₦airaland Forum

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, a member of the AXA Group, has recorded 56 percent growth in profit after taxes audited of N4.54bn, up 56% from N2.91bn in December 2019

In a statement by the company, gross written premium of N47.58 billion, up 9 per cent from N43.62 billion while Net Premium Income of N31.72 billion, up 21 per cent from N26.29bn in December2019

According to the company, investment and other income of N7.09 billion, up 25 per cent from5.67 billion; operating expenses of N7.7 billion, up 3 per cent N7.51billion, while profit before tax of N6.04 billion, up58 per cent from N3.83 billion recorded in December 2019.

Commenting on the results, Mrs. Ngozi Ola-Israel, the Chief Financial Officer said. “It was a challenging year, but we achieved strong growth in PAT (56%) and Underwriting profits (22%). We managed operating costs at a low level of growth of3% despite COVID headwinds and inflation. We remain committed to delivering excellent underwriting, investment and operating performance while focusing on the satisfaction of our customers and stakeholders.

Speaking on the financials development of the firm at the end of December 2020, the Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance, Kunle Ahmed, said “The 2020 full Year financial record is a proof of our ability to continually support customers to achieve their goals even in the midst of difficult and challenging times.

With the support of our partners and through the harnessing of our distribution network, we achieved remarkable growth on our Health and P & C lines throughout the year. We are pleased that our continued effort to build a resilient non-bank financial services institution is yielding positive results”

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE



OSINBAJO TO US:

SUPPORT JUST TRANSITION TO NET-ZERO EMISSIONS, GLOBAL ACCESS TO COVID-19 VACCINE


*Wants American foreign policy reset to increase security cooperation with Africa


*Nigeria’s VP is effective, says US don



Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN has urged the United States to lend its weight to the call for a just global transition to zero emissions, lead the effort to ensure easy access to COVID-19 vaccine by all countries, and generally reset its foreign policy agenda with the African continent in ways that bring about economic prosperity, increased security, and improved governance.

Prof. Osinbajo expressed these views today in a speech delivered virtually at the 2021 Johns Hopkins University’s African Studies Programme Conference on the theme “Africa-US Re-engagement: A New Foreign Policy Agenda”. The conference was organized by the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), of the university.

According to the VP, “the United States and Africa should work together to tackle climate change and moderate global warming including through an energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies. African countries have made commitments in this regard towards implementing the Paris Climate Change Agreement targets.”

“Given the long term commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, there is a growing trend among development finance institutions to withdraw from fossil fuel investment, including the World Bank’s decision to cease funding for upstream oil and gas development and the new restrictions on financing downstream gas development currently being considered by the European Union, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States.

“While well-intentioned, this move does not take into account the principles of common but differentiated responsibility and leaving no one behind, that are enshrined into global treaties around sustainable development and climate action.”

“The United States must lend its weight to stopping this manifestly unfair trend that can undermine the sense of collective responsibility we all have towards mitigating climate change. What is required is a just transition to zero emissions,” the Vice President added.

Prof. Osinbajo has in recent times advocated for a just transition to net-zero emissions, particularly calling on multilateral agencies, and western countries to stop the planned defunding of gas projects in developing countries.

At different national and international forums, including recent meetings with a delegation of the European Union (EU), and at the Africa Regional Heads of Government Commonwealth Roundtable, among others, Prof. Osinbajo had maintained a firm stand against ending investments in gas projects in developing countries during the transition to zero emissions.

Commending the US for helping to improve healthcare outcomes in Africa including through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDs Relief (PEPFAR), Prof. Osinbajo called for “the same spirit of collaboration with regard to making COVID-19 vaccines available to African countries.”

His words: “the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the need to coordinate actions to prevent and tackle pandemics while also building up public health infrastructure in developed and developing countries alike.

“This is not a time for vaccine nationalism and export bans but rather of working together towards universal vaccination against the disease. The United States can lead in the effort to ensure that all countries and their peoples can access vaccines irrespective of the resources available to them.”

Calling on the US to reset its foreign policy agenda with Africa, Prof. Osinbajo noted that the reviewed cooperation with the continent “should promote a partnership that brings about economic prosperity, increases security, combats disease, improves governance and mitigates climate change.”

“Africa is in many ways the last frontier for economic development and it has the potential to be a global growth pole. Indeed, as other parts of the world are looking inwards, Africa is moving confidently to integrate its economies through the African Union Agenda 2063 as well as the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” the Vice President added.

Speaking specifically about the implementation of AfCFTA, the Vice President said “the United States is well placed to lead trade and investment ties with Africa. And it has a good leg-in with the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA). The legislation, which removed all tariffs on 6,400 products available for export to the US, saw some African countries benefiting considerably.”

Continuing Prof. Osinbajo noted that “as the African Continental Free Trade Agreements are set to kick-in, AGOA must now be implemented consistent with the AFCTA. AGOA expires in 2025. But a new and improved AGOA that takes these challenges into account can be negotiated before then.”

On improving the support of the US in combating terrorism in the Sahel region, the Vice President said a more robust intervention towards clearing the reign of terror in the region is desirable.

“While it is evident that the threat of violent extremist organizations is growing, it will appear that US policy (United States Africa Command) has since 2020 shifted from a strategy of degrading violent extremist organizations in West Africa to simply containing their spread.

“The escalation of the attacks and the synergies being created amongst these extremist groups call for a review of that position. It may be the moment for a more robust intervention along the lines of US-backed operations in clearing terrorists and insurgents in the Middle East.”

The Vice President also strongly advocated that the US-Africa relations need not be uni-dimensional, noting that “since the United States is also a global leader in economic and military terms as well as through its contributions to the norms that shape the global order, it should work with Africa either under the auspices of the African Union or indeed through individual countries like Nigeria to build a better world.”

“Africa should not be seen or used as a pawn in great power games nor as an arena in the contest to secure strategic minerals and natural resources but rather as a partner in building a more secure, peaceful and prosperous world,” Prof. Osinbajo added.

Before his speech, organizers of the conference commended the VP for his leadership and commitment, expressing delight, according to Prof Elliot Cohen, Dean of the School of Advanced International Studies, that a professor rose to the height of a Vice President in any country at all.

Also, Prof. Peter Lewis, the Chair of African Studies in the university described the Vice President as “a figure known for his integrity, dedication, and effectiveness.”

After his speech, the Vice President also took questions from conference participants.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
19th April 2021

A Personal Testimony by Dr Balkisu Saidu

Saidu: VP’s Office is a mini-Nigeria

Before the permeation of social media, I was one of those who believed in and re-echoed the popular saying that “the only way to win with a toxic person is not to play.” To this end, I found silence to be a very potent tool in dealing with some extremely wicked and deliberate acts of provocation exhibited through concoction and spread of falsehoods and apparently implausible stories.

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

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

The new twist in Dr Akinbode’s write up is the allegation that the Vice President is implementing a “Christianization” agenda and in that wise none of the appointments made by the Vice President from persons of Yoruba extraction were given to Yoruba Muslims. This allegation reminded me of a similar baseless claim made in 2017 by one Dr. Ismaila Farouk, which Akinbode referred to, alleging that the selection of personal staff of the Vice President was skewed in favour of “his Yoruba ethnic group.”

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

Certainly, some of the listed allegations made by Dr Akinbode are objectionably and glaringly malicious and even laughable, unlikely to be believed by any discerning follower of the rise and actions of the Vice President. For example, the Office of the Vice President is like a mini-Nigeria. The level of diversity accomplished in the office reflects all segments of the society – geo-political, ethnic, religious, gender and youth representation.

It is therefore inconceivable for anyone to suggest marginalisation or, as Dr Akinbode puts it, “Christianization” in appointments and religious bigotry. To the specific point of appointment of Yoruba Muslims, Dr Akinbode may wish to know that, even amongst his personal staff, no less than ten Yoruba Muslims were appointed to work for the Vice President including his next in command and the highest-ranking officer in the Vice President’s office, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. AbdurRahman Adeola Ipaye. Other Yoruba Muslims who work, at various times, in the office include Distinguished Senator Babafemi Ojudu (Special Adviser on Political Matters); Dr Mariam Masha (Senior Special Assistant on Internally Displaced Persons); Ms Lanre Shasore (Senior Special Assistant on Planning and Coordination); Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbemi (Special Assistant on Political Matters); Yusuf Ali (Special Assistant on Power); Mr Mohammed Brimah (Special Assistant on Job Creation); Mr Mukhtar Tijani (Special Assistant on Power); Ms. Lolade Abiola; and Mr. Akanni Rahman.

