₦airaland Forum

Kaduna NIPR SECRETARY, AHMED BALARABE SA'ID APPOINTED SSA STRATCOM TO KOGI NASS MEMBER

The Kaduna Chapter Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Ahmed Balarabe Sa'id, has been appointed by the Member representing Lokoja-Kogi Federal Constituency, Hon Danladi Suleiman Aguye, as Senior Special Assistant on Strategic Communications.
Sa'id is expected to bring his vast experience spanning about two decades combining academia and industry to bear on his new assignment.
Hon. Aguye is an astute politician and businessman with a track record of people-oriented initiatives and wide grassroots acceptance. A bridge builder and mobilizer, Hon. Aguye emerged as a 'dark horse' in the keenly contested race, defeating the incumbent and other notable contenders.
Until this appointment, Ahmed Balarabe Sa'id has been the Examinations officer at the Department of Mass Communication, Kaduna Polytechnic, where he has also held several positions of responsibility, some of which are in pioneering capacities. He was appointed pioneer Manager, Programmes of the Institution's Radio station and the first Editor of the school's rebranded Newsletter, which he conceptualized. He is also a Board member of the Institution's Radio and Newsletter. Ahmed Balarabe Sa'id has also served in several Committees of the Institution, and is widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative Publicity Secretaries of the local chapter of the Academic Staff Union, ASUP.
Before joining public service as a Lecturer, he was one time Managing Editor of The Market Magazine (percussor to Blueprint Newspaper) and News Editor of Independent Television, among other positions of industry capacity.
A consummate trainer and consultant with numerous briefs to his credit, Sa'id is currently the Center Manager of the NIPR state Study Center and Head of Faculty at the Kaduna Media Academy, a foremost Capacity Development initiative, being the first of its kind in northern Nigeria. Among several capacity related engagements, he was one of the 10 distinguished professionals selected to review the Strategic Communications Policy of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Sa'id studied Mass Communication at the Bayero University, Kano, where he won the distinctive N.T.A prize for overall best graduating student during his first degree and majored separately in Broadcasting and Marketing Communications, subsequently. He is married with three children.

By ETIM ETIM

Two weeks after Prof Yemi Osinbajo left office as Vice President, I have noticed an undue attention on him. Since these unwarranted attacks have the same theme, I am pretty convinced that they are sponsored from the same source with bile, pettiness and envy as the motives.

Unless you are a man of great evil inclinations, you’ll never find any genuine reason to vilify someone like Osinbajo. For eight years, he did his job very well to the admiration of many Nigerians and several foreign dignitaries; within the limits of what the Constitution permits a VP, and the extent to which the principal delegates. The man has never been accused of corruption, abuse of office, sexual irresponsibility or any unethical behaviour, for which many a politician is notorious.

He stood by President Buhari solidly; with remarkable counsel even if not known to many and not in the public domain, it is clearly the case. He offered his best to the nation and left honourably in a blaze of glory. He now deserves his rest in the company of his beautiful and equally amiable wife. But some resentful and bitter elements are not contented to let him.

The first venomous piece was written by Bob Majiri Oghene Etemiku and was entitled ‘’Buhari’s blood runs through Osinbajo’s white agbada’’. Published in The Guardian of May 24, the article was livid in rage that the then Emir of Kano, His Royal Majesty Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, had stated that Nigeria had lost a good opportunity in not choosing Osinbajo as its President. Sanusi made the remarks on Labour Day at the launch of a book written by 25 writers and journalists in honour of the former Vice President. I am honoured to be one of the 25 authors of the book. 

Sanusi’s remark is a truism many still hold dear till today. If it has turned out to be a painful axiom to some, we have no apologies. Vitalis Obidiaghaa (another of the 25 writers) has already written a befitting rebuttal to Etemiku’s diatribe which The Guardian published on June 8.

Just yesterday, I saw another piece of convoluted tirade with the title ‘’Will Osinbajo rue missed opportunities?’’, written by Bolanle Bolawole, a former editor of The Punch newspaper who later served as the Chairman of the paper’s Editorial Board. At the end of the long drivel, Bolawole advertises a lecture he would be giving at the University of Ibadan on the task before President Bola Tinubu. That’s when I realized his motive. In his wisdom, he thought that the best way to presage his fawning lecture on President Tinubu is to be nasty to the man who contested for the job with him. This has become the basic tactic of some of today’s fortune seekers who parade themselves as opinion writers. Just hack down the perceived opponents of the king, and your invitation to the palace would be ready! And we have seen this kind of tactic pay out in many ways in our clime.

As usual with his ilk, Bolawole is questioning why Osinbajo dared to contest in the APC primary. This is a staple query of all anti-Osinbajo elements in Yoruba land. For them, it is the easiest way to denigrate the former VP and reach out to the new sheriff in town. But I won’t dignify the writer with even the most mundane reference to the Constitutional right of all adult Nigerians to pursue their political ambition. Nor would I wonder why he carefully left out the meeting of Southwest elders of the APC led by Chief Bisi Akande where the matter was properly discussed with a resolve ahead of the primaries that it was entirely in order for Osinbajo and others like Amosun, Fayemi to run in the primaries side by side with Tinubu.

Bolawole then asks what Prof Osinbajo got from the Buhari administration for the South West; what role did the former VP play in resolving ASUU strikes; Did Osinbajo confront former Attorney General Abubarkar Malami; what did Osinbajo do when Christians were being victimized and what advice did he give to the President on resolving Boko Haram attacks. Did Osinbajo speak out after the lynching of Deborah Samuel at College of Education Sokoto?

The only query Bolawole did not raise in his article is why the former VP did not prevent the sun from setting! Suffice it to say that no Vice President ever comes out to berate his boss for not taking his advice. I am sure Senator Kashim Shettima won’t do it. But I know for sure that the former VP offered in all circumstances the best advice, counsel and suggestions on how best the nation could be governed. And in all cases he queried, the immediate past VP is known by insiders to have risen up with the right advice to the President and rebuke where necessary to certain ministers. But these matters not being public does not mean they didn't happen, and I expect more details from people like Laolu Akande now that the VP is out of office.

And yes the then VP is also bound by the overall decisions of the government, irrespective of what his views are.

It would amount to a disingenuous ingratitude for anybody to ask what the Buhari administration did for the South West. The Lagos-Abeokuta-Ibadan rail service; the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway; the concrete refurbishment of Mile Two-Gbagada expressway in Lagos are major federal investments. Without the administration’s FX subsidy and other supports, the Dangote Refinery in Lagos would have been a stillbirth. The honour to MKO Abiola; the recognition of June 12 and Tinubu’s election are all due to Buhari. The total overhaul of the National Theatre is also a very important federal intervention. I challenge Bolawole to tell us what the South-South region, the nation’s treasure base got in the period under review.

In Ikenne LGA, no one you ask would mince words to detail the impact of the VP. And a simple Google search will reveal state of the art hospitals in Iperu and Ikenne towns, solar powered lights on the roads and hundreds more model classrooms in several of the schools among tonnes of other infrastructural and Human Capital Development impacts.

The coldblooded murder of Deborah Samuel last year is a painful reminder of the impunity of Islamic fundamentalists in our midst. Prof Osinbajo vociferously condemns these tendencies. But why is Bolawole not calling out Sokoto State government for its refusal to prosecute the murderers? Why is our former editor so silent on the divisively sectarian and patently inciting messages of Nasir el Rufai in that viral video?

As the new President is settling down, many pundits are working hard to attract his attention. I get that. But I should caution that there is so much for the new President to do; so, all these obsessions with Osinbajo are actually a distraction. It is therefore counterproductive for the new administration and the height of meanness to keep dredging up old tales against the former VP.

May be people like Bolawole who is an operative in the intellectual public sphere in our country should get a copy of the book "Osinbajo STRIDES" so he can properly acquaint himself with the impact the VP has made, not just in the Villa, but since the '80s when he was Special Adviser to the then Attorney-General Prince Bola Ajibola. Afterwards, he can then return to make informed commentary on Prof. Osinbajo. What he wrote in that article is certainly filled with baseless insinuations and claims which Bolawole would have tongue-lashed a reporter for in his days as newspaper editor!

“A total number of direct beneficiaries of the implemented programmes currently stands at 1,818,782 vulnerable Nigerians and a total of 9,527 Nigerians have also been directly employed through the implementation of the programmes so far.”

Mr Akande said the “Committee at its last meeting of the administration recently approved the sum N250 billion for the execution of projects for this year running.”

Some of the projects scheduled for implementation under the NPRGS for the year 2023 include,

•        The provision of 100,000 homes for low-income earners which will create 1 million jobs directly and indirectly.

•        The expansion of energy access by providing 1,200 solar street lights in rural communities and 6 mini-grids for high-capacity productive farming under the Solar Naija Programme.

•        Creation of 4.5 million direct and indirect jobs through the Rural Roads programme which targets to connect about 750 rural markets.

•        Provision of N9 billion support for over 1.6 million vulnerable smallholder farmers for the 2023 wet season farming under the Agriculture for Jobs Plan.

•        The expansion of the National Social Register with additional 3 million households.

It would be recalled that Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State who is also the Co-Chair of the Technical Working Group for the Committee had in a chat with State House Correspondents at the end of Committee’s last meeting in April expressed optimism that despite challenges and issues associated with transition of governments, efforts were underway to touch each of the targeted areas of implementation.

Members of the National Steering Committee of Nigeria’s National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy include Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff to Mr. President, Governor of Ekiti State (South West), Governor of Delta State (South South), Governor of Sokoto State (North West), Governor of Borno State (North East), Governor of Nasarawa State (North Central) and Governor of Ebonyi State (South East).

Other members of the committee are: Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Minister of Labour and Employment, Minister of Education and Minister of Health.

https://dailytrust.com/how-buhari-osinbajo-poverty-reduction-with-growth-strategy-impacting-millions-report/

VP is always passionate about development of Nigeria, says President

The book is a labour of love-Chimamanda



President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday joined other distinguished Nigerians to extol the qualities of his deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, describing the VP as a dedicated and loyal compatriot with a passionate desire for the development of Nigeria.

President Buhari stated this in his remarks at the virtual launch of a book titled "Osinbajo Stride: Defining Moments of An Innovative Leader" written  in honour of the VP by a team of 25 journalists under the auspices of PYO COLLECTIVE.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, the President recalled the VP's dedication to service especially in catering for the interest of the masses.
The President thanked Prof. Osinbajo for his selflessness and passion for excellence in the execution tasks assigned to his office, acknowledging all of his visits to the different parts of the country to identify with the common people.

According to him, "...one thing that is admirable about the Vice President is his passion for excellence in everything that he is involved with. Besides all of his official engagements as VP, we all saw this attribute exhibited by him right from the campaigns, how he ensured that the right things were done. We cannot thank you enough, sir."

In his remarks, Prof. Osinbajo expressed how honoured he was to have been celebrated in such manner, commending Gen Yakubu Gowon for his belief in a better Nigeria and noting the elderstateman's impact and influence in major decisions taken by him particularly with regards to uniting Nigerians and promoting peace across the country.

He also expressed gratitude to State Governors and other guests present at the event for their support and cooperation throughtout the 8 years of his stewardship as Vice President.

In her review of the book, famed Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie described the book as a labour of love by the 25 writers who wrote different chapters. She said reading the book it was clear the writers wanted to write and the believed in the Vice President.

Besides Gen Gowon, other dignitaries at the event were, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Govenor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State; Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Simon Lalong of Plateau State; Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State, and tr Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Musa Akabe.

Other dignitaries included former CBN Governor, HRH, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; former CEO of Access Bank, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; literary icon, Chimamanda Adichie, and renowned broadcaster, Kadaria Ahmed, among others.

As Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, prepares to leave office next month after an impactful eight-year as second-in-command to President Muhammadu Buhari, a group of 25 famous writers and journalists across Nigeria rallied each other to write a book about him without letting the VP know about their plans until after the book was published and ready for launch.

The Vice President was caught unawares, he didn’t have an inkling of what was going on, he was only invited as a guest to a programme where he would be honoured. This is a big surprise and a historical parting gift for a leader who has served Nigeria meritoriously.

The book titled: “Osinbajo Strides: Defining Moments Of An Innovative Leader,” periscopes the Vice President’s public service since he was Special Adviser to the Attorney-General of the Federation, the late Prince Bola Ajibola, from 1988 to date. The book will be formally launched in a virtual ceremony scheduled to hold on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 5:00 pm, where the collection of articles by 25 Nigerian reputable journalists and writers would be presented to the public.

They did all these behind the Vice President with PYO Collective as the organisers to make this a surprise gift for him. Fantastic!

Without his consent, they approached the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, to write the book’s forward and to attend the book launch. Even, they’ve gotten the consent of President Muhammadu Buhari to be the Father of the Day, likewise former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; State Governors; among others will attend, while famous author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, will speak on the theme: “Inspiring A New Nigeria at the virtual book launch.

The organisers’ approach to the whole arrangement and planning to honour a public servant without his consent, singling the VP out for special recognition on its own is dignifying. Deeply reflecting on it reminds me of what my late father used to say that “The diligence of a man makes others find him worthy of honour and celebration.”

I have always known that nothing speaks more than the works of a man who is diligent in the performance of his duties. Vice President Osinbajo needs no introduction in the circle of excellence. It is, therefore, not surprising to find him worthy of selection for praise. For a man who has proven not just to be the best Vice President Nigeria has ever had but has also remained loyal and reliable to his principal, there must be a lot to learn from this book documenting his life in public service.

It is stating the obvious that Prof Osinbajo’s display of knowledge on several issues is impeccable and it is worthy of emulation. His humility also is second to none. In the words of Liberian Vice President, Dr Jewel Howard-Taylor, “Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is the most humble politician in Africa. Emerging leaders across the continent have so much to learn from his humility and Commitment to service.”

Let’s also talk about his integrity which has been described by many as “unshakeable,” as much as his honesty, he is an exemplary leader. Prof. Osinbajo is a man whose life is the definition of perfection and greatness. For a man surrounded by obstacles and challenges in a country that has battled corruption for a long time, he has never let his capabilities, dedication and productivities decline. Not only has he proven that he is worthy of all the accolades showered on him, he has justified them all. What a man!

Osinbajo is a man who will make you see the beauty within your beauty and his push for greatness is at a pinnacle even for non-dreamers. As a believer of excellence and an apostle of Nigeria’s unity, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, is a county’s delight and a role model to millions of the youth, as he inspires the populace that the dream of a new Nigeria is possible.

It is worth mentioning these 25 prominent journalists and writers who came together across the country to honour the deserving Vice President as their names were listed in the PYO Collective’s release. They are Richard Akinnola, Azu Ishiekwene, Garba Mohammed, Etim Etim, Donu Kogbara, Sadiq Abdullateef, Fatima Mamman-Daura, James Akpandem, Mustapha Ogunsakin, Dayo Akintobi, Dr Wale Adeduro, Columba Ogah, Haruna Abdullahi, Temilade Okesanjo, Arukaino Umukoro, Olaolu Beckley, Jude Zoho, Vitalis Obidiaghaa, Seun Bisuga, Seyi Gesinde, Faith Dafe-Joseph, Muritala Ayinla, Abimbola Olaniyan and Ibrahim Bature. Mr Jahman Anikulapo was the Editorial Consultant for the work.

Kudos to their nationalism and brain work.
https://thedailyleaks.com/as-osinbajo-caught-unawares-by-25-writers-launching-book-in-his-honour/

A reputable school is in Kaduna state is in need of qualified teachers in the following subjects:

* Technical drawing
* Basic  Technology
* Computer
*  History
* Hausa
* IRS
*Economic/commerce
*Physics
*Chemistry and
*Mathematics

The following teachers are needed urgently in Kaduna but should reside within the Tudun Wada, Tudun Nupawa and Kakuri axis.

Interested persons should call 08023729127.

Thank you

OSINBAJO OUTLINES PATHWAYS FOR CLIMATE-POSITIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN AFRICA AT UPENN SPECIAL LECTURE

*Cites Africa's endowments, renewable energy, natural resources, young workforce as compelling channels

*VP says continent offers solutions for global net zero ambitions

*Global progress in battle against climate change needs Nigeria’s partnership-- UPENN Provost

In order for African countries to attain middle-income status, and societal and individual prosperity for its people, the issue of energy poverty has to be tackled headlong and reflected in the global energy transition conversations.

To achieve this, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has outlined specific pathways that will lead to climate-positive economic growth in the continent and at the same time lead to the realization of the global net-zero emissions targets.

This was one of the major highlights of Prof. Osinbajo's Special Public Lecture yesterday at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, USA where he spoke on the specific title "Energy Transition in Africa."

Emphasizing the point about Africa’s potential in the realization of the global energy transition targets, the VP submitted that “Africa's endowments, renewable energy, natural resources and a young workforce, present a compelling set of circumstances for several pathways to climate-positive growth.”

These pathways according to the Vice President are the following:

•“Low emissions consumption and production, the point being that Africa can, instead of going the carbon-intensive path to providing energy, goods and services for its own needs, takes full advantage of green technologies and practices. There is the distinct advantage that Africa can actually pursue a green course of growth without worrying about costly legacy infrastructure.

•“The second pathway is that having recognized the fact that global zero carbon ambitions cannot be realized without intentional carbon removal technologies and practices, Africa can ramp up her own potential to do this at scale through a combination of planned land use and ecosystem management, and investment in emerging engineered removal technologies.  Already Africa's large carbon sinks, currently store years of global emissions and the abundant supply of unused agricultural waste is available as biomass for clean energy production and soil improvement.”

•“The third pathway, is that, with its abundant reserves of renewable energy and raw materials, Africa can become a hugely competitive green manufacturing and energy hub for the world that could also accelerate the greening of global industry. Thus, the paradox of an energy-poor continent becoming the green industrial powerhouse of the world is easily resolvable and must be,” the VP added.

But he proposed that the developed world changes its perception of Africa, and not see the continent merely as a victim but as a solution in the climate change conversations and the attainment of the global net zero targets by 2050-2060.

According to Prof. Osinbajo "Africa's own growth and development are not being seriously accommodated in the global Energy Transition conversations. Yet, a strategic key to attaining global net zero by 2050 may well lie in seeing Africa from a different paradigm, not merely as a victim but as a solution.”

The VP noted that “beyond climate justice, may lie a real opportunity for Africa and the world. This opportunity is the distinct possibility of Climate Positive Growth for Africa. In other words, a paradigm where Africa pursues a climate positive or carbon negative path to middle-income status and beyond.”

Continuing, he said “this contains, in and of itself, part of the solution to global net zero ambitions. Because if, as is the case, some countries will not meet their net-zero-by-2050 targets, then some significant portion of the world must be climate positive or net negative, for global net zero to be achievable. Put differently, since many regions are already off track to achieve net-zero by 2050, some other regions must fill the gap, if global targets must be met.”

On energy poverty, Prof. Osinbajo argued that it can only be resolved “if there is a significant investment in renewable energy, and that can only happen if we create the energy intense anchor demand that makes the investment in additional renewable energy bankable. Therefore, it is not which comes first - renewable energy generation capacity or industrial deployment, both must be developed concurrently.” 

Speaking about Africa’s dependence on its oil and gas resources, the Vice President noted that “the use of gas as a transition fuel will not significantly derail our commitment to carbon-negative growth. Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan attempts to chart an energy transition pathway which has as its bedrock, the development of renewable energy, specifically solar.


“The plan is to develop 250 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2060. The plan outlines our decarbonisation strategies in the areas of power, oil and gas transportation, etc. It also mitigates against medium to long-term job losses in an industry that has dominated the economy for decades.

“It recommends the role of gas as a transition fuel, to balance large influxes of solar power on the grid, its use as a cheaper, and relatively clean option for base load power for industry, as we watch the cost of solar batteries plunge.

“There are also practical ways in which gas, especially propane, will bridge the gap before the full use of renewables is commercially practical. To illustrate the point practically, recently some discussions have been taking place about the decommissioning of industrial scale diesel and petrol generators used at base stations of telecommunication companies in Nigeria,” he added.

Previous speakers who had featured at the UPENN Special Lecture series hosted by the US Ivy League University's Center for Africana Studies include Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka and the President of Botswana, Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, Prof. Beth Winkelstein, Interim Provost of the University of Pennsylvania, noted the planet is facing an “existential struggle against climate change for our earth and indeed for us to last, we must join with our fellow nations around the world in this struggle.

“Like many countries including the United States, Nigeria is challenged by competing and sometimes conflicting interests and its development prospects are complex. Nigeria holds amongst the continent’s largest proven oil reserves and faces a potentially perilous future of climate-induced sea level rise and drought. In short, global progress in the battle against climate change needs Nigeria’s partnership and participation.”

Also, Prof. Tukufu Zuberi of the Africana Centre spoke about the relationship between the University and Nigeria, thanking the Vice President for honouring the institution’s invitation, and noting that the lecture series was part of its efforts in correcting the negative perceptions about Africa.

He said, “Africa in many ways, has not been treated fairly in conversations, often this treatment is simply a result of not understanding Africa.”

After the lecture, Prof. Wale Adebanwi, the Presidential Penn Compact Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania led an interactive session with the Vice President.

Earlier on arrival, Prof. Osinbajo met with the leadership of the University and was later conducted around the Penn Museum by Prof. Tukufu Zuberi.


Other UPENN officials who interacted with the VP during his visit and attended the lecture include Prof. Erika James, Dean, Wharton Business School; Prof. Jeffrey Kallberg, Associate Dean, School of Arts and Science; Prof. Amy Gadsden, Associate Vice Provost, Penn Global, and Prof. Theodore Ruger, Dean, Penn Carey Law School, among others.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
25th of April, 2023

https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/osinbajo-outlines-pathways-for-climate-positive-economic-growth-in-africa-at-upenn-special-lecture/

By Seyi Gesinde

Maybe you too have been wondering why Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is being invited here and there to deliver lectures and for other reasons at home and abroad. Let’s do a quick rundown of his recent lectures: On Monday, April 17, 2023, Vice President Osinbajo delivered a Policy Making and Good Governance Lecture Series of Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) titled: “Creating a Homeland for All: Nation-Building in a Diverse Democracy.”

On September 1, 2022, VP Osinbajo delivered a lecture on “Just and Equitable Energy Transition,” participating in a conversation with Afsaneh Beschloss, CEO Of RockCreek and CGD Board Member at Center for Global Development in Washington D.C, in the United States of America. The following day, he had an audience with United States Vice President Kamala Harris, who after engaging with Prof Osinbajo, described him as an “extraordinary leader.”

He returned to Nigeria and then two months later, Prof Osinbajo left for Canada, where he had been invited to deliver a public lecture on the subject of “Africa and Climate Justice” at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, precisely on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. The highpoint of his lectures there was saying “The race to net-zero must not leave Africa in the dark,” while he gave a clue to be “that we must lift inhibitive development finance restrictions and upscale technology transfers to ensure developing regions have access to the latest energy innovations and can build local industries on fair terms,” among others.

Starting a new year, on Monday, January 16, 2023, Vice President Osinbajo left Nigeria for Monrovia, Liberia, to attend the “Emerging Young Leaders Forum,’’ at the instance of his Liberian counterpart, Dr Jewel Howard-Taylor, who is marked her 60th birthday on January 17. He also interacted with a selected group of 400 emerging leaders. There, Dr Howard-Taylor described Prof Osinbajo as a humble and selfless leader who inspires hope for a better Africa. She noted that emerging leaders across the continent have so much to learn from his humility and commitment to service.

The following day, on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, back home, Prof Osinbajo was in Ogun, Ogun State, where he delivered the Centenary Lecture at the 100th anniversary of the Baptist Boys’ High School (BBHS) titled: “The Values: The Difference Between Success And Failure.” There, he stressed the values of hard work and integrity, saying, Nigeria can produce the highest quality individuals to run the most efficient governments and private institutions if the right values of hard work, honesty and integrity, among others, are taught and imbibed.

It wasn’t too long after he also spoke on the topic: “Africa Can Prosper in an Increasingly Complex World,” delivering a lecture hosted by the African Leadership Center at King’s College London. Three weeks later, in a new lecture titled: “Africa 2050: Making Growth Work,” Prof Osinbajo spoke virtually to a global audience at the 2023 Africana Conference of the Fletcher School, Tufts University, USA, on Wednesday, March 15, 2023.

Again, six weeks after, Prof Osinbajo left for the US on the invitation of another ivy league school, the University of Pennsylvania, to deliver a lecture on “Climate Change and a Just Transition,” hosted by University’s Center for Africana Studies, on Monday, April 24, 2023, and for interaction with students of Wharton Business School, among others.

The question agitating the minds of many now is: why is PYO getting all these invitations lately, beginning from home, Nigeria, to Monrovia, to Canada to the United States, to the United Kingdom? At home and most especially around the world, they want to experience PYO’s personality, they want to embrace his style and more Why?

Simply put, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is now the Global Face of Africa as a top government player. And the reasons are not far from being an incorruptible one, a rare breed of politician who has defeated all the “abnormal norms” encouraging mediocrity in public service in Africa, especially in Nigeria. Prof Osinbajo’s unusual brilliance, the coherency of his words and the profundity of his knowledge are why he is irresistible at home and abroad. More so, the Vice President has with his courage, truthfulness in power, promptness to act and ability to offer immediate solutions to knotty issues, won the hearts of many people globally.

One such instance is this, on July 30, 2021, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) began a national strike, and their National President, Dr Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, said only Vice President Osinbajo could be trusted to resolve their crisis. “If we get a strong commitment from the Vice President, I can put myself on the line, I can take it to the national executive of the association if we get that (commitment) from the Vice President, we can do anything to call off the strike the Vice President can be trusted, ” Okhuaihesuyi said.

So, after their discussions with authorities lingered for a while, later on, VP Osinbajo reached out to the striking resident doctors and discussed the issues with their leaders for a lasting solution, and on Monday, October 4, 2021, they called off the strike and they have been at work to date. This is the type of dignity in labour and integrity in leadership, plus the solution-finding and problem-solving approach and skills that Vice President Osinbajo brought to governance.

Reflecting on his other impactful engagements where he was invited to give lectures and give other reasons within the academic circles alone either at home or abroad since he became the Vice President on May 29, 2015, it was discovered that, Prof Osinbajo has been to at least, over 30 universities. The Vice President was in October 2016, at Afe Babalola University, Ekiti, Ekiti State, for its 4th Convocation Ceremony; in June 2017, at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, for its 50th Conference of the Nigeria Association of Law Teachers; in November 2017, Lead City University in Ibadan, Oyo State, for its 10th Convocation Ceremony; in January 2018, University of Warwick, in the United Kingdom, for the 2018 Warwick Africa Summit titled: “The African Century;” and in January 2018, Harvard University (Center for African Studies), in the United States for “US Talk on Socio-Economic Developments in Nigeria.”

Likewise, in June 2018, he was at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State, for the “Launch of Student Innovation Challenge;” in September 2018,
Bayero University, Kano State, for the “Launch of Student Innovation Challenge;” in September 2018, Oxford University, in the United Kingdom, to deliver a Public lecture titled: “Challenge of Human Capital Development in 21st Century;” in November 2018, University of Ibadan, for its Convocation and 70th Founders’ Day Ceremony; in January 2019, Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Abuja and Nigerian University of Technology and Management for its fundraiser; in April 2019, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State, for its 50th Convocation Lecture titled: “Nigeria Rising, The Path to Prosperity;” and in May 2019, Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State, for its 23rd Convocation Lecture titled: “Africa Centres of Excellence in African Universities: A Veritable Catalyst for Nation Building and Development.”

Similarly, in September 2019, the Vice President visited Osun State University, Osogbo, for its 8th Convocation Lecture titled: “Six Decades of Chequered Nationhood: Nigeria still holds the Key to Africa’s Development;” in October 2019, Dominion University, Oyo State, for its Proclamation Service, and Baze University, Abuja, for its 6th Convocation Lecture titled: “Principle of Trustworthiness or Integrity;” in February 2020, Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, for its Convocation lecture titled: “Facing the New Decade;” in March 2021, Sokoto State University for its First Convocation Lecture titled: “Nigeria: Some Defining Issues for the Future;” in August 2021, Babcock University, Ogun State, for its 33rd Inaugural Lecture, titled: “From Small Business to Big Business: A Future with Little Hope;” and in October 2021, Imperial College, the United Kingdom, for “London Lecture on Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan.

Also, in December 2021, Prof Osinbajo attended the First Convocation Lecture of Kola Daisi University, Ibadan, Oyo State; in December 2021, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun State, for its 60th Anniversary and Convocation ceremony; in February 2022, Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, for its 2nd Combined Convocation Ceremony; in March 2022, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, for its 6th Combined Convocation Ceremony; in April 2022, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, for the formal hand over of the Muhammadu Indimi Centre for International Studies; in October 2022, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), for its 32nd Convocation Ceremony; in November 2022, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, a visit to Innovation Hub, Presentation Of 3-D Hologram Machine and Meeting with Senior Administrative Officials; and in December 2022, FTP University, Hanoi, Vietnam, for the tour of University Tech Incubation Centre.

As we can see, up to date, Prof Osinbajo is the most-engaged Nigeria’s Vice President in the country’s democratic history. His type is rare especially as an African politician and government leader in a country once described by former British Prime Minister, David Cameron as “fantastically corrupt.” He has proven him wrong that incorruptible ones are still around. Then, Prof Osinbajo is a true polymath and at the same time a virtuoso storyteller. So, to a global audience, they know that his wealth of experience, its usefulness and relevance to nation-building transcend beyond the African borders — and as he is being enjoyed at home, the world can’t resist him — they need his wisdom to solve problems to generally make our world better!

Gesinde, an award-winning journalist, is a political scientist and public affairs analyst

NIPSS Lecture: Nigerians praise Osinbajo over call to end divisive rhetoric, prejudice

Nigeria's Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, has been lauded by many Nigerians over his speech that has now gone viral on social media where he frowned against political actors and leadership elites for stoking the embers of ethnic-religious sentiments and prejudice, which reportedly led to voter suppression in some parts of the country in the last general elections.

Prof. Osinbajo had given the warning on Monday, 17th April 2023, during his speech at the maiden Policy Making and Good Governance Lecture Series of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State.

Osinbajo, who warned that prejudices that tend to impede the progress of Nigeria must be avoided, said there must be a deliberate policy backed by elite consensus that bars Nigerians from using the nation’s diversity to negatively promote their ambitions.

He said Nigeria must prioritize its unity, social cohesion, and progress by jettisoning ethnic rhetorics and prejudices that have impeded the nation’s growth over the years.

The speech, however, has become a social media sensation after the 15-minute video found its way on the internet, with many social media users gasping at the whisk of the VP's eloquence and oratory wand.

Reacting to the video across all social media platforms, many Nigerians commended the Vice President for his candor and bravery in speaking the truth to power, while some political leaders, they said, pretended as if nothing unusual had happened during the general elections.

Many took to Twitter to express their views on the speech while others social media users on Facebook, Instagram and Nairaland commented on the speech and viral video uploaded by the VP himself on his official social media platforms.

Reacting to the post made by the VP on Instagram, @Josh.Olaade wrote, "I was almost in tears listening to him speak. You would see his sincerity and honesty in every word he spoke. I don't need an angel to tell me PYO means well for this nation and was ready to do everything possible to give us a Nigeria we all dream of, but then, Nigeria politics happened to us. I believe Nigeria will be great in my own time."

Also, another responder who commented via @Ancestor_071 wrote, "I still ponder over why they failed to give this man the chance to govern this country. A man who spoke for 15 mins without checking or looking through his tablets or diary. It is well sha."

Likewise on Twitter, a tweep with the user name, @AdewumiCollins wrote in an independent post, "The message in the banners is clear and simple. It resonates loud and clear. I have waited this long for someone in this govt to comment on this. Thank you VP Osinbajo for your courage."

https://twitter.com/AdewumiCollins/status/1648600286963826688?t=oFOKTJfqfvvazWkJVtmdFQ&s=19

Also commenting, a Facebook responder, Ogunmola Rotimi Emmanuel wrote, "Eloquent, prolific and intelligent.
The discuss well presented,
God bless you, Prof, sir."

Similarly, @Emeka V. Obi on Facebook, wrote, "God bless our Vice President. Very eloquent in speech, powerful oratory, excellent delivery. This is leadership. What we have been looking for all these years has been right before our very eyes but we were too blind to see due to our ethnocentric religiosity and entrenched cultural differences, bigotry, polemism and antipathies."

Also, Emmanuel Enobong on Facebook had this to say, "Very objective, intelligent, unbaised. One of the most intelligent, elders stateman that has grace the seat of power.
Always a pleasure listening to this Man."

"As long as this video seems to be,I couldn't blink. Was smiling while watching to the end.
God bless you erudite Prof, na man you be," @Avalumun Nenger-Shater wrote on Facebook

Another Facebook user, @Silver Fom wrote, "Unfortunately, the wickedness of our country and the greediness of our delegates did not allow them see man to be the presidential candidate."

"I always ask my self why we can't choose and elect the caliber of your type to be our president, but I know it's matter of time we need you daddy," wrote @Umar Nasi on Facebook.

"As much as I would love to meet with you in person on my birthday, I would also want to ask you just a question. Thank you for always challenging me Prof. I see myself becoming YOU someday. I know it will take a lot of work. I am watching closely," @Olalekan Olawale Taiwo wrote on Facebook.

"Osinbajo remains the most vocal,most dedicated, and most committed African leader to the #GreenEnergy campaign in Africa. He has been consistently vocal and pushfull, and I think he deserves to be the leader of Africa Union," @Kemisola Adekunle said on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/KemisolaAdekun1/status/1648415975597809667?t=A3pYt4qbk07KCiX00_jcIg&s=19

"Great speech. Thank you. I'm secure and little-minded people c!n often not see beyond colour, ethnicity and language, even when others are more capable for the job at hand," @Jumoke M. Akinniranye wrote on Facebook.

"#OsinbajoSpeaks about the voter suppression and ethnic bias that played out at the recently concluded elections. He is the ONLY one within the APC that has spoken out again this injustice! People have a right to live and vote from anywhere within their country!" @Olakunle wrote on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/OlakunleBankol5/status/1648623504365965312?t=Rjqr3DC3T4Rd4EYbUBN5rw&s=19

https://legit.ng/1531055-nigerians-applaud-osinbajo-promoting-national-inclusion-unity.html

floret23:
I don't know why people called this dull and boring man a motivational speaker or smooth talker. He has never impressed me with his words. Very irritating thing.

Compare him with your dad. Let's start from there.

*Directs NSIA to develop Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Plan

*NSIA, Vitol sign $50M carbon avoidance & removal initiative in Nigeria

*Stakeholders commend VP’s leadership on Energy Transition Plan
 

Given Africa’s status as the lowest emitters of carbon coupled with its young and vibrant population that is capable of effectively deploying green manufacturing on a large scale, the continent can become the first truly green civilization, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Tuesday in Abuja at the official signing ceremony of the Carbon Vista Agreement – an initiative that aims to support Nigeria in meeting its net-zero targets by investing in carbon avoidance and removal projects.

Carbon Vista is a joint venture investment company established by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA and Vitol (a multinational energy and commodities company) – committing an initial sum of US$50 million for projects such as climate-smart agriculture, green industrial technologies, waste management, etc., cutting across several sectors, including agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.

According to the Vice President, “Africa can become the first truly green civilization – the first civilization on earth to use renewable fuel for purposes of a transformative economic journey.”

“How can we do that? First of all, we are the lowest emitters today, and if we are going to develop our industry for the rest of the world, we can start from where we are today, we don’t have to start from where the rest of the world is, especially the global North.

“If we are the least emitters and able to use green energy effectively, we are able to use the young population that we have, we are able to effectively deploy green manufacturing on a scale that would be required to become the global green factory and power of the world, we can indeed do something revolutionary and different.

“This is why what we are seeing today, this sort of collaboration between NSIA and Vitol is an important one because the pipeline of projects they are talking about are the sorts of projects that will make us a truly green economy and can cause us to realize that dream we are talking about,” the VP added.

Prof. Osinbajo further stated that Africa’s ambitions are also closely related to the talk about climate justice in the energy transition debate, stressing that “the transition must be a fair one, and fossil fuel is still required for several purposes, we must also agree that there is a new way by which Nigeria and Africa can benefit immensely from what is coming to us.”

Continuing, the VP commended the partnership between NSIA, Vitol and other partners, noting that “this sort of collaboration is only the beginning, we have to do a lot more and demonstrate that we are capable of being not just a victim in the climate change story, but an important catalyst and innovator for making our world greener and introducing to our own people, a prosperous economy based on the green initiatives that we have.”

Determined that Nigeria plays a global role in the voluntary carbon markets, the Vice President who is co-chair of the ACMI Steering Committee directed the NSIA to play an active role building the voluntary carbon market.

According to him, “the importance of an enabling environment is crucial for Nigeria to play a global role in voluntary carbon markets. This is why I would like NSIA to take the lead in developing the first Nigeria Carbon Market Activation plan and look forward to engagement on the plan.”

He expressed hope that the Carbon Vista Fund will be bigger adding that more investments are expected from other stakeholders. According to him, “this is such an incredible opportunity and we must not leave it to just be a $50 million fund.”

In her remarks at the event, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed commended the initiative noting that “Carbon Vista aligns with the several key priorities of the Federal Government of Nigeria including the quest to grow the country’s Foreign Direct Investment stock, develop a new market that enhances the economy and maximize the country’s abundant natural resources. These priorities are crucial to driving sustainable growth and development and also Carbon Vista’s commitment to these goals is commendable.”

On his part, the Managing Director and CEO of NSIA, Mr Aminu Umar-Sadiq thanked the Vice President for his exceptional leadership in spearheading Nigeria’s Energy Transition ambitions and for hosting the ceremony which officially launches the agency’s newest investment vehicle in the environmental sector.

Speaking about the Carbon Vista initiative, Mr Umar said “it aims to support Nigeria in meeting its net-zero targets by investing in carbon avoidance and removal projects in Nigeria, that deliver significant socioeconomic benefits to Nigerians and promote the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.

On the partnership with Vitol, the NSIA MD said both organisations “have committed an initial sum of US$50 million to Carbon Vista for projects such as climate-smart agriculture, green industrial technologies, waste management, etc., cutting across several sectors, including agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.

“Over the next few months, we will roll out projects to set the standard for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment in Nigeria. These projects will be carefully selected, partnering with local institutions that have proven track records of successfully delivering high-quality projects.”

Making reference to other partnerships for a smoother energy transition in Nigeria, Mr Umar-Sadiq noted that “beyond Carbon Vista, NSIA is working closely with the National Council on Climate Change, as well as the Africa Carbon Market Initiative, to support in developing the carbon market both on a national and continental level thus promoting sustainable investments by incentivizing projects that reduce Green House Gas, GHG emissions.

“These collaborations will facilitate the development and integration of Nigeria's carbon market with the broader African carbon market, thus creating efficient carbon trading systems and unlocking the economic potential of sustainable development in Africa.”

In his remarks, Vitol’s Global Head of Carbon and Environmental Products, Mr Michael Curran, spoke about the uniqueness of the Carbon Vista initiative, noting that “if you step outside the norm, people can criticize. The easiest thing to do is to stay within your tracks and not do anything new or any initiatives which are bold.”

His words: “We are prepared to do both things, the importance of doing this is simultaneously linked with climate change, the objectives of Nigeria for 2060 and the realization of the reality that commercial growