, imagine a generation of adults who suffer arrested physical and mental health, and the social and economic burden on their families, their communities, and the nation. Imagine the implications of approximately 50% of Nigeria’s population being at risk if we do not get it right.”

Prof. Osinbajo called on all stakeholders to translate the recommendations of the dialogues to prompt action, noting that “it would mean embracing the changes required in modernization of farming practices, mechanization, and reduction of post-harvest losses.”

“We must ensure that we practice environmentally sustainable production; we must empower our communities by creating jobs and livelihoods to sustain the food systems we desire,” the Vice President added.

Prof. Osinbajo said the call by the United Nations Secretary-General on sustainable food systems is apt and timely, noting that “it provides the opportunity to holistically re-examine all the elements of the Food System in Nigeria.”

He added: “I have no doubt that the 39 dialogues held nationally and sub-nationally have been accessible to all stakeholders and able to identify those challenges that still clog our wheel of progress especially in the relevant sectors.”

Other dignitaries at the event include Ministers of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Mohammed Nanono; Health, Dr Osagie Ehinare; Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed; Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, and the convener of the Dialogue, Mrs Olusola Idowu.

Also at the event, Prof. Kola Amigo from the Ahmadu Bello University presented the findings from the various UN Food Systems dialogues held in the country and a group of Nigerian children similarly voiced their views on the dialogues.

https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/osinbajo-leads-collaboration-with-un-to-improve-food-systems-in-nigeria/

The Federal Government has arrested the leader of the proscribed Indegeniuos People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, who made the disclosure to journalists on Tuesday, revealed that Kanu was arrested and brought back to Nigeria on Sunday.

He said the arrest followed a collaborative effort between security agencies in Nigeria and the Interpol.

Malami further disclosed that Kanu would be taken before the Federal High Court in Abuja for continuation of his trial on charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms and management of an unlawful society.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/06/breaking-fg-arrests-ipob-leader-nnamdi-kanu/?amp=1&utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter&__twitter_impression=true

*Buhari*
President Muhammadu Buhari's reaction over the threat issued by the Niger Delta Avengers has got some people talking on social media.

They noted the polite manner with which the President, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, addressed the militant group.

@YeleSowore: "TALE OF TWO LANGUAGES: When Niger Delta Avengers Treat Muhammadu Buhari in the language he understands, Buhari becomes humble and respectful."

@odue2004: "Niger Delta Avengers must hold their ground on the restructuring of Nigeria."

@IkumapayiJ: "The fear of avengers is the beginning of wisdom.

"That's a major problem of the Niger Delta people from top to bottom... But this statement released by Femi Adesina is different from others... No name-calling, very respectful, I didn't know the presidency can be this respectful."

@navy_guns: "Fear which avengers, they get paid and the poor masses continue to suffer. For how long do you think it will be sustainable?"

@Christo46071721: "Nigerian govt don't believe or submit to dialogue or peaceful protest, but force. That's why I support Nnamdi Kanu in every way."

@Kruptos6: "Cut their supply of wealth and watch them panic."

*Abuja*
Abuja was on the trend, notably after some news outlets reported the breakdown of an Abuja-Kaduna train.

Some of the captions tilted toward mischief, but the aim was defeated as many who reacted said it is not unusual for trains to breakdown. They said even in developed countries there are reported incidences of train failure while in transit.

@GbengaGOLD: "I took this train less than 48 hours ago. There's no forest between Abuja & Kaduna. And trains break down. They are machines, so they break down. A total of 338 trains completely failed in 2016 in the US. Imagine them doing a "JUST IN" each time that happened. End sensationalism!"

@Ad3ola: "You tell the media what should make their news now? This is the mindset that breeds the urge for media regulation.

"The media isn’t there to fan some sort of ego or make their piece palatable to you."

@Ernest33702470: "All these things are normal even here in Italy train can spoil sometime in underground. You can't do anything than to be patient. Must everything in Nigeria be on news blogs."

@ahmad_babs001: "Na bad news you guys dey always find. Train breakdown isn't a big deal. Abegii."

Other interesting comments on the trend are from:

@daily_trust: "The Federal High Court, Abuja has rejected the plea bargain application by the former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation (JAMB), Dibu Ojerinde in the N900 million fraud allegation leveled against him."

@SaharaReporters: "There May Be Bombing In Nigeria's Capital City, Abuja—Cleric Prophesies."

@josh_savage03: "There's actually nothing prophetic in this honestly. It's more like a probability... I mean a situation where you draw conclusion based on past occurrences... It might happen or not... Imagine me saying Fulani herdsman will attack in Lagos does that make what I said prophetic."

@JosWazirin: "People like me are already tired of these prophecies by our clerics..."

@oceemo: "That's a guess work, not a prophecy. We don't have may or may not in prophecies."

@Abbey06629889: "The gods never see anything good. Prophet of doom."

*Lagos*
The engagements below form the basis of this trend.

@SaharaReporters: "Planned Lagos Rally: Some People Threatening To Kill Us In Lagos—Igboho."

@AkinAdejola: "Same way the innocent Fulanis were threatened when Igboho & his arsonist group evicted them from Ibarapa and set their properties on fire. His supporter also illegally opened Nigeria's side of the Idiroko border as Igboho once said he'd do.
These are crimes Igboho will answer for."

@Aboki_RamanJago: "We don't have Fulanis in Lagos so we don't need your rally."

@MobilePunch: "Yoruba Nation: Igboho, Akintoye, others to attend Lagos rally July 3."

@Christophbongo: "The trans-Saharan route, which goes from Algiers to Lagos in Nigeria crossing 6 countries, is practically completed. According to the Algerian Minister of Transport by interim, Farouk Chiali, the last section of this corridor of more than 4,000 km will be delivered by end of June."

*Kaduna*
There were some media reports claiming that a student was killed during a protest in Kaduna State.

Although some doubted the veracity of the reports, others condemned the clampdown on students protesting against the hike in school fees by the Kaduna State Government.

@daily_trust: "A student of the Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has been shot dead."

@SaharaReporters: "BREAKING: Many Feared Dead As Security Operatives Shoot Students Protesting Tuition Hike In Kaduna."

@real_yudee: "Fake news. Security operatives cannot shoot students in Kaduna. I swear!"

@Arewa_Marines: "Some people are so bitter about Nigeria that they celebrate everything negative without verifying the source."

@AdekunleOla18: "Why must security operatives shoot the students protesting over their rights. I don't really understand what this nation is turning to."

@daily_trust: "The National Association of Nigerian Students is to relocate its national congress to occupy Kaduna to protest tuition increases in the state."

@Bahaushee: "Police authorities have confirmed that a student of COE Kafanchan has lost his life after a confrontation with soldiers as students protest against Kaduna state govt school fees increase."

@BakonDare2015: "The guys @SKIHouse need to reconsider their inhumane stance on the tuition fee increase. Looks like sensibilities have gone AWOL.
Let's pray for the repose of the deceased soul and KDSG should pay compensation to the family of the deceased, promptly too."

@mickytrio007: "No longer news. The only thing that is as free as air in the North now is DEATH!"

OSINBAJO @ 4TH MSMES AWARDS: WE ARE ENCOURAGED BY INNOVATION, RESILIENCE OF YOUNG NIGERIANS
 
The Federal Government is encouraged by the resilience and innovation of young Nigerians across different sectors and is committed to doing more to support their growth and prosperity, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
 
Prof. Osinbajo stated this last night at the 4th National MSME Awards held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja. Twelve (12) MSMEs across the country won awards in different categories, while Gombe State was recognized as the best State in the ease of doing business rankings.
 
The Awards ceremony was the climax of a week-long celebration of excellence, hard work and innovation in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in Nigeria.
 
Reiterating the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to small businesses, the VP said, “we are encouraged by the innovation of young Nigerians and your resilience. We are on the right path.
 
“Let me leave you with President Muhammadu Buhari’s words of commitment to MSMEs in Nigeria: he said, “we will continue to stand by you, to support you and create opportunities for you to grow and prosper.”
 
The VP commended the creativity of the 2021 winners of the awards, noting that “the awards have inspired many young entrepreneurs to greatness and some of the stories are simply incredible.”
 
His words; “this year we also have a selection of outstanding winners. Our MSME of the Year, “Bold Artistry”, is a company with a team of young and creative artists working on improving the arts industry by introducing Polystyrene to their works. With this, they have created impressive artworks and are providing jobs for many budding artists.”
 
Talking about another outstanding MSME, Prof. Osinbajo noted that, "Osky Integrated has created its niche in the business of catfish farming. The founders are adding value to fish farming through processing for the local and export market.
 
“Other winners such as Vegas Gold and the Footwear Academy are promoting made in Nigeria products in the fashion and footwear industries respectively.”
 
Speaking on progress made in interventions targeted at supporting growth in the MSME sector, Prof. Osinbajo said the Federal Government was on the right path, having completed and inaugurated two Shared Facility projects for MSMEs in Benue and Lagos States, with the third located at the Ogbunike Leather Cluster in Anambra State ready for commissioning.
 
He disclosed that many others are in the works. According to him, "other Shared Facility projects ready for commissioning before the end of the year include Kaduna State Tomato Paste Production line and a Carpentry cluster in Edo State. Others are in Katsina, Kebbi, Ebonyi, Ogun and Kano States.”
 
The VP said government interventions in the MSMEs space over the years have been geared towards creating jobs, ensuring growth and making them more viable.
 
He expressed satisfaction with the interest shown in the Awards since its inauguration in 2018, noting that, “the National MSME Awards has grown in leaps and bounds. It has become a prominent feature in the annual event calendar of the MSMEs community in Nigeria, attracting thousands of prospective business owners, established entrepreneurs, regulators and financiers.”
 
His words: “In the first edition of the awards in 2018, 500 applications were received. I am told that over 10,000 entries were received for this year’s edition alone. Clearly, the interest shown in the awards by Nigerian entrepreneurs has been tremendous.”
 
The VP observed that though past winners in the different categories have gone home with various prizes that have impacted their businesses and profiles, the stakes are higher in 2021, stating that, “this year will be even bigger when compared to the limitations experienced during the 2020 edition due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
 
While congratulating all the finalists and nominated MSMEs across the country, the VP urged those who didn’t make it in this year not to give up, urging them to “keep innovating, keep working hard,” assuring that “your recognition and reward is inevitable.”
 
He thanked all Governors who hosted MSMEs Clinics in their States, supported the building of one-stop Shops for MSMEs, and also those who provided suitable buildings for the Shared Facilities for MSMEs.
 
Dignitaries at the event include the Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya; Deputy Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso; Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare; Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Mariam Katagum; among other dignitaries and numerous small business owners from across the country.
 
*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
*28th June 2021.*