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

Also, the allegation of “Christianization” in the appointment of some named individuals to various positions in Government is indicative of a complete lack of understanding of how Government appointments are made or a deliberate attempt to distort facts and mislead unsuspecting public. Save for Mr. Kayode Pitan, who was appointed by the Vice President as the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry to take over from Mr. Waheed Olagunju, who was serving in acting capacity, all the other persons named by Dr Akinbode were appointed by the President in the exercise of his constitutional powers.

The calibre of the persons is not in question. In terms of accomplishments, these are pacesetters in their respective industries. For example, Mr. Ben Akabueze, the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation served more than two terms as Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos State and was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NAL Bank Plc. (now Sterling Bank Plc.). He has also served as Special Adviser to the President on National Planning.

Mr Alex Okoh, the Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, an Alumnus of Harvard Business School and former Managing Partner, Ashford & McGuire Consulting Ltd.; is a quintessential Banker and Financial Advisor who as the Managing Director/CEO of NNB International Bank led the transformation of the bank from a comatose state into a leading commercial bank in Nigeria. He has worked with various banks within and outside Nigeria including Nigeria International Bank Limited (Citibank); United Bank for Africa Plc.; Citibank New York; Fidelity Bank London; Swiss Banking Corporation, Zurich; and Grindlays Bank, Zimbabwe. His first tenure recorded tremendous transformation of the Bureau leading to his reappointment by the President.

Before the appointment by Mr. President of Mr Okey Enelamah as the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment in 2015, the Harvard University graduate, Baker Scholar and Loeb Fellow has had a tremendous successful career in investment banking and with Arthur Anderson (now KPMG Professional Services), New York and London offices of Goldman Sachs, Zephyr Management. He also founded and served as CEO of the African Capital Alliance (ACA).
Clearly, even on the appointment of Mr Pitan, the author is not questioning the qualification of Mr Pitan, imaginably considering his robust academic training (including at American Graduate School of International Management, Arizona, USA; London Business School; and Haggai Institute, Singapore) as well as his decades of corporate and banking experience.

These appointments were based purely on merit. The only problem with the appointments, according to the author, was their religion. Save Dr Akinbode is suggesting that persons being considered for appointments into Government positions must denounce their religions, it is unclear why the religious leanings of the appointees should be in issue. Recall that similar allegations were made against appointments of equally deserving and competent Muslims with claims of “Islamisation” being bandied around. Such divisive rhetoric and adverse language are dangerous to Nigeria’s unified harmonious existence and should be resisted and rejected by all.

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

Additionally, it is evil and reprehensible to drag the person of Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo into whatever malicious campaign the author is mounting against the Vice President. This is a humble and compassionate woman, who has conducted her humanitarian and philanthropic activities in a well-guided and detached manner away from any Government activities. It is unacceptable to have persons of integrity be subjected to such ridiculous acts of scathing and baseless attacks. Clearly, the purpose of this is to cause annoyance, hatred, and ill will against the family of the Vice President. Luckily, Nigerians can see through these malicious, baseless, smear campaigns, mounted by dishonest and shady individuals.

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

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

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

This is worthy of emulation

VP represents President Buhari at Africa Regional Heads of Government Commonwealth Roundtable
*Don't end international funding for gas- Osinbajo

Nigeria is on the path of ensuring more access to affordable, reliable energy for its populace, as well as transitioning to the use of cleaner energy in line with the net-zero emissions global target, but an end of international funding for gas as a fossil fuel would create dire challenges for gas-producing countries especially in Africa, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today during the virtual roundtable meeting of the Africa Regional Heads of Government Commonwealth Roundtable, which was chaired by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.

Other African leaders at the summit included the Presidents of Rwanda, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Botswana and Gambia. The Commonwealth Secretary General, the Right Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC, was also at the meeting.

The Vice President, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the roundtable, noted that Nigeria is already transitioning from petrol (Premium Motor Spirit) to natural gas, which is “accepted more or less as a transition fuel, the bridge to renewable energy.”

According to the VP, Nigeria supports the goal of the Commonwealth in outlining responsible transition pathways to decarbonize and achieve net and negative zero emissions,” while emphasizing the efforts of the Buhari administration through its Economic Sustainability Plan to provide 5 million homes with cleaner energy through its solar power programme, as well as the Natural Gas Expansion Programme.

He said, “we have the goal of installing solar homes systems in about 5 million homes, which means that 25 million Nigerians would have access to solar power. This is under our Economic Sustainability Plan. This is the first phase, and we think that this sort of programme will very quickly ramp up our progress towards zero emission.

“We also have our Natural Gas Expansion Programme, this is where we are using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in order to replace the use of Premium Motor Spirit, Petrol, and this is going on now, we are actually trying to fit and retrofit existing petrol stations, so that the use of cleaner fossil fuels will replace it.

“We hope that we will be able to achieve this objective as quickly as possible. So, we are resolutely committed to all of our national development contributions under all of our agreements, the Paris Agreement, and we will support all actions that are taken along the lines of zero emissions.”

Specifically, Prof, Osinbajo called on the Commonwealth to consider ways to support African countries in achieving a just transition to net-zero emissions.

The Vice President stated that “this brings me to the questions around a just transition to net-zero emissions. And a just transition in our view is one where gas, for those who are from producing countries, as a fossil fuel is still supported, especially for those of us in this part of the world that have vast deposits of the resource. Natural gas is accepted more or less as a transition fuel, the bridge to renewable energy.

“Of course, natural gas is accepted as a transition fuel. But unfortunately, what we are seeing is the move towards defunding of natural gas projects by the EU, and the World Bank has also been indicating that natural gas projects would be defunded. Now, this obviously would put countries such as ours in a very dire situation and make the transition extremely difficult for us. What we are focused on trying to do is to ensure that our gas projects replace coal and fuels.”

The Vice President, while urging for more support and cooperation from the Commonwealth, added that the Federal Government of Nigeria remains “resolutely committed to all of our national development contributions under all of our agreements, the Paris Agreement, and will support all actions that are taken along the lines of zero emissions.”

The Prince of Wales had called for a series of roundtables to find the best way for the Commonwealth to maintain a forefront position of the global agenda on Climate Change action and post-COVID recovery plans. The meeting also discussed the economic recovery and sustainable economic transition priorities of member-states.

Earlier in his speech, the Vice President restated the condolences of the government and people of Nigeria on the recent passing of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh noting that "he was much loved and admired here in Nigeria." Prof. Osinbajo then prayed that his memory would be blessed always.



Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
15th April 2021

[b][/b]STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

The Presidency reassures parents and all concerned citizens that the missing students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, remain constantly on the minds of government as they are always on the minds of their parents.

The Presidency gives assurances that the release of the remaining Chibok girls is still work in progress.

No one is giving up hope here. Efforts to secure their release through various channels and activities of the security and intelligence agencies remain on course.

The recent decisive push by the military against the terrorists gives hope that a breakthrough is possible and could happen anytime soon.

The Presidency asks for support, understanding and prayers for the military as they discharge their historic mandate to quickly finish off the insurgency war and free all citizens held hostage.

By Olalekan Adigun, a Public Affairs Analyst
Reno Omokri, a former social media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, needs no introduction in the socio-political space in Nigeria, especially on social media where he misinforms his over 900,000 Twitter followers, over 120,000 Facebook followers and his over 500,000 Instagram followers.


The self acclaimed-pastor and member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, is the leading errand boy of all opposition politicians on social media, as he attacks the All Progressives Congress government of the day simply because of one sin: ejecting the Jonathan government out of office in a keenly contested and won poll in 2015.

Omokri, who has been severely identified as a paid social media troll, has, over time been synonymous with the spread of Fake News against the President Muhammadu Buhari government.

Reno’s paying-job after office is not known till date except being a troll, yet he flies across continents painting the name of Nigeria and the country in bad light.

Research personally conducted by me has revealed how Omokri was hired by opposition politicians to trend the #FreeLeahSharibu hashtag from 2018 till date. I have it in good authority how Omokri, a self-styled cash-and-carry social media influencer, is being bankrolled by opposition politicians.

Leah Sharibu was one of the 110 female students of the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, who were abducted on February 19, 2018, by Boko Haram terrorists.


Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, last December, corroborated this in a piece titled, ‘Enemies Of The Country Will Lose Las Las’.

That was immediately after bandits released over 300 abducted schoolboys from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina.

Adesina wrote, “In 2014, there had been #Bring Back Our Girls, which contributed to dealing the government of the day mortal blows, and it was voted out a year later. So, the enemies thought they had a sucker punch at their disposal.

“They came up with #Bring Back Our Boys, and had reportedly printed ten million T-Shirts, which they wanted to use in prosecuting their self-serving crusade. Were they interested in the welfare of the Kankara boys, nor in the travails of their parents? Not at all. They were only actuated by vengeance, and the political capital they could get out of it. Their logic (or is it illogic) was clear. If #Bring Back Our Girls brought down a People’s Democratic Party government, then #Bring Back our Boys must also undo the APC government.”

In 2018, Omokri, a self-acclaimed “best seller” author wrote a book about Sharibu, who had, by the virtue of her conviction, became a prisoner of her conscience. According to Omokri, the proceeds from the sales of this book would be donated to the family of Leah. This happens to be a lie from the pit of hell. Ever since the book gained prominence, Reno Omokri has never for once come out clean on how the proceeds from the sales have been paid to Leah’s Family. In fact, sometime in 2018, a financial analyst, Henry Claudius, and several other Nigerians have accused Reno Omokri of Syphoning the fund.

Omokri is a social media influencer, who can tweet against his mother and father once he is being paid. Little wonder is the latest campaign against President Buhari over his London trip for a medical checkup.

For over a week now since he staged a scanty, no-existent protest in London, he has been sharing the #HarassBuhariOutOfLondon hashtag to misinform his gullible follows who take his RenoNuggets hook, line and sinker.

Last week, some Nigerian social media influencers their accounts suspended by Twitter for using their platforms to promote an ignoble cause.


Only time will tell when Omokri will also be exposed for being a merchant of fake news and an agent of misinformation. The truth cannot hide forever, it will happen one day.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/04/reno-omokri-the-commander-in-chief-of-misinformation-olalekan-adigun/

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE


RAMADAN: A TIME REDEDICATE TO HIGHER VIRTUES OF KINDNESS,  LOVE & GENEROSITY,  SAYS VP OSINBAJO

As the Ramadan fast progresses, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has called on Muslim faithfuls in Nigeria to rededicate themselves to higher virtues of kindness, love, and generosity towards each other, regardless of faith or ethnicity.

Speaking to State House Correspondents on his way out from the Council Chambers after the Federal Executive Council meeting which he presided over, Prof. Osinbajo said “I must express my very sincere greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters who have begun the Ramadan Fast already, and to say that, this is not just the time for abstinence from food, drink, and other worldly pleasures, but also a time for us to rededicate ourselves to higher virtues of kindness, love, generosity towards each other as brothers and sisters, regardless of faith or ethnicity.”

The Vice President added that “ for our nation, it is a time I believe, to recommit ourselves to unity, to brotherhood, to peace and reconciliation in various ways so that our country will achieve all of the objectives that we have all set for ourselves.”

He then wished “our Muslim brothers and sisters a very happy period of Ramadan. Ramadan Kareem.”

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
14th April 2021

By Etim Etim

Even in a normal day, Yemi Osinbajo’s schedule is quite frenzied. He is not your typical sedate Vice President. But in the two weeks that the President has been away on medical vacation, the VP’s workload has understandably increased many times over.


The sheer intensity and rigor of his work and the breath of issues he covered within the period speak to his capacity and mental energy. In the days of Abba Kyari, especially, many Nigerians liked to talk of how sidelined and relegated to the background he was, but nobody has ever doubted his capacity to deliver on assigned tasks and responsibilities.
In this troubled times, the nation requires a leader of great vigor to meet the moment.  In a little over a week, the VP traversed the nation, moving across the length and breadth of the land, covering a wide spectrum of issues ranging from managing Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME) to herdsmen killings. He visited Gombe and Ebonyi States where he made three stops in each State and Imo (four stops).


Last Thursday, he attended the First Lady’s book launch in the morning and in the afternoon; he dashed into Lagos for another book event organized by former journalists of The Guardian newspaper to honour their late publisher. The following day he was in Jigawa promoting a clean energy programme, with a 5m Solar connections  target across the country in mind.

The flurry of events began on Tuesday, March 30, the very day the President left. The VP went to Gombe to attend the 27th edition of MSME Clinic – a federal government platform where the regulatory authorities, such as NAFDAC, SMEDAN, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Corporate Affairs Commission and other regulatory bodies are brought together under one roof to meet some micro, small and medium businesses.

These categories of businesses employ over 60% of Nigeria’s working population, but they are vulnerable to a wide range of challenges. They include tailors (fashion designers), carpenters (furniture makers), and all sorts of mom and pop enterprises.

I recall that the VP had attended a similar clinic in Calabar in 2017 where a friend who makes toothpicks from bamboo was a star attraction. By bringing the regulators and operators under one roof, the Clinic hopes to solve some problems at a one-stop platform.

At the Gombe Clinic, Prof Osinbajo was concerned with how the federal government could help the MSMEs to lower the costs of doing business. “Perhaps we can look at the possibility of Shared Facilities for some aspects of the agro-processing value chain that you are already doing.

The national MSME clinics program has facilitated the establishment of Shared Facilities for MSMEs in Benue, Bauchi, and Oyo State, with others to be established in Kaduna, Kebbi, Anambra, Ogun, Ebonyi, Edo, and Katsina State over the next year,” he announced.
These Shared Facilities will provide fully equipped cluster style spaces that MSMEs can use at a reasonable cost, thus sparing them the financial burden of having to buy their own equipment. Where possible, these Shared Facilities will be pre-certified by the relevant regulatory agencies.

A good example is the 200,000 capacity yam storage facility for micro small and medium enterprises in Benue State at the Zaki Biam International yam market. The storage facility is designed to address the problem of post-harvest losses, which is one of the greatest impediments to actualizing the immense potential of the agricultural sector. Nigeria produces 17 million tons of yams annually but loses almost 40% of this yield due to the lack of storage.


In Ebonyi State four days after, the mood was far more somber and dismal. Eighteen people, including a priest, have been killed by herdsmen in cold blood. The President had asked the VP to visit the communities and condole with the heartbroken Governor David Umahi and the citizens.

The VP, who has already assumed the role of the chief comforter of the federation, visited four communities and held a Town Hall meeting in Abakaliki. He condemned the horrific killings, condoled with the government and people of Ebonyi and asked the law enforcement authorities to investigate the crimes and bring justice to the victims and the criminals.


In addition, the VP asked for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to send help to the displaced communities. But despite the noble efforts of Yemi Osinbajo, and the promises of the President, the tragedy of our nation is the absence of rule of law. How could these killer herdsmen be walking around free after committing these heinous crimes?

How come no single herder has ever been brought to face the law? It is the shame of a nation that no killer herdsman has been prosecuted since the President was elected in 2015. And if there has been any, it means that it has not been well communicated to us. My heart bleeds for all the aggrieved communities who have fallen victims to coldblooded murderers.


On April 6, two days after the solemn event in Ebonyi, the VP returned to the South East to commission roads and some infrastructure projects built by the Hope Uzodinma administration. Gov Uzodinma had just celebrated his first anniversary in office and had pulled out all stops to impress the august visitor. But a day before the VP arrived – in the early morning – terrorists assaulted the prison and police headquarters in Owerri, and made attempt to breach the Government House nearby.
The VP’s schedule had to be modified to include assessment tours of the torched facilities. Prof Osinbajo praised the governor for the huge infrastructural developments in the state, and then turned to the attacks of the previous day saying that ‘‘an attack on the critical institutions of law enforcement, police stations and prisons, is an attack on the safety, security, and wellbeing of the citizens. It is not merely an assault on law and order; it is a mindless attack on the people and the way of life of the people.


When you attack police stations and free dangerous criminals, you put men, women, children, and their possessions and livelihoods at risk. Whatever the motives of the perpetrators, their action is egregious and atrocious in the extreme and all men and women of goodwill must openly condemn this assault on the way of life of the good people of this State’’.

At the heart of these mindless attacks is that some of the  young people of Igboland believe that federal authorities are too hard on them (mostly members of IPOB, while killer herdsmen who go about molesting, raping and killing people are left untouched.


Next on Osinbajo’s diary was the launch of the First Lady’s book at the State House, Abuja and the launch of the book, The making of the Flagship – the story of The Guardian in Lagos.  I have written extensively on the book launch event in Lagos.

The week ended with a trip to JANGEFE community, in Roni LGA (KAZAURE EMIRATE), Jigawa State where the VP launched 100,000 Solar Power Home Systems and graced the turbaning of the Water Resources Minister Suleiman Adamu as Galadima.


The visit afforded Prof Osinbajo the opportunity to meet with the Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji Dr Najib Hussaini Adamu, who was his Law School classmate in 1979. If there was a personal reason for why this sleepy village was chosen to flag off the power scheme, its overall impacts cannot be ignored.

The Solar Power Homes project is a clean energy project of the Buhari administration in which five million homes across the country would be connected to off-grid electricity. It is an ambitious effort to ensure that every Nigerian has access to electricity.

To achieve this, the federal government is decentralizing power supply to include solar sources. With the costs of solar installations falling, this is an opportune moment for the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the NDPHC to electrify homes in the rural communities. The multiplier effects are enormous.

The VP’s demanding schedule in the two weeks he held sway reveals his high-value work ethics and deep commitment to the vision of the President. He deserves our applause.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/04/osinbajos-rigorous-grind/

VP flags off in Jigawa, rollout in all geopolitical zones forthcoming
*Jangefe community of 5,000 to get 1,000 Solar Home Systems
*At turbaning of Water Resources Minister as Galadima, Emir of Kazaure calls VP “my distinguished brother, friend & learned colleague”
A plan to deliver electricity to about 25m Nigerians whose communities are off the grid has commenced in Jigawa State flagged off by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, who restated the determination of the Buhari administration to ensure that millions more will now have access to cheap and environmentally friendly renewable power.
Coming under the Economic Sustainability Plan, Prof. Osinbajo says the launch of the Solar Power Naija programme is taking off with the Jangefe Community in Roni Local Government Area (in the Kazaure Emirate) of the State and will get to all geopolitical zones in the country soon.
“After Jangefe, ” according to the VP, the rollout will continue “across the 6 geopolitical zones in Edo, Lagos, Adamawa, Anambra, Kebbi and Plateau. Other Solar companies are also in the pipeline for the Solar Power Naija facility to continue the march to 5 million connections during the life of this administration,” the Vice President said.
The scheme will then go to the entire 36 States and the FCT covering 25million Nigerians in the end.
The commencement of the Solar Power Naija programme means the community will get 1,000 Solar Home Systems connections for its about 5,000 population.
The Vice President, flagged off the commencement of the installation in Jigawa, in what is part of a 100,000 scheme with A-SOLAR, a local solar power company implementing aspects of the ESP Solar Power Naija scheme.
The Jangefe community in Jigawa, which is the first location to be covered by the A-Solar company, will pay monthly energy payments until the systems are fully paid for at the point in which there will be a transfer of ownership to each consumer in the community.
The Vice President noted that the “President had emphasised that we could no longer rely solely on the grid if we were to electrify the whole country. Which meant that we had to develop an effective strategy for decentralizing power supply. Two obvious things to do were, first to think of implementing more off-grid solutions and to use renewable energy especially solar power.”
“Another challenge turned opportunity was Covid-19 and our response to the economic fallouts of the pandemic – the Economic Sustainability Plan. A fundamental rationale for the plan was to retain existing jobs and create new jobs. A mass solar programme seemed like a real chance to kill several birds with one stone; electrify the country and in the process, create thousands of jobs from solar assembly and manufacturing plants to installers, payment system operators, and maintenance of solar systems once installed.
“Mr. President, therefore, approved the inclusion of what came to be known as the Solar Power Naija programme in the Economic Sustainability Plan which he asked me to chair.
“The Solar Power Naija programme which is designed by the Rural Electrification Agency is an ambitious initiative that aims to create 5 million connections through a 140 billion Naira financing programme that will support private developers to provide power for 5 million households, which means providing electricity for up to 25 million Nigerians.
Prof. Osinbajo further stated that the solar power programme is a public-private sector partnership supported by concessionary lending via the Central Bank of Nigeria and commercial banks.
The VP noted that structures have been put in place to make the connections costs affordable for all.
“In addition to the concessionary lending rates, the Government has provided subsidies and rebates for private developers to the tune of over $200 million under the Rural Electrification Agency and World Bank Nigeria Electrification Programme. The programme incorporates several innovative solutions to increase affordability for the citizens while also providing sufficient comfort to investors and financiers alike,” he stated.
The VP added that Jangefe community would derive several benefits from the flag off of the programme in Jigawa State.
The Vice President commended the Jigawa State Governor, Alh. Badaru Abubakar, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kazaure, the Emirate Council and the Local Government of Roni, as well as other critical stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the implementation of the programme in the community.
He said, “the Governor’s style of engagement and focus on economic growth and cooperation by bringing people together is one of the reasons why it was so easy to execute this project in Jigawa. This mindset and approach of the Jigawa State administration created the environment for the Local Government Authority and the Emirate Council to work in harmony with the developers to make this project a reality. This is probably why Jigawa State will continue to attract investments for the benefit of its people and the country at large.”
The Vice President also commended the Emir of Kazaure, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Najid Hussaini Adamu who made a down payment for the community to benefit from the solar connections. Prof Osinbajo said not only was this a good example, but it also facilitated the programme.
He also noted the diligent efforts of the Special Adviser to the President on Infrastructure, Ahmad Rufai Zakari “in coordinating with all the relevant parties to lead us to the successful launch of the programme today.”
Earlier in his remarks, Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Abubakar Badaru commended both President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, saying the Federal Government’s support to the State and other States despite declining resources, has been unprecedented since 2015. He mentioned how the Buhari administration gave a bailout to States of the Federation to pay salaries and also the payment of the long outstanding refund from the Paris Club debts among others.
He said the solar project like many other schemes that have been implemented will positively impact the economy of the state in line with the vision of the President and his deputy.
The Governor noted that the school feeding programme and other schemes implemented by the Federal Government in the state have, aside from impacting the economy, improved school enrollment from about 600,000 to over a million since implementation.
After the flag-off of the scheme, the Vice President visited the family of Alhaji Auwalu Dauda, a beneficiary of the programme in Jangefe to interact with them on the impact of the programme.
Also present at the solar event were Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State, who had received the Vice President at the Kano Airport en route Jigawa; Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Umar Namadi; Deputy Governor of Katsina, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu; the Minister of Power, Engr Saleh Mamman; Minister of State for Power, Mr Goddy Jeddy-Agba; the Emir of Kazaure, HRH, Alhaji Najid Hussaini Adamu; the Special Adviser to the President on Infrastructure and the San-Turaki of Kazaure Ahmad Rufai Zakari, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, Alhaji Salhijo Ahmad, the Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Mr Chiedu Ugbo; the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr. Alex Okoh among others.
Earlier on arrival in the State, Prof. Osinbajo attended, as special guest, the turbaning of the Minister of Water Resources, Engr Suleiman Adamu as the Madakin Kazaure and Galadiman Roni. At the event, the Emir of Kazaure asked the new Galadima to provide good leadership to the people and also prayed that God will guide him in his new role.
The Emir also prayed for peace and prosperity in Nigeria adding that there will be a divine intervention in the country. He described the VP as “my distinguished friend and brother and my learned colleague,” recalling that they both were students at the same time at the Law School.
Besides the Jigawa Governor, a number of State Governors also joined the Vice President at the palace of Emir of Kazaure for the turbaning of the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu as Galadima. They include the Governors of Ekiti, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara and Katsina. There were also members of the Federal Executive Council present including the National Security Adviser, Rtd General Baba Gana Monguno.


https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/time-to-provide-more-electricity-for-nigerians-is-now-says-osinbajo-at-launch-of-5m-solar-power-connections/

In pursuit of the Economic Sustainability Plan, the Buhari administration will on Friday launched the Solar Power Naija programme in Jigawa State commencing with the Jangefe Community which will get 1000 Solar Home Systems  connections.

The Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, will flag off the commencement of the installation in Jigawa, in what is part of a 100,000 scheme with A-SOLAR, a local solar power company implementing part of the ESP Solar Power Naija’s planned 5 million connections across the country.

The Ministry of Power through the Rural Electrification Agency, REA,  is the implementing public agency for the 5 million off-grid solar connections program (Solar Power Naija).

That program provides N140 billion in concessionary financing from the Central Bank of Nigeria and Commercial Banks for off-grid developers to rollout mini-grids and solar home systems that will cost from N3,000 per month (and up, depending on system type) to provide electricity to locations all across the country.

The event being flagged off by the VP marks the launch of 100,000 connections through a commercial partnership between A-Solar (a local developer), the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), and Sterling Bank.

The Jangefe community in Jigawa will be the first location covered by the A-Solar company and will have 1,000 Solar Home Systems installed across the community (covering about 5,000 citizens).
The community will pay monthly energy payments until the systems are fully paid for at the point which there will be a  transfer of ownership to each consumer in the community.
Jangefe community is in Roni LGA in the Kazaure Emirate of Jigawa State.

Jangefe is a rural farming community that uses the water bodies around the area for all year farming.
The economic activity in Jangefe provides the opportunity for the community to be powered and pay for consumption. A-Solar leveraged the Roni LGA and Kazaure Emirate Council to do mass sensitization for an understanding of the usage of the system and payment mechanisms.

Through a World Bank and REA program called the Nigerian Electrification Program (NEP), each connection under the Solar Power Naja program will receive a 20% rebate for the developer, thus allowing the rates charged to consumers to be reduced by the same amount.


https://dailytrust.com/osinbajo-flags-off-solar-power-connections-in-jigawa

REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK, “THE MAKING OF THE NIGERIAN FLAGSHIP: A STORY OF THE GUARDIAN” AND CELEBRATION OF THE FOUNDER OF THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPERS, MR ALEX U. IBRU (1945-2011) ON THE 8TH OF APRIL, 2021

PROTOCOLS

It is a delight to be part of this unveiling of a chapter of our history – a story that has not been told in full until now. The story of The Guardian Newspaper is significant, for the redefinition it meant for print media in Nigeria, and for its uniqueness in bringing public intellectuals and academics into journalism and breeding a generation of talented journalists.

However, to grasp the significance of The Guardian, it is important to situate its odyssey within the larger Nigerian story and particularly in the context of the evolution of the fourth estate in our country.

The Nigerian press has deep roots going back almost 150 years. Indeed, the Nigerian press came into existence before Nigeria itself and was instrumental to the birthing of this nation. It is no surprise that several luminaries of the anti-colonial and nationalist movements were also leading figures in the press: Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ernest Ikoli, Anthony Enahoro, Herbert Macaulay – all venerable figures in our pantheon of nationalist icons, first established themselves as journalists of repute in what was then emerging as the most vibrant and dynamic press in Africa.

Given its origins as the fulcrum of the nationalist struggle, it is not surprising that the relational dynamic between the Nigerian press and the Nigerian state was largely adversarial in the years after we gained our independence from the British. This dynamic was accentuated by the succession of military dictatorships that seized power following the collapse of the First Republic in 1966.

Since military rule is characterized chiefly by the abbreviation of civil liberties, the shrinking of civic spaces, and the imposition of constraints on freedom of expression, it was only logical for the press to find itself on the opposite side of a confrontation with the military regimes of that era. The peak of the tensions between the press and the military in the 1970s was the nationalization of the Daily Times.

It was in this illiberal and censorial climate that The Guardian was born. Right from its first edition which came out on February 27, 1983, The Guardian carved a niche for itself with a distinctive and sophisticated editorial style, linguistic elegance, good prose, and high-quality print standards.

Its mode of engagement was even-tempered, demonstrated in the deliberate moderation and thoughtfulness in its headlines and captions. Most of us will remember the news stories of the alleged death of the great Zik in 1989. Many newspapers ran screaming headlines “Zik is dead,” “the great Owelle of Onitsha passes on,” “Nigeria first President dies.” Some even reported the formation of a national burial committee, we all reached for The Guardian, whose headlines in typical "Guardianese" were simply, quote “Zik dead, alive, jubilation in Nsukka.”

Chude Pride a young journalist then had taken the trouble of investigating the story, with a visit to Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya, a longtime friend and confidant of Zik, who said he had just spoken to Zik. As it turned out, the great Zik was not only alive and well, but lived for almost another 7 years thereafter. Unfortunately, the gentleman touted as the burial committee chairman in some news reports passed on even well ahead of the great Zik.

The Guardian quickly set itself apart as an outpost of liberalism populated by intrepid journalists and keen-minded intellectuals devoted to freedom of thought and inquiry. Its op-ed pages quickly became the arena of choice for the defining public debates of the day.

The media landscape of the 1980s was not bereft of idealists, ideologues, and intellectuals with visions of remaking society. What was unique about The Guardian was that it represented a rare but potent combination of an abundance of ideas and a wealth of resources. It was a happy marriage of socially conscious intellection and missionary capital.

In other words, there was a cast of insightful thinkers with a profound understanding of the Nigerian media landscape, who were eager to make a change. But the change could not have happened without an entrepreneur who shared that vision, a co-visioner, Chief Olusegun Osoba, while Dr. Stanley Macebuh, Dr. Patrick Dele-Cole, Mr. Lade Bonuola, Mr. Femi Kusa, Dr. Eddie Iroh, later joined by Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi and Mr. Nick Nduwe formed some of the core team of thinkers behind The Guardian. Mr. Alex Ibru was that visionary investor that was courageous enough to trust the thinkers.

To find a businessman that could trust a group of intellectuals with editorial freedom in the treacherous socio-political climate of the time as Alex Ibru did, was clearly exceptional. His calm deportment belied his understanding of the terrain, his foresight, and his propensity for risk-taking. He truly typified the idea of the capitalist-driven by conscience. His courage of conviction exemplified in the actualization of The Guardian will remain indelible.

I have dwelt a bit on the nature of this partnership between people of means and people of ideas that gave us The Guardian because I believe that it is the sort of transformative synergy that we need to see more often especially in order to drive our quest for a better society. We need partnerships across the broad spectrum of civil society and the private sector.

The Guardian harked back to the proud and illustrious tradition of the Nigerian press that practiced journalism with a social mission and a commitment to speaking truth to power. It played an important role in the struggles that birthed our democracy, suffering proscription and the firebombing of its business offices at Rutam House. Alex Ibru, himself, narrowly survived an assassination attempt in which he was severely injured. Years later, I confronted the horror of the attack on him myself, when as Attorney General in Lagos, it was my lot to prosecute his assailants. It was a reflection of the terrible costs that journalists bore as they continued to heroically ply their craft as an act of resistance against tyranny.

For decades, the men and women that work at The Guardian have drawn inspiration from the immortal words of Uthman Dan Fodio on its masthead: “Conscience is an open wound. Only truth can heal it.” It is the role of journalists to tell the truth even when it is inconvenient. This mission has a special resonance in this day and age.

Even as we strive to make governance more transparent and accountable in its workings, and to abandon the habits of secrecy and opacity that became deeply ingrained during the era of military rule, we have realized that abuse of state power is not the only threat to the liberal tradition. Right now, we also have to deal with issues such as the proliferation of fake news.

Almost daily, fake news or mischievously manipulated news is trafficked with the clear intent of warping the perception of reality and inducing conflict.

It is said that journalism is the first rough draft of history. It is true that reportage shapes the perception and understanding of events. It shapes memories and can influence behaviour for good or for ill. There are arguably no bigger influencers than those who report and interpret the world to us. This is considerable power and it comes with responsibility.

About four decades ago, The Guardian set new standards that forever transformed the practice of journalism. Today a more complex media and information landscape require a corps of professionals to set new standards and raise the quality of the fare on offer.

The pioneers of The Guardian understood that journalism operates in a social context and cannot be value-neutral. This same cognitive commitment is incumbent upon all media practitioners today. We are at a time in our national odyssey in which retailers of discord and merchants of strife are working assiduously against our collective potential as a people. Creating commonality of purpose in ethnically and culturally diverse societies is challenging the world over. However, nation-building is not the sole preserve of politicians and governments; in fact, it is just as much a task for civil society of which the press is an important member.

It is true that freedom of expression is enshrined in our constitution, but we all agree that society, progress, and order depend upon the responsible exercise of freedom, otherwise, the end result will be anarchy. As we struggle to build our nation with the bricks of mutuality, plurality, and tolerance, I would suggest that those of us that stand as gatekeepers in the fourth estate must demonstrate a greater awareness of the sensibilities and sensitivities of our society.

I think in sum, what The Guardian has embodied in these past years is a fidelity to the principle of balance, objectivity, and fair-hearing, not only as a corporate culture but also as a moral obligation to the larger society; that insistence by the gatekeeper that leads are well investigated and reports are well researched before the copy is passed for publication. The restraint to leave out a claim when in doubt.

In summary, it is what, in my humble view, prequalifies a newspaper to become a marketplace of ideas or what the great American playwright, Arthur Miller, had in mind when he said, “A good newspaper is a nation talking to itself”. I think time and time again, The Guardian has shown that it is possible to be critical without being destructive, constructive, and not be compromised.

Perhaps what I like most about this book is that it is a mosaic of memories by different generations of The Guardian. It is also a reminder of just how many journalists passed through the paper during the course of their careers.

The Guardian is no longer just a newspaper house, but a public institution – one that has served as an exemplar and a model for generations of media practitioners who replicate its ethos and standards in different ways.

By documenting the rise of The Guardian, Aaron Ukodie and O’Seun Ogunseitan have additionally reminded us particularly of how the present can be shaped by the past. But more importantly, how what has been done merely reveals what more can be done.

We all must commend the authors and The Guardian Newspapers and especially the chief custodian of the legacy, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru for broadening our understanding of history, for the appreciation of the present, and for inspiring the future. I wish you more success in the years ahead.

It is now my very special privilege and honour to present “The Making of the Nigerian Flagship, the Story of The Guardian.

God bless you all.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
8th April 2021

VP not relegated, ex-IGP not with Osinbajo in Imo when sacked — Aide Akande


The former Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, was not on official duty with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo when sacked, the Presidency has said.

A controversy had been created on the social media, the opposition querying why President Muhammadu Buhari would sack Adamu when on the entourage of Osinbajo during his state visit to Owerri if not that the VP had been isolated from government decisions.

But reacting on the matter, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, refuted this claim, saying it was unfounded, but the handiwork of mischief makers whose trade in stock was to spread falsehood.

He said those commenting didn’t understand the workings of government, contending that the uproar generated by the opposition after the sack of the former IGP Adamu over claims he was on the entourage of Vice President Osinbajo as of that time was needless.

Akande, who didn’t deny the presence of Adamu in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Tuesday, the same day Osinbajo visited, stressed that, “the former IGP was leaving town when Osinbajo arrived.”

Vice President Osinbajo was on a state visit to Owerri, on Tuesday, to assess the extent of damage done by the gunmen who attacked the state’s Correctional Centre and the Police Command, but his spokesman said, the former IGP was not on the entourage of his principal during the state visit.

Akande said, “The sacked IGP came on his own to the state, while Osinbajo was in Imo on a previous invitation by the governor to commission some projects.”

On those who came to Imo State with Vice President Osinbajo, his spokesman, Akande, informed that, “He was accompanied on the visit by the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba; Minister of State for Steel and Mines Development, Uchechukwu Ogah; and the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Senator Babafemi Ojudu.”

According to Akande, “After commissioning the project, the Vice President then visited the Correctional facility, and the state Police Command attacked on Monday. During the visit to the burnt facilities, the Interior Minister joined the VP delegation. The former IGP was leaving town when Osinbajo arrived. They were on absolutely different missions.

“The Vice President already had a scheduled official working visit to Imo State to commission some projects at the instance of the state government, and he only used the opportunity to visit scenes of the attacks that happened recently in Owerri, as a concerned and empathic leader.

“It is interesting to also note that the VP and the former police boss never met in Owerri, as the former IGP was already on his way back to Abuja when the VP’s aircraft was about to touch down and every other flight was put on hold, including that of the former IGP, for the presidential jet to be cleared first. The former IGP was in Imo state, but he didn’t go there with the VP.”

For those who said the VP had been isolated from the happenings in government, Akande said, “it is good to note that, the VP is still overseeing the 2.3 trillion naira Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP), as chairman of the Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC), which was charged with the task of pulling Nigeria out of the recession occasioned by the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic; an assignment that had already produced tangible and measurable result by bringing the country out of recession even faster than stronger economies affected by the same pandemic.

“Recall also that the VP was the same person who summoned the immediate past IGP before President Buhari over #EndSARS and didn’t stop there but also ensured that at least 30 states in Nigeria set up judicial panels of inquiry to investigate allegations of police brutality and compensate victims accordingly.
“A Vice President who chairs the Nation’s Economic Council (NEC) and has been playing an active role in the social investment programmes of the Buhari administration, which has been confirmed to be the most ambitious social investment programmes in Africa, however, cannot be said to be relegated, sleepy or sidelined.”


https://thedailyleaks.com/vp-not-relegated-ex-igp-not-with-osinbajo-in-imo-when-sacked-aide-akande/

The former Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, was not on official duty with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo when sacked, the Presidency has said.

A controversy had been created on the social media, the opposition querying why President Muhammadu Buhari would sack Adamu when on the entourage of Osinbajo during his state visit to Owerri if not that the VP had been isolated from government decisions.

But reacting on the matter, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, refuted this claim, saying it was unfounded, but the handiwork of mischief makers whose trade in stock was to spread falsehood.

He said those commenting didn’t understand the workings of government, contending that the uproar generated by the opposition after the sack of the former IGP Adamu over claims he was on the entourage of Vice President Osinbajo as of that time was needless.

Akande, who didn’t deny the presence of Adamu in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Tuesday, the same day Osinbajo visited, stressed that, “the former IGP was leaving town when Osinbajo arrived.”

Vice President Osinbajo was on a state visit to Owerri, on Tuesday, to assess the extent of damage done by the gunmen who attacked the state’s Correctional Centre and the Police Command, but his spokesman said, the former IGP was not on the entourage of his principal during the state visit.

Akande said, “The sacked IGP came on his own to the state, while Osinbajo was in Imo on a previous invitation by the governor to commission some projects.”

On those who came to Imo State with Vice President Osinbajo, his spokesman, Akande, informed that, “He was accompanied on the visit by the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba; Minister of State for Steel and Mines Development, Uchechukwu Ogah; and the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Senator Babafemi Ojudu.”

According to Akande, “After commissioning the project, the Vice President then visited the Correctional facility, and the state Police Command attacked on Monday. During the visit to the burnt facilities, the Interior Minister joined the VP delegation. The former IGP was leaving town when Osinbajo arrived. They were on absolutely different missions.

“The Vice President already had a scheduled official working visit to Imo State to commission some projects at the instance of the state government, and he only used the opportunity to visit scenes of the attacks that happened recently in Owerri, as a concerned and empathic leader.

“It is interesting to also note that the VP and the former police boss never met in Owerri, as the former IGP was already on his way back to Abuja when the VP’s aircraft was about to touch down and every other flight was put on hold, including that of the former IGP, for the presidential jet to be cleared first. The former IGP was in Imo state, but he didn’t go there with the VP.”

For those who said the VP had been isolated from the happenings in government, Akande said, “it is good to note that, the VP is still overseeing the 2.3 trillion naira Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP), as chairman of the Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC), which was charged with the task of pulling Nigeria out of the recession occasioned by the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic; an assignment that had already produced tangible and measurable result by bringing the country out of recession even faster than stronger economies affected by the same pandemic.

“Recall also that the VP was the same person who summoned the immediate past IGP before President Buhari over #EndSARS and didn’t stop there but also ensured that at least 30 states in Nigeria set up judicial panels of inquiry to investigate allegations of police brutality and compensate victims accordingly.
“A Vice President who chairs the Nation’s Economic Council (NEC) and has been playing an active role in the social investment programmes of the Buhari administration, which has been confirmed to be the most ambitious social investment programmes in Africa, however, cannot be said to be relegated, sleepy or sidelined.”


https://thedailyleaks.com/vp-not-relegated-ex-igp-not-with-osinbajo-in-imo-when-sacked-aide-akande/

Osinbajo for the youths

Baawahala:
H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.T.E

that’s your middle name

Oweku:
Osibanjo... Is that d name of a car?

na dem EWU Biafra

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

WHY WE MUST REJECT AGENTS OF ANARCHY - OSINBAJO IN IMO

*VP adds: the path of violence can only lead to disaster

*Says Govt will further strengthen security

Nigerians must come together and reject the agents of anarchy seeking to cause chaos for their own selfish interests, especially as there are many more who are working tirelessly to build up the country's system and to enhance it, according to Vice President Yemi, SAN.

Prof Osinbajo stated this on Tuesday during a one-day visit to Owerri, Imo State, where he commissioned a road project executed by the State government. While in town, the VP also visited Imo State Police Headquarters and the Owerri Correctional Centre, both of which were attacked in the early hours of yesterday.

The Vice President, who condemned the attacks as an assault on the way of life of the good people of the state, further noted that, “our system is not perfect – no earthly system is – but democracy provides channels for seeking redress for injury, for peacefully addressing the problems that ail us.

“There are many who are working tirelessly to improve our system, to build it up and to enhance it. We must, therefore, reject the agents of anarchy that are seeking to weaponize the frustration and discontent of our young people for their own profit.

“The path of violence can only lead to a disaster that consumes everyone and leads to the desolation of our communities. It is easy to take peace for granted, but we need not learn the value of peace through the horrible crucible of war.”

Calling on Nigerians to reject groups that want to sow violence and destruction, the Vice President, referring to those who may be behind the Monday attacks, said, “we must reject any attempt to portray these criminal elements as anything other than representatives of their own malice and hatred. They do not represent the good people of this state and this geopolitical zone.

"Anyone who perpetrates violence does not represent the progressive mindedness of the good people of this State and this zone. And I call on all of us to come together to resist any attempt to turn the progress and peace that this zone is set to experience to conflict and disruption."

Continuing, he said, “an attack on the critical institutions of law enforcement, police stations and prisons is an attack on the safety, security and well-being of the citizens. It is not merely an assault on law and order, it is a mindless attack on the people and our way of life.

“When you attack police stations and free dangerous criminals, you put men, women, children and their possessions and livelihoods at risk. Whatever the motives of the perpetrators, this action is egregious and atrocious in the extreme, and all men and women of goodwill must openly condemn this assault on the way of life of the good people of the state.”

Prof. Osinbajo assured the people of the state that “the security in this city and the State has, since yesterday, been further enhanced and we are set to strengthen security capacity even more here.”

The VP noted that the search for the escaped inmates of the Correctional Centre has begun in earnest.

"I want to commend the Governor of the State for his calm, measured, but firm handling of the security situation in the State. The Federal Government stands with you and the great people of Imo State at this crucial time,” he added.

On the newly built road, the Vice President said, “this aligns with Mr. President’s own belief that the building of roads, rail, power, digital technology and other infrastructural assets must be the first priority for economic development.”

He noted, while congratulating the Governor, that, “Africa’s largest economy can only provide opportunities for its huge population if it runs on modern infrastructure.”

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Hope Uzodinma thanked the Vice President for the visit to commission the road project and see for himself the destruction of the State Police Command Headquarters and the Correctional Centre, noting that the people remain confident of the ability and support of the Federal Government in addressing challenges confronting the state.

Shortly after commissioning the 3 km-long Dick Tiger Road covering more than 10 streets, including the Dick Tiger Street, the Vice President - accompanied by Governor Hope Uzodinma, some ministers, the State Deputy Governor and other dignitaries from the State - visited the State Police Command Headquarters and the Correctional Centre in Owerri to assess the level of damage at the facilities.

On the Vice President’s entourage to the State were the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Mr Uche Ogah; Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Mr Clem Agba; and the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu, among other dignitaries.

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

Osinbajo to the world

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE 

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

*INNOCENT CHUKWUMA WAS A THOROUGHBRED SOCIAL ACTIVIST, OSINBAJO SAYS IN TRIBUTE*

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of the Director of Ford Foundation, West Africa, Innocent Chukwuma, who died on Saturday, April 3.
 
Prof. Osinbajo also commiserated with the family members, friends and associates of the late civil society leader, noting that Nigeria has lost a "thoroughbred social activist" whose "relentless pursuit of justice and the common good will be an enduring legacy."
 
In a personal tribute on Monday, the Vice President described the late Chukwuma as a "friend and collaborator of many years."
 
He said, "I was greatly saddened by the news of the passing of Innocent Chukwuma, a thoroughbred social activist, my friend and collaborator of many years. Innocent, then in CLEEN Foundation, was a crucial resource in Police reform in support of our justice reform efforts in Lagos State in my time as Attorney-General.
 
"Also, as Ford Foundation Lead in West Africa, he was first amongst others to support our work in the Office of the Vice President, OVP, in the setting up of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC, and most recently, in the Police reform efforts of the Federal Government.
 
"His thoughtful, knowledge-driven, drama-free, but relentless pursuit of justice and the common good will be an enduring legacy.
 
"We pray for God’s comfort for his wife, family and loved ones, and blessings on his memory and legacy always."
 
*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*5th April, 2021*

EBONYI ATTACKS: NO ILLUSIONS, WE 'LL ENSURE JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS, BEEF UP SECURITY, SAYS OSINBAJO*

_*I’m here on behalf of the President, VP tells affected communities_

_*Adds: Relief materials will be provided to help rebuild affected communities_

The Federal Government will do everything to ensure that security is beefed up in communities affected by recent communal clashes and violent attacks in Ebonyi State, while ensuring justice for victims, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

He condemned the attacks, and sympathized with the victims, describing such acts as cowardly, wicked and “very deeply distressing.”

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Easter Sunday afternoon during a visit to Ebonyi State after attending Resurrection Sunday service at the Aso Villa Chapel.

At the State, the Vice President stopped at the Egedegede community in Ishielu Local Government Area, which suffered suspected herdsmen attacks recently and Ezza/Effium communities in Ohaukwu Local Government Area where communal clashes had occurred. Announcing at each stop that he is visiting at the direction of the President, the VP later held an interactive session with stakeholders at the State capital before returning to Abuja late last night.

The Vice President was accompanied on the visit to the affected areas by the Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Umahi, who received him at his first stop at Ishielu LGA. He had earlier been welcomed by the Enugu State Governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu from where he drove to Ebonyi State.

On the VP's delegation were the Information and Culture Minister Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Steel & Mines Development Minister of State Mr. Uche Ogah and the Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the President, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, among other dignitaries.

According to the Vice President, “there is no way we can, by saying sorry, fully compensate for the lives that have been lost and property destroyed. I want you to know that one way we can do something is by seeking justice and providing for the families of those who have lost their homes and we would do so.”

He added that government will ensure justice is done and the perpetrators brought to book, while urging the people of the communities to remain calm and avoid reprisal attacks.

Said the Vice President: “let me assure you that we will seek justice on behalf of those who have died not just because they are Nigerians, but because they are human beings and they deserve justice.

“Anybody who watches another person killed next to him and does not feel angry and pained, and doesn’t feel the person deserves justice must answer to God ultimately. So, don’t be under any illusion, we will make sure so long as it lies within our power, that we will seek justice and get justice.

“Which is why I will urge you as you have done, and you have done the right thing in my view, you have peacefully presented the case, you have very peacefully conducted yourselves, reported to the authorities and sought the right support from the government.

“It is up to the government to provide the best that they can. But we must be careful also not to seek revenge because we don’t know where it will end.”

Assuring the people of improved security in the affected areas, the Vice President stated that government will beef up the security in the communities to forestall a reoccurrence.

“We are in conversation with the GOC and the Army, about ensuring that there is more security provided here. I know that the GOC has already made more provisions but obviously, there is a need for even greater security provided here,” he said.

At the Ezza and Effium communities in Ohaukwu LGA, the VP noted that the President was extremely concerned about the recent unfortunate incidents.

“Mr. President was particularly concerned about these, and of course, we spoke to the governor and he-the President-thought it would be good for me to come here on his behalf to speak to the communities, especially the leadership of the community.

“I want to say that it is a very deeply distressing thing and I sympathize not just with the governor and the people of Ebonyi State, but in particular, the people of the communities that have been affected,” he said.

While emphasizing the need for politicians and other category of leaders to prioritize the welfare of their people, Prof. Osinbajo stated that, “politicians who try and create a crisis by milking the death of their people...that is completely irresponsible.

“There is no excuse for it. It is the duty of leaders, political leaders to moderate their statements and to make sure that their statements don't worsen matters and create a crisis,” he added.

The Vice President added that the Federal Government will collaborate with the State Government to ensure peace in the affected areas and justice for the victims of the separate incidents.

Noting some of the steps articulated by the National Economic Council (NEC) to resolve lingering conflict in communities across the country, Prof. Osinbajo said, “we (both the Federal Government and State Governments) will jointly pursue the ends of justice. We will also make provisions, as much as it is possible, between the Federal and State Governments, for those who have lost their lives, for their relations and whatever can be done to support those communities.”

He added that the National emergency Management Authority (NEMA) would assess the incidents so as to provide support to victims and help in rebuilding the affected communities.

According to the VP, “the first line of peace is the community itself and the leadership of the community. As I've said to His excellency, the Governor, who as you've heard from everybody, has done an excellent job of trying to ensure that peace is brought and returned to this place.

“I have said to him, - yes, we'll make sure that we commit to bringing more military, more police, more law enforcement and whatever we can do about rebuilding the communities, rebuilding houses that have been destroyed, providing succour to those who need it in form of reliefs from NEMA. The federal government will do its very best, but we must make sure as community leaders that we take responsibility.”

Later at a townhall-like interactive session with community leaders and stakeholders across the state in Abakaliki, the Vice President assured the people of Ebonyi of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that lasting peace returns to Ebonyi and elsewhere in the country.

He however urged all leaders in the state to resist all temptations of revenge attacks on communities noting that “no conflict that started anywhere in recent time has ended.”

On his part, Governor Umahi, while thanking the President, Vice President and the entire Federal Government for the steps taken so far to address the concerns, noted that justice and fairness were the only demands requested by the people of the state.

He appealed to the Vice President to support the rebuilding of the affected areas even as measures should be taken to provide immediate relief to displaced persons.

Other dignitaries that accompanied the Vice President on the visit include Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Mr. Kelechi Igwe, the former State Governor Martin Elechi, top Ebonyi State officials and senior officials from several FG security agencies among others.

*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
5th April, 2021

VP says there will be grace and mercy


As Christians all over the world celebrate the Easter season, Nigerians should have great hope that things are going to get better for the country, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this during a brief chat with journalists after the Easter Sunday service at the Aso Villa Chapel earlier today.

"I just want to thank God for our nation, and pray that our nation will experience the grace and mercy of God in so many different ways that we are expecting His grace and mercy. All will be well in Jesus name," the Vice President said.

While wishing Nigerians a Happy Easter celebration, the VP added that the message of Easter is a message of the special and exceeding love and grace of God.

He said, "God's plan for humanity was that Christ will die and will resurrect. The resurrection is evidence of the fact that those who believe would be saved eternally and would live eternal joy and peace with the Almighty. And that promise is open to every single person.

"Whoever you are, that promise is open to you. That is, if you subscribe to that plan, if you accept that Christ died for you and rose again, and that the plan is fulfilled in the resurrection."

Prof. Osinbajo further stated that the Easter season was one "of great joy because we celebrate the evidence of the plan of God. In some way, God has given us a receipt of our salvation and it's really exciting."

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

In line with company’s strategy to grow Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs) in the country, AXA Mansard Insurance PLC, a member of the AXA Group and global leader in insurance and asset management, has unveiled its ‘Business Insurance Plan in Lagos to  serve Nigerians better.’.

The Business Insurance Plan (BIP) is a one-stop insurance solution that addresses the business risk exposures of small and medium enterprises. It is a pot-pourri of highly beneficial insurance risks management solutions bundled together. These solutions include Business Content, Group Personal Accident, SME Life, Health Care, Public Liability, Optional Covers, Professional Indemnity, Comprehensive Motor, Stock and General Conditions. 

Every business comes with a certain amount of risk. Although pitfalls and challenges cannot be avoided, but they can be mitigated with the proper precautions, planning, and Insurance coverage. These risks and pitfalls are what the Business Insurance Plan seeks to address.

The BIP is available for purchase seamlessly on the company’s transaction website. www.axamansard.com. Purchases can also be made through sales agents and at any of our offices nationwide.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Kunle Ahmed stated, “Our aim is to deliver the appropriate solutions for small to medium enterprises at a competitive price. It is our expectation that this product will enable the SMEs hedge the risks they face and focus on strategizing and growing their businesses knowing that they are protected.”

With 17.4 million SMEs in Nigeria, the role they play in the growth & development cannot be overemphasized. They are a significant force in reducing unemployment and accelerating GDP growth. We are therefore very excited to be able to provide this innovative solution that ensures they continue to thrive.

The Chief Client Officer, Mrs Rashidat Adebisi stated that “the driving force behind the development of this product is AXA’s purpose which is to “Act for human progress by protecting what matters”. At AXA Mansard, we care about people and their businesses, therefore we constantly listen, think and innovate.”

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- AXA Mansard Investments Limited and AXA Mansard Health Limited respectively. The parent company was listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange in November 2009.

This administration has done well in supporting MSMEs.

Shabaleen:
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You have spearheaded key economic reforms in this country, Emir of Gombe tells VP

BELOW ARE THE REMARKS BY THE EMIR OF GOMBE, ALHAJI ABUBAKAR SHEHU ABUBAKAR III, DURING THE COURTESY VISIT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT, PROF YEMI OSINBAJO,SAN, AT THE EMIR’S PALACE ON THE 30TH OF MARCH, 2021


Your visit today affirms the commitment of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, and the support that you give our people.

I would like to commend the Federal Government for its compelling efforts towards the economic development of our people especially in the area of agriculture and small-scale businesses. Gombe is an agrarian State and also a hub of trade and commerce in the Northeast.

I believe what you see today will avail you the opportunity to see firsthand, the impact and nature of our people and the numerous successes of our businesses.

We are on board with the National Livestock Transformation Plan which you chair.

Your presence here today is in line with your role as the “economic driver” of the country. Through your role as the Chairman of the National Economic Council, you have spearheaded important reforms in the area of ease of doing business, enhancing ICT innovation, as well as economic policies to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This demonstrates your own role in the Buhari administration and a lot of confidence that Mr. President reports on you.

We in the North are closely following your steady achievements; first as a successful legal professor, a religious leader and now as the Vice President of Nigeria.

We are studying your humility and grace; we appreciate you and we pray for more success in your journey.

I feel particularly honoured by your visit to us and to Gombe for the MSME clinic. This demonstrates your respect for the traditional institution and the strong bond of friendship between yourself and the good people of Gombe.

President Buhari departs Abuja to London for Routine Medical Check-Up on 30th Mar 2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI BILLED FOR ROUTINE MEDICAL CHECK-UP IN LONDON

President Muhammadu Buhari proceeds to London, the United Kingdom, Tuesday March 30, 2021, for a routine medical check-up.

The President meets with Security Chiefs first in the morning, after which he embarks on the journey.

He is due back in the country during the second week of April, 2021.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
March 29, 2021

Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo virtually delivered his remarks as the Special Guest of Honor at 12th Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium.
29th March, 2021

Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) will be physically absent at the 12th Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium, schedule to hold in Kano today.

He was on course to Kano this morning until weather condition aborted his travel plans.

This was disclosed in a tweet by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President, Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande.

Osinbajo will alongside President Buhari join the 12th BAT Colloquium virtually from the Presidential Villa.

https://twitter.com/akandeoj/status/1376481126659817475?s=21

A Nigerian youth and shoemaker, known as OJ Best on Twitter, has praised the Vice – President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for being supportive of Nigerian start-ups and generally the youth.
OJBest some few months ago had requested via a tweet to present a gift of his own made footwear to the Vice – President.
In response to the tweet, Prof. Osinbajo, a strident advocate of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises sent his aides to visit the young entrepreneur exploring how to support the young Shoemaker and his Made in Nigeria products.
Osinbajo later invited the young Nigerian entrepreneur to Aso Rock presidential villa where OJBest decided to take his measurements for some footwears.

In his testimony afterward, an excited OJ Best tweeted “ I really cannot contain my joy in expressing this.. this is a dream I never thought would happen.”
He further described President Muhammadu Buhari’s deputy as a friend to the MSMEs.
@objebest5 tweet reads: “I really can not contain my joy in expressing this.. this is a dream I never thought would happen. Words has failed me and I may not use the appropriate words but I really want to thank his Excellency @ProfOsinbajo for his patronage and support for ojbest footwear..”.
“I was in the office of the vice present to take measurements of his feet and later returned to make delivery of the order. Never have I seen a man as humble, simple and ready to support like His Excellency. He is highly friendly and jovial and this made my communication with him easy.”
“… My initial tweet was to gift a pair of my product and meet him in person, this has been fulfilled I am greatly happy to see that His Excellency uses my product with joy and satisfaction… Once again thank you so much for your patronage @ProfOsinbajo I am most grateful.”
OJBest visited the Vice President last Monday to present the sandals and yesterday March 27- Saturday, Prof. Osinbajo’s Personal Photographer revealed him wearing the sandals for the weekend while meeting guests at his residence in the Villa.
Presidential aides who facilitated the connection and support OJBest besides members of the VP’S media team included Dr. Ebi Awosika, the Senior Technical Assistant on Community Engagements and Mr. Tola Adekunle Johnson, the well known Presidential Assistant on MSMES.


Celebrating the feat, Nigerians on social media appreciated the VP for taking the lead in the support of made in Nigerian products.
Omoniyi Adekunle wrote: “Mr Ojbest, congratulations on this ground breaking achievement. I’m also a Nigerian as you, kindly use this opportunity to tell our VP @ProfOsinbajo that I do Graphics and this is one of my creations.”
Another twitter user, Obaleye Jolayemi said “Leading by example. Use made in Nigeria.”
While congratulating him, S.G Olayemi said “Happy for him. My helper will locate me today. What about you?…”


https://thenationonlineng.net/osinbajo-lauded-for-supporting-nigerian-start-ups-youths/