₦airaland Forum

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

PRESS STATEMENT

WE CELEBRATE A VISIONARY AND TRANSFORMATIVE LEADER, SAYS VP OSINBAJO, AS ASIWAJU CLOCKS 68



Today, we celebrate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a visionary, transformative leader and patriot. Your exceptional political career and service has inspired millions. It is true that few leaders have developed as many leaders from the ranks of their protégés as you have done.


Your incredibly large and generous heart, political astuteness and uncommon intellect have become the stuff of legend.


Today, but for COVID-19 we would, as we have done in the past twelve years, celebrated this day with the Bola Tinubu Colloquium, where we do what is your greatest passion - proffering answers to developmental questions. We will by God’s grace, still do this and many more.


I pray for you sir, that as your days, so shall your strength, wisdom and favour be with God, in Jesus name.


Happy birthday Asiwaju!


Yemi Osinbajo, SAN

Vice President

March 29, 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OksTCsJ2aiY

“Just as the Hon. Minister of Health has advised, we urge all Nigerians to continue to observe the hygiene advisories offered by the Hon. Minister of Health and W.H.O, including frequent hand washing and social distancing as much as possible. I think it is the Hon. Minister of Health who advised that we should be elbowing ourselves and the namaste instead of handshakes.”

VP Osinbajo yesterday at the office conducted his meetings via video conferencing, while observing social distancing. Today, he continues his work from the home office, as he is in self-isolation in accordance with NCDC protocols - Laolu Akande

The same Bakare that wants to embezzle money meant for the church? That con artist is envious of the Vice President and he shall remain sad for the rest of his life.

How is this talk relevant to what’s going on in this country? My concern is for Buhari to hand over to Osinbajo at this trying time.
Osinbajo will do better in managing this and addressing us

Nigeria has declared five days of free health services targeting nearly 20 million people across 409 lowest-performing local government areas. For five days each in March, April and June, residents in the affected local government areas will get free healthcare, medical consultation and minor surgeries, attend health talks and receive counselling under the Integrated Medical Outreach Programme (I-MOP).

Vice president Yemi Osinbajo launched the programme at the Township Health Cenre in Bwari, one of six council areas in the FCT, where settlements have been categorized as “unreached, underserved, and vulnerable”. He called it “not only a sensible, but practical plan” to scale up access to routine immunisation and other health services. ADVERTISEMENT HOW OVER 5000 NIGERIA MEN HAVE PERMANENTLY OVERCOME TERRIBLE BEDROOM PERFORMANCE DUE TO THIS RECENT DISCOVERY BY MEDICAL CONSULTANTS “Starting next week Monday, March 23, health workers will offer services in primary health care centres and move from settlement to settlement, searching for underserved and unreached communities in 409 local government areas, targeting over 20 million [people] with free basic health services,” announced Faisal Shuaib, executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency. Treatments, minor surgeries and counselling will be at designated centres, one per senatorial district. “Opportunities like the I-MOP provide unique platforms for the health system to bride the gaps and make sure no one is left behind in the journey toward universal health coverage,” said Shuaib. The FCT performed better than most states in the north central in terms of indices as routine immunisation, but it “performed poorly” in other areas compared to the national average, said Ramatu Tijjani, minister of state for the FCT. Its coverage for sanitation was 30%, compared with a national average of 35%–meaning up to three in 10 people in the territory still defecate in the open. And only three in 10 children under five years old sleep under a mosquito net. “We need to do more,” said Tijjani. “In each of the six area councils, the FCT will partner in providing high-impact commodities.” She said the territory administration had already identified and trained healthworkers who will man all fixed, temporarily fixed and mobile posts where residents will get services throughout the period. I-MOP will run in three phases each for five days from March 23, a second in April and the last in June. “These are adhoc, stop-gap measures,” said health minister Osagie Ehanire. “Our goal is to develop resilient, sustainable health system. “We have planned and worked hard, but there is more work to be done to extend health care to all Nigerians.”

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/fg-launches-5-day-free-health-care-for-20m-nigerians-2.html

CAN THE POWER OF PRAYER ALONE STOP A PANDEMIC LIKE THE CORONAVIRUS? EVEN THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD THOUGHT OTHERWISE

By Craig Considine

The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing governments and news sources to provide the most accurate and helpful advice to the world's population, as the disease is indeed global in reach. Health care professionals are in high demand, and so too are scientists who study the transmission and effect of pandemics.
Experts like immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci and medical reporter Dr. Sanjay Gupta are saying that good hygiene and quarantining, or the practice of isolating from others in the hope of preventing the spread of contagious diseases, are the most effective tools to contain COVID-19.


Do you know who else suggested good hygiene and quarantining during a pandemic?

Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, over 1,300 years ago.
While he is by no means a "traditional" expert on matters of deadly diseases, Muhammad nonetheless had sound advice to prevent and combat a development like COVID-19.
Muhammad said: "If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague outbreaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place."
He also said: "Those with contagious diseases should be kept away from those who are healthy."
Muhammad also strongly encouraged human beings to adhere to hygienic practices that would keep people safe from infection. Consider the following hadiths, or sayings of Prophet Muhammad:


"Cleanliness is part of faith."
"Wash your hands after you wake up; you do not know where your hands have moved while you sleep."
"The blessings of food lie in washing hands before and after eating."
And what if someone does fall ill? What kind of advice would Muhammad provide to his fellow human beings who are suffering from pain?
He would encourage people to always seek medical treatment and medication: "Make use of medical treatment," he said, "for God has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it, with the exception of one disease—old age."


Perhaps most importantly, he knew when to balance faith with reason. In recent weeks, some have gone so far as to suggest that prayer would be better at keeping you from the coronavirus than adhering to basic rules of social distancing and quarantine. How would Prophet Muhammad respond to the idea of prayer as the chief—or only—form of medicine?
Consider the following story, related to us by ninth-century Persian scholar Al-Tirmidhi: One day, Prophet Muhammad noticed a Bedouin man leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, "Why don't you tie down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in God." The Prophet then said, "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in God."

Muhammad encouraged people to seek guidance in their religion, but he hoped they take basic precautionary measures for the stability, safety and well-being of all.
In other words, he hoped people would use their common sense.
Dr. Craig Considine is a scholar, professor, global speaker, and media contributor based at the Department of Sociology at Rice University. He is the author of The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View (Blue Dome Press, 2020), and Islam in America: Exploring the Issues (ABC-CLIO 2019), among others.

The views expressed in this article are the author's own.

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

PRESS RELEASE

 

IN STRONG RECOMMENDATION AT NEC, GOVERNORS ENDORSE SUSPENSION OF PUBLIC GATHERINGS 


*Special committee to coordinate FG, States’ response to Coronavirus pandemic set up


In what reflects a continuous and consistent confrontation of COVID-19 in Nigeria, State governors under the auspices of the National Economic Council (NEC) have set up a Special Committee to coordinate Federal and State governments’ response to deal with the fallout of the Coronavirus pandemic.


The Committee which started deliberations immediately after the NEC meeting on Thursday is chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, with the Governors of Jigawa, Edo, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Kebbi and Ogun States as members. 


The establishment of the Special Committee mandated to coordinate the responses of the Federal Government and States especially as it relates to the socio-economic implications of the pandemic on Nigerians, was the major outcome of the Council meeting which featured several presentations on COVID-19 ranging from the economic to the financial and public health dimensions of the matter.


NEC also strongly recommended that public gatherings should be discouraged and the maximum numbers in any large gathering should be worked out by respective State governments, including schools, social gatherings and worship centres. 


Briefing NEC on COVID-19 and Nigeria’s response, the Minister of Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunimbe Mamora and the Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, noted that as at March 17, 2020, 152 countries are confirmed with coronavirus.

 

The presentation disclosed that in Nigeria there were 53 persons tested, 12 confirmed cases, zero deaths, 1 case discharged, and 3 states with confirmed cases were Lagos, Ogun and Ekiti States, while the type of transmission showed six cases imported from Italy, United States of America and the United Kingdom.

 

Ehanire who led the presentation said the strategic objective of the response include early detection, confirmed cases and contact tracing, developing and maintaining capacity to effectively manage cases, coordination and communication with Nigerians, noting that about 80% of people recovered from the disease without the need for special treatment.

 

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha who heads the Presidential Task Force also briefed Council on steps already taken by Federal Government to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the country.


At the Council meeting, the following presentations on COVID-19 were made:

i. Briefing on COVID-19 pandemic and Control Measures by the Minister of Health

ii. Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the Nigerian Economy by the Chairman Economic Advisory Council 

iii. Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the Nigerian Economy: What is being done, by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

iv. Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on Nigerian petroleum revenues: What is being done, by the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. 

v. Managing the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on monetary policy by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).


Also giving an update on the effect of COVID-19 on the oil and gas sector, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr Mele Kyari, said the pandemic has impacted negatively on crude oil production and consumption and is further complicated by the quantity of the crude oil available before the pandemic came in, stressing that this has led to a sharp decline in the price of crude oil to about $22 pb as today.

 

He said “the price of production now is higher than the selling price of oil, making it very difficult for oil producing companies and nations.”  

 

He however noted that it is not a hopeless situation for Nigeria as measures are being taken to curtail the negative impact it may bring such as reducing the cost and increasing the production “even though budget level for crude oil is $57pb and when the reality of $30pb comes to play, we will still fulfill our obligation to FAAC.”

 

The NNPC boss also noted that the drop in the crude oil price has significant impact on the price of petroleum products and as a result of that change the price of petroleum products particularly PMS has been brought down to N125 on Wednesday and all NNPC service stations have been directed to comply.


NEC also got update on the balances of the Excess Crude, Stabilization, and the Natural Resources Development Fund, accounts.

 

The Excess Crude stood at $72, 220,756.74 as at 17th March, 2020, while Stabilization account was put at N35, 806,389,699.67 during the same period. Natural Resources Development Fund account stood at N109, 360,903,475.60 during the period under review.

 

Laolu Akande


Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity

Office of the Vice President

 

19th March, 2020

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE: PRESIDENT BUHARI URGES PRECAUTION, NOT FEAR ON CORONAVIRUS CASES*

Nigeria, like every other country around the world, is dealing with the unexpected and unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Muhammadu Buhari administration has taken some steps to mitigate the effects on the Nigerian people.

To prevent the spread of cases imported into Nigeria, the President has already ordered the restrictions of travel from 13 countries, each with more than 1,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19. Government has also suspended visas issued to nationals of these countries. The restriction will take effect from March 21 and will remain until further notice. While Nigeria delights in welcoming the world, the safety and protection of our citizens and land must take priority.

The various agencies of government including Media owned by the government have embarked on vigorous campaigns promoting hygiene measures. There are, currently, very stringent regimes of checks at the points of air and sea entry into the country. The effort Nigeria is making as is well known, has already received the commendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Presidency wishes to assure Nigerians that government is on top of the situation. There is no cause for panic. So far measures put in place are working efficiently. What this country is doing has been recommended as a template.

The President trusts the relevant Ministers in his cabinet and the officials of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), who are providing him with constant updates and professional counsel. These officials have a track record of competence.

The President instructed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to reduce the pump price of fuel. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a crash in the global price of crude oil, and the President decided that every Nigerian should benefit from this.

Subsequently, the NNPC announced a 20 naira deduction, and the pump price of fuel has now been reduced from 145 naira per litre to 125 naira per litre.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday announced a credit relief of N1.1Trillion Naira to businesses affected by the pandemic. The Bank has also established a facility for household, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and announced a reduction of interest rates for loans from 9% to 5%.

We do not want to create panic. But we will continue to update the Nigerian public with relevant information. We plead with every Nigerian to cooperate with the government in the fight against Covid-19 and obey all instructions from the NCDC. We have a high level Presidential Coordination Committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). This body should be allowed to carry out its duties.

We also plead with Nigerians not to see this most peculiar of times as one to be politicised or seen as an opportunity to regurgitate grudges against the government or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). North, South, East, and West – all Nigerians must unite to fight this plague, irrespective of religious or ideological affiliation.

In this regard, populist advocacies such as the one accusing the President of “complacency” simply because he has not made a television address by ranking members of our respected parliament are cheap and sensational. These are not the times for populism and cheap politics.

President Buhari thanks all those at the forefront of the fight against the deadly disease.

*Garba Shehu*
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 19, 2020

*BREAKING:* Price of petrol in Nigeria is now *N125* per liter, with immediate effect.

Price will henceforth be “modulated” in line with rise or fall in oil prices, says Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva.s

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

WHY WE MUST TAKE QUANTUM LEAP IN HEALTHCARE, BY OSINBAJO

*VP flags off free nationwide Integrated Medical Outreach Programme in FCT; 409 LGAs to benefit in first round

*Urges Nigerians to continue to observe hygiene advisories on coronavirus


President Buhari’s vision of taking 10 million Nigerians out poverty every year for the next ten years is on course and will be largely actualized by the quantum leap in our human capacity development attainments especially healthcare, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.


Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Monday at the flag off of the nationwide Integrated Medical Outreach Programme (I-MOP), at the Bwari Area Council Primary Health Centre, FCT.


According to the Vice President, “Mr. President has repeatedly asserted that his vision of taking ten million Nigerians out of poverty every year for the next ten years depends so clearly on the quantum leap that we must make in our human capacity development attainments especially healthcare. This is why this integrated Medical Outreach Programme is a crucial feature of our overall human capacity development effort.”


Speaking on the significance of the programmes especially in impacting the population in the rural parts of the country, Prof. Osinbajo said “…despite our best efforts, there is a significant gap in bringing public health services to vulnerable populations especially in the rural, mountainous, riverine, peri-urban and other difficult to reach areas in the country.”


“So this attempt to take basic healthcare services, health education, basic surgeries and screening for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis, HIV – AIDS and cancer to these under-served and difficult to reach areas is an eminently sensible and practical plan.


“Not only does it provide free health services to communities that had never in the past enjoyed these sorts of services, but it also provides our public health institutions with invaluable disease identification opportunities and outreach lessons.


“So today, here in Bwari, we will flag-off the conduct of the first round of the Integrated Medical Outreach Programme (I-MOP) for the unreached, under-served and vulnerable communities in 409 selected LGAs in the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory.


“The I-MOP intervention is aimed at strengthening and scaling up access to routine immunization and other primary healthcare (PHC) services in selected low performing LGAs,” he said.


On the efforts made by the Buhari administration in containing some vaccine-preventable diseases, the Vice President said “in a few months Nigeria and indeed the African continent will be formally declared polio-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO)”.


According to him, “Our routine immunization programme has also improved from 33% in 2016 to 50% as measured in the 2018 National Demographic Health survey.


“The Federal Government of Nigeria maintains a policy to provide immunization services free to all against all vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).”


Continuing on the I-MOP project and other efforts by the Federal Government in collaboration with other stakeholders in improving the country’s healthcare system, Prof. Osinbajo called on Nigerians including all residents of selected communities to take advantage of the programme.


He said “Nigerians and all other nationals residing within the country are really encouraged to take their children especially those under two years to the nearest health facilities for screening and administration of all due antigens.


“All others age groups are also encouraged to visit designated medical outreach centers, and we have one per senatorial district during the five (5) days (23rd to 27th March, 20th – 24th April, and 1st – 5th June 2020) of the I-MOP implementation for basic general medical and even surgical consultations/operations.


“The Federal Government is fully responsible for providing the required immunization vaccines in collaboration with our global partners to ensure consistent and sustainable availability of life-saving vaccines for all eligible children in Nigeria.”


He added that “we would ensure in the next couple of months, that Rotavirus and Human Papillomavirus vaccines are introduced into the national immunization schedule to prevent childhood diarrhoea diseases and reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in women.


“It is the firm commitment of the Federal government that no child or individual should be without access to life-saving vaccines and primary health care services.”


Speaking on the efforts so far taken by the Federal Government to contain the Coronavirus pandemic, Prof. Osinbajo said the threat to Nigeria was not yet over hence the need for Nigerians to continue to observe hygiene advisories.


He said “…the threat is not over and as you know only a few days ago Mr. President directed that a readiness review be undertaken covering both the economy and healthcare services and that report has been submitted to him. We are also examining the readiness of our healthcare facilities for whatever eventualities may arise.”


Earlier in their separate remarks, the representative of the Senate President, Sen. Chukwuma Utazi; the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; and the FCT Minister of State, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, commended the support and leadership provided by both President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo in improving Nigeria’s healthcare system in the past few years.


Other dignitaries present at the event include the Senator representing FCT at the National Assembly, Sen. Philip Aduda and the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, the representative of the World Health Organisation, amongst others.



Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President

16th March 2020.

Earlier today, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, flags off the Nationwide Integrated Medical Outreach Program, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, by administering the Oral Polio Vaccine.

Excerpts from his speech.

In a few months, Nigeria and indeed the African continent will be formally declared polio-free by the WHO. Our routine immunization programme has also improved from 33% in 2016 to 50% as measured in the 2018 National Demographic Health survey. Mr. President has also repeatedly asserted that his vision of taking ten million Nigerians out of poverty every year for the next ten years depends so clearly on the quantum leap that we must make in our human capacity development attainments, especially healthcare. This is why this integrated Medical Outreach Programme is a crucial feature of our overall human capacity development effort. But, despite our best efforts, there is a significant gap in bringing public health services to vulnerable populations, especially in the rural, mountainous, riverine, peri-urban and other difficult to reach areas in the country.

So this attempt to take basic healthcare services, health education, basic surgeries and screening for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis, HIV – AIDS and cancer to these under-served and difficult to reach areas is an eminently sensible and practical plan. Not only does it provide free health services to communities that had never in the past enjoyed these sorts of services, but it also provides our public health institutions with invaluable disease identification opportunities and outreach lessons.

So today, here in Bwari, we will flag-off the conduct of the first round of the Integrated Medical Outreach Programme (I-MOP) for the unreached, under-served and vulnerable communities in 409 selected LGAs in the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory. The I-MOP intervention is aimed at strengthening and scaling up access to routine Immunization, and other primary healthcare (PHC) services in selected low performing LGAs. The first round of the I-MOP implementation is planned for between the 23rd to 27th March in the selected 409 LGAs in the 36 states and FCT. The second round is planned for 20th – 24th April 2020; and the third round for 1st – 5th June 2020.

Opinion: The Fixer takes over power reforms by ‘Dayo Peters


His conflict resolution skills rid the Niger Delta of the habitual tension caused by militants in 2017.
His sense of diplomacy settled what was to become a rift between the FG and the S/West State Governors over Amotekun.
His efficient management of PEBEC saw Nigeria move 15 places up on the Word Bank Doing Business index; a historic advancement.


The Ogoni community clean-up he inaugurated on behalf of the President is restoring normalcy to a land that was once excessively oil-infested…
I can go on and on; from the National Social Investment Programmes to NEMA to PEBEC to Niger Delta Power Holding Company to National Council on Skills to Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons, to mention a few.
I’m talking about Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. He is the guy who gets the job done and the guy to call upon when it is a Herculean task. He has a clear track record of completing and executing the difficult task and he has earned the trust of the nation with his administrative skills.
Again, he has been appointed to head the Power Sector Reform Coordination Working Group, a committee that will determine the nature and extent of state governments’ ownership of distribution companies and address mismanagement and other challenges afflicting power sector reforms.
Knowing his history of getting things done and seeing how Nigerians just recently showered praises on him using a #OsinbajoTheFixer hashtag on Twitter, I think our Power Sector is in itself about to experience the power of The Fixer!
I have had my reservations about the power sector especially at a time when climate change has made the heat unbearable. His appointment has brought me succor and I think a lot of Nigerians will be thinking and feeling the same.
I expect a change in fortunes for the power sector particularly because he has championed the cause of entrepreneurs’ success and the need for constant power generation and distribution. Nigerians don’t need to hold their breath; the fixer is on top of it.
‘Dayo Peters writes from Abuja.

https://oak.tv/newstrack/opinion-the-fixer-takes-over-power-reforms-by-dayo-peters/amp/

Why this is making headline baffles me. May her soul Rest In Peace.

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

OSINBAJO AT LATE ESCORT RIDER’S VILLAGE, EXPRESSES GRIEF, PRAISES OFFICER’S DILIGENT SERVICE

*Assures family, community of government’s support


“Late Inspector Ali Gomina was an officer that was loved by many, he served very dutifully and diligently. We are all very sad when this happened. It is terrible.”


Those were the words of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, earlier today when he paid a condolence visit to the family of late Inspector Ali Gomina and the entire Gui community in the Abuja Municipal Area Council.


Prof. Osinbajo arrived the community at about 3.45 pm accompanied by aides and was received by the Chief of the village, Alhaji Alhassan Yussuf and other leaders of the community.

After prayers by the Imam of Gui community mosque, Abubakar Jibril and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor in the community, Pastor Adegbe Julius, the Vice President spent time interacting with the family especially the widow of the deceased, Asiya Ali Gomina and his first son, Ali Kabiru Gomina, expressing his condolence and encouraging them.

Addressing the chief of the village and others shortly after interacting with the family, Prof. Osinbajo said “We all loved him. He served very dutifully and diligently. We are all very sad when this happened. It is terrible. We were all there and saw it happen and we are very pained by it. This is the reason we have all come, to commiserate with the family and the community.”

Assuring the family and the community of government’s support to both the immediate family of the late officer and the community in general, the Vice President said “I am here today myself to see his children, and see what we can do to help the family, and in his honour, what we can do to help his community.”

Prof. Osinbajo then prayed “God will help and sustain his family, we pray that all will be well with his family and community.

“We will also see what we can do to assist the community in whatever way. God bless you, well done.”

Late Inspector Ali Gomina, aged 45, one of the police escort riders in the Office of the Vice President, was killed in a road accident while on official duty on Friday 13th March 2020.

Gomina died after a runaway Toyota Camry car ran into him, knocking him and throwing him down against a moving tanker way ahead of the convoy on the expressway to the airport in Abuja.


Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President

14th March 2020

May his soul Rest In Peace

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

OSINBAJO AT LATE ESCORT RIDER’S VILLAGE, EXPRESSES GRIEF, PRAISES OFFICER’S DILIGENT SERVICE

*Assures family, community of government’s support

“Late Inspector Ali Gomina was an officer that was loved by many, he served very dutifully and diligently. We are all very sad when this happened. It is terrible.”

Those were the words of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, earlier today when he paid a condolence visit to the family of late Inspector Ali Gomina and the entire Gui community in the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

Prof. Osinbajo arrived the community at about 3.45 pm accompanied by aides and was received by the Chief of the village, Alhaji Alhassan Yussuf and other leaders of the community.

After prayers by the Imam of Gui community mosque, Abubakar Jibril and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor in the community, Pastor Adegbe Julius, the Vice President spent time interacting with the family especially the widow of the deceased, Asiya Ali Gomina and his first son, Ali Kabiru Gomina, expressing his condolence and encouraging them.

Addressing the chief of the village and others shortly after interacting with the family, Prof. Osinbajo said “We all loved him. He served very dutifully and diligently. We are all very sad when this happened. It is terrible. We were all there and saw it happen and we are very pained by it. This is the reason we have all come, to commiserate with the family and the community.”

Assuring the family and the community of government’s support to both the immediate family of the late officer and the community in general, the Vice President said “I am here today myself to see his children, and see what we can do to help the family, and in his honour, what we can do to help his community.”

Prof. Osinbajo then prayed “God will help and sustain his family, we pray that all will be well with his family and community.

“We will also see what we can do to assist the community in whatever way. God bless you, well done.”

Late Inspector Ali Gomina, aged 45, one of the police escort riders in the Office of the Vice President, was killed in a road accident while on official duty on Friday 13th March 2020.

Gomina died after a runaway Toyota Camry car ran into him, knocking him and throwing him down against a moving tanker way ahead of the convoy on the expressway to the airport in Abuja.

Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President

14th March 2020

Earlier today, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, visited wife and family members of his late Escort Rider, Ali Gonima, at his hometown in Gui, FCT.

The gallant officer died in a road accident while on official duty on the Vice President's convoy in Abuja, yesterday. #RIPGonima

ClassicMan202:
Minister of Condolence visit..... Do the needful ASAP

always connect your brain to your keyboard

*Recounts experience of worshipping at Aso Villa Chapel

Meeting Nigeria’s Vice President face to face for the first time in January 2019 especially by jumping over a fence was incredible and has changed my perception about people occupying leadership positions, according to 14-year-old, Government Secondary School Phase 3 student, Miss Oluwadamilola Oriowo.


Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN had in January 2019 made brief campaign stops at Phase 4, Gbazango and Kukwaba communities in Kubwa, a suburb of Abuja, ahead of the 2019 general elections.


Recalling the incident that surrounded her first encounter with the Vice President, the student who said the memory of that incident remained indelible in her mind, noted that she had thought it was impossible for the Vice President of a country to visit a local community like Kubwa.

Narrating her experience during a chat with journalists in Abuja, the school girl said, “I was in our church on that faithful day for choir practice when we heard sirens from the Vice President’s motorcade, I saw, through the window, people running towards a mini estate near our Church, I jumped over the church fence to join others see the Vice President.”

Speaking about her experience during last Sunday’s worship at the Aso Villa Chapel, on the invitation of the Vice President, Miss Oriowo expressed excitement at the opportunity of meeting the second citizen for the second time.

According to her, “the church service was good, for me it was different because it was birthday of the Vice President and I had the opportunity of meeting him for the second time. I don’t know how to express how I feel now but I relish every moment we spent in Church at the Presidential Villa.

“For my parents and I to have been invited to the Presidential Villa to worship, I thank God for this opportunity. I wish him a happy birthday, long life and prosperity.

Miss Oriowo had on the invitation of the Vice President, and accompanied by her parents, last Sunday, joined other faithful, family and friends to worship at the Aso Villa Chapel in honour of Prof. Osinbajo’s 63rd birthday.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday underscored the need to get private sector interest along with government to bring power to Kano State. Osinbajo said this while receiving a delegation from the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture led by its president, Alhaji Dalhatu Abubakar, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“If we can bring substantial amount of investment in power to Kano, we can really make a difference. So, I am looking forward to working with you on power,” he said in a statement issued by his spokesman, Laolu Akande. Osinbajo, who stressed the need for closer collaboration between KACCIMA and the Federal Government, said: “anyone who understands the history of business in Nigeria cannot in any way diminish the importance of the Kano business community.

“As a matter of fact when we started the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, in engaging the partnership that will help us, Lagos and Kano had to be the two focal points for the implementation of our reform plans.

“We must establish a way of collaborating, where we look at specific measures on how to advance solutions to the numerous problems that are facing us.”

Osinbajo said the regular interface between the private sector and the Federal Government would continue because of their contribution to the development of the economy, especially in creating employment. He said the federal government would do everything possible to support the business community in Kano.
https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kano-power-requires-private-sector-investment-osinbajo.html

A group of market women from from Karu and Jikwoyi, Abuja suburbs, threw a surprise reception for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday to celebrate with him on his 63rd birthday.

*Gowon to VP: “You are doing an exceptionally herculean job, we are proud of you”

*VP invites girl who jumped over fence to meet him during campaign to villa chapel

*FCT football academy & presidency staff too, hold events


A group of market women from from Karu and Jikwoyi, Abuja suburbs, threw a surprise reception for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday to celebrate with him on his 63rd birthday.

This was after former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), and a number of State governors had worshipped together with Prof. Osinbajo at the Aso Villa Chapel thanking God for the VP’s life.

In celebration of the day that coincided with the 2020 International Women’s Day, the women sang birthday songs for Prof. Osinbajo as he joined them at the De George Resort in New Karu. The women numbering over 100 held a short reception for the VP and took turns taking photographs with him.

Addressing the women during the brief reception in his honour, Prof. Osinbajo thanked the women for their solidarity and prayed for God’s continued blessings in their lives and families.

He said: “I want to thank every one of you for this wonderful surprise birthday party. Those of you who are not yet 60, will be 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, in Jesus mighty name.
“All of you and your children will prosper in this land and experience promotion. Everything that you ask from God he will do for you, so my next birthday will be bigger and better than this and I will attend your own birthdays too.”

From the brief interaction with the women groups, the Vice President proceeded to the Jikwoyi Mini Stadium where he met with the management and players of FC Liberty International.

He spoke to the players about the importance of hard work in everything that they do, noting that “everything can be achieved by hard work. Talent is good but even if you have very little talent, with hard work, you can achieve what you want in life.”

Welcomed by the General Manager of the Club, Mr B.O.B Oluwale, the Vice President watched a brief training session of the team before interacting and taking photographs with the players and staff.

He said players of the club have excelled in local and international competitions and some have secured professional contracts to play football in bigger clubs at home and abroad.

Earlier at the Aso Villa Chapel where a Church service was held to mark the occasion, an SSS 1 girl, Damilola Oriowo, who had jumped over a fence to meet the Vice President during the 2019 electioneering campaigns in Kubwa, Abuja, joined other Nigerians at the service to celebrate Prof. Osinbajo’s 63rd birthday.

Damilola and her parents were recognized at the service by the VP and the Oriowos joined in the VIP photo session after the church service. The Vice President mentioned how Damilola had made determined efforts to personally meet him during the 2019 electioneering campaigns, praising her resolve and welcoming the friendship.

During the service, General Gowon, who prayed for God’s continued blessings and guidance for Prof. Osinbajo, commended the commitment and dedication of the Vice President to the service of the nation.

According to him, “let me join all the good people, sons of God here, to wish you very happy birthday; and to ask for God’s blessings on you; and to say how much we all appreciate you.

“You are the one who is standing for all us, Christians throughout this country. When the darts are thrown at the government whether individually or collectively, and when everything is said, we know it is you that is standing firm for all of us who are of faith and I will like to say to you that we all appreciate you.


“We know that you are doing an exceptionally herculean job and we are proud of you; and continue to bless you and wish you many happy returns.”

In the same vein, staff of the Vice President’s Office on Sunday played a novelty football match to mark the occasion with the Department of State Services (DSS) team emerging winner of the inter-unit mini football competition.

The competition held at the football pitch of the Family Worship Centre, Abuja had staff of the Media, Protocol, Police and Department of State Services (DSS) units, competing for the top position.

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who was on ground to present trophies to the teams at the end of the game, commended the staff of his office for their unity and for rejoicing with him on his birthday.

The staff joined by friends of the Vice President also joined the celebrant in cutting a cake presented to him to mark the occasion.


All prizes won by the various teams have been donated to charity in the spirit of the celebration.

On the Eight Day of March, 1957 at Creek Hospital, Lagos, a young baby boy was born into the family of Mr. Opeoluwa Osinbajo & Mrs. Olubisi Osinbajo.

The new arrival into the Osinbajo family was eventually christened Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo.

That young boy of Ikenne-Remo ancestry started life as a toddler, attended many institutions of learning and eventually became a Professor of Law, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Attorney General of Nigeria's most prosperous state and eventually, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In many fora, a lot has been said and written by this writer and many others about the person of His Excellency, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON therefore it would amount to a tautology rehashing some of the things earlier said.

As you maybe aware, Prof Osinbajo's birthday coincides with the International Women's Day; a day the United Nations officially designated in 1977 as the Day solely dedicated for women's rights and world peace. This piece, therefore, seeks to situate in prosper perspective the contributions of Prof Yemi Osinbajo to women empowerment through the Office of the Vice President.

The contributions of Prof Yemi Osinbajo to women empowerment to the best of the knowledge of this writer includes but not limited to the following:

1. INCLUSION IN GOVERNANCE:
Prof Yemi Osinbajo has facilitated the inclusion of women in governance than any other Nigerian Vice President in recent history. For the sake of emphasis, I would mention the pioneering roles of some of his female aides like Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the ravishingly beautiful scholar from UNILAG. As PEBEC Secretary and SA Ease-of-Doing-Business, Jumoke is the brain behind the Ease of Doing Business Policy of the FG. Thru her efforts, Nigeria moved up 24 places in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index.
This writer will also not forget the learned Mrs. Maryam Uwais who handled the Social Investments Programme, Dr. Mariam Masha who coordinated humanitarian interventions in the North East, Folusho Idumu who makes Prof's administrative work easier, Tolani Alli from Ibadan, Oyo State who documents the erudite Professor through her lens amongst many other women in OVP. For time and space constraints, this piece cannot contain the names of other women (and there are certainly a good number of them) who are also contributing their bit to the development of Nigeria working with Prof Osinbajo.

2. NATIONAL SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES:
Without any doubt whatsoever, Prof Yemi Osinbajo was the face of Nigeria's National Social Investment Programmes under the current administration's first term. Although the programme has since been moved to a Ministry for the purpose of institutionalization, nobody can take away Osinbajo's pioneering work in this regard. Through the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), a lot of petty traders (mostly women) benefitted from soft loans for their businesses. In the course of his supervisory role, Prof Osinbajo interacted and brought government closer to women at the grassroots.

3. MENTORSHIP/ACCESSIBILITY: Prof Osinbajo is a mentor for young men and women alike. Despite his very busy schedules, he regularly provides time to interact freely with them. He is also irrevocably committed to girl child education.

In all of these, due credits must be given to President Muhammadu Buhari for granting the necessary approvals for his dependable ally, VP Yemi Osinbajo.

As Vice President Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo celebrates his 63rd Birthday, I wish him God's divine blessings, mercies, favours and protections at all times.

Happy Birthday PYO!!!!

Adekunle, a public affairs analyst, writes from Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

Gbajabiamila congratulates Osinbajo on his 63 birthday described him as a very courageous and dependable person.


In a congratulatory message, the speaker who has known the vice president for decades said Osinbajo personifies humility, sagacity, courage, forthrightness, sincerity and patriotism.
According to him, “Our Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who is marking his 63rd birthday today, is someone very dependable in all ramifications.

“Apart from being a reliable human being, the VP is one of the most honest people I have come across in my life. I make bold to say that the VP has qualities worthy of emulation by other Nigerians.

“On his 63rd birthday, I wish Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo continuous good health and God’s protection.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/03/osinbajo-the-most-honest-person-i-have-ever-met-gbajabiamila-declares/

*Praises for VP in Twitter #OsinbajoTheFixer trending for days

It is almost impossible to ignore the outpouring of encomiums from Twitter users across the world, especially in Nigeria, since Thursday as the hashtag, #OsinbajoTheFixer, trended for days on social media to celebrate President Muhammadu Buhari’s deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, days to his 63rd birthday.
The Twitter users expressed their admiration towards the former university lecturer, commending his leadership style, his timely interventions and calling attention to the many assignments the President entrusted in his care as his deputy. It would be recalled that since the re-election of the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket last year, the President himself and other prominent Nigerians have been praising Prof Osinbajo for one thing or the other. Some of these include the N-Power, MarketMoni, TraderMoni, Homegrown School Feeding, MSMEs Clinics, Cash Transfer, GEEP, supervising many other intervention programmes like the Niger-Delta intervention, and the unveiling of 59 strategies for economic recovery in Nigeria.
The notable delivery of some of these social initiatives, which VP either introduced or promoted obviously has won the hearts of many. By noon Friday, there were already over 10,000 tweets on #OsinbajoTheFixer.
A day before, there were over 3,000 tweets on #OsinbajoThrowback as well about midday also. Since the re-election of the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket last year, Nigerians seems to have been on a firm lookout for Mr President and the Vice President. Many have pointed at the VP’s positive influence on this administration especially in his effortless engagement with the common man and his exceptional interest in the youth which as earned him trust amongst Nigerian youths The Vice President who chairs over twenty councils and committees that includes: National Economic Council (NEC), Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) among others, have many times received public appreciation and acknowledgement even from Mr President himself.
Some of the Tweets say it is no news that Osinbajo has worked and thrived in many capacities including as Attorney General (in Lagos State) -where he revolutionized the judiciary. As Acting President – he proved he was capable with stellar records. As Vice President – many have described him as the most active and accessible.
Here are some of the tweets…
Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/03/nigerians-express-confidence-in-osinbajo-ahead-of-63rd-birthday/

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INCENTIVES IN THE FINANCE ACT & OTHER FG INITIATIVES, OSINBAJO TELLS MSMEs

*VP cites tax free, reduced tax provisions, $20M Technology Fund, & N90B soft loans for agribusinesses

*"There is so much to learn from the Vice President"---Ebonyi Gov


Impressed by the steady progress made in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector, the Federal Government is ramping up efforts and incentives, including the Finance Act 2020, to further boost development in the sector across the country, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Thursday in Abakaliki at the rerun version of the MSMEs Clinic in Ebonyi State, which is the 27th in the series.

Speaking after an inspection of products exhibited by MSMEs in the state, the Vice President said in its effort to solve challenges for and champion the interets of small businesses across the country, the Federal Government will continue to improve the initiatives that are aimed at supporting MSMEs.

According to him, “Small businesses, we all know, are the engines of growth of our economy and this is not mere rhetoric. It is a proven fact. This explains why the Federal Government has worked consistently to enable businesses. These efforts are evident in our Ease of Doing Business reforms which continue to be celebrated not just locally but internationally.

“Aside from that, we have a whole new Finance Act, many of us are familiar with the fact that the Finance Act 2020 introduces a wide range of tax incentives for small businesses and that Act was signed into law on January 13th this year.

“The principles in the Finance Act have given concrete expression to what we intend to achieve. Notably, the Finance Act completely exempts small companies with a turnover of less than N25m a year from Companies Income Tax.

"For businesses between N25 million to N100 million a year, they will now pay Companies Income Tax at a significantly lower rate of 20%, (from the previous 30% rate).

"In a similar vein, the Act now makes it clear that services provided by microfinance banks are exempted from VAT.”

Speaking further on additional incentives aimed at enhancing growth in the MSMEs sector, Prof. Osinbajo said “some of these initiatives include; the recently approved $20 million Technology Fund which is run by the Bank of Industry to support young innovators and the technology ecosystem; the N90 billion fund which is provided by the CBN through the National Microfinance Bank for agriculture-based MSMEs and the entire agro value chain. These are not just farmers but all those involved in the agro-value chain are eligible for the N90 billion soft loan which the CBN is now rolling out.”

Continuing on some of the new incentives to support MSMEs growth, the Vice President said “the rollout of NAFDAC's e-registration platform and a 75% cost-reduction for product registration is a great opportunity for registering products just at 25% of what it used to cost to register products.”

“There is also a partnership between Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to register MSMEs en-masse and build a comprehensive database to help plan, coordinate, and deploy policy responses to some of the challenges our small businesses face.

“These are just a few of the initiatives to ensure an empowering and inclusive business environment. We will do our part, but we must work together at all levels, Local, State, and Federal to ensure that our small businesses thrive,” the Vice President added.

Speaking on harnessing the gains of the National MSMEs clinics, the Vice President noted that effective collaboration amongst stakeholders including governments at all levels, civil society organisations, and others, would enhance sustainable growth in the sector.

According to him "I want to emphasise that it is important for small businesses to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the MSME Clinics.

“Just as the MSME Clinics provide an opportunity for the Federal Government regulatory agencies to inform small businesses about their requirements and business procedures, MSMEs are also expected to use this occasion to bring up their challenges and problems for possible solutions. It is through this symbiotic process that we will be fulfilling the key purposes for the organisation of the MSME Clinics.

He urged that States keep working with the FG on developing the small businesses sector.

“Just as some other State Governments have done, I would urge the Ebonyi State Government to build on the achievements of this Clinic by considering: the creation of a one-stop regulatory shop for MSMEs in a suitable location in Ebonyi State; the organisation of a State version of the MSME Clinics in various local governments of the State; and by extension getting State regulatory agencies to key into the spirit and letter of MSME Clinics.

“At the Federal level, we are determined to take the MSME Clinics to the remaining States.”

Speaking further on some of the initiatives adopted by the Federal Government to address challenges faced by MSMEs, the Vice President said the Buhari administration will prompt action on many of the issues in the next MSME Clinics update to National Economic Council.

He said: “I assure you that we will take great pains to ensure that all issues affecting MSMEs, especially 'overzealousness' by government officials, are addressed comprehensively in order to foster growth and deepen economic inclusion.

“We will also strive to ensure that MSMEs stay informed as to how Federal Government agencies can play an enabling role in advancing their businesses.”

Earlier in his remarks, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State commended the Vice President’s unique and exemplary leadership and commitment in ensuring the success of several Federal Government initiatives.

According to him, “I watch Mr Vice President, there is so much to learn from him, his leadership qualities are inelastic. I have never seen him angry even when we governors carry our personal pressures to him at NEC. There is so much to learn from your leadership qualities, your Excellency.”


Other dignitaries present at the event include: the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr Martins Elechi; the State Deputy Governor, Barr. Eric Igwe, members of the State House of Assembly, heads and representatives of Federal Government agencies, amongst others.


Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President

5th March 2020

Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, arrives Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi state, and is welcomed with beautiful songs from the lovely and hardworking Ebonyi women.
*#OsinbajoInEbonyi* to grace another edition of *#MSMEClinics.*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP-bI2QfX-E

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

WHY WE NEED TO IMPROVE FUNDING OF RESEARCH & INNOVATION IN NIGERIA - OSINBAJO
*VP chairs first 2020 meeting of Research & Innovation council

In order to build local capacity to compete favourably with scientifically advanced economies, there is an urgent need to refine processes for funding research and innovation in the country, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Tuesday during the meeting of the National Research and Innovation Council held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Responding to a memo presented to the council on the need to improve funding of research and innovation in the country by Science and Technology Minister, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the Vice President said the proposal to set aside a percentage of the national budget for funding of research and innovation deserve support.

According to him, “the point that has to be made is that there is really an urgent need to improve funding for research and innovation in our country.

“Whether it is research in agriculture, education or environment, we have to adopt steps and measures on how to improve funding in these areas. It is really the whole idea of setting targets on how to achieve objectives set for research and innovation.”

The Vice President then directed that plans to refine the processes and procedures for investing more in research and innovation be expedited in order to develop more local technology to address emerging challenges.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Onu, had earlier presented a memo to the council for the improved funding of research and innovation, specifically by setting aside one percent of the national budget for research purposes in public institutions.

The meeting, which is the first for the year 2020, had in attendance the Ministers of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; Environment, Mr Mohammed Mahmoud; Water Resources, Alh. Suleiman Adamu; Information and Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed; Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare; Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen; Aviation, Alh. Hadi Sirika; Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige; Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire; and Communications and Digital Economy, Alh. Ali Pantami.

Others include, the Ministers of State: for Budget and National Planning, Mr. Clement Agba; Science and Technology, Alh. Mohammed Abdullahi; and Education, Mr. Emeka Nwajuiba.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
4th March, 2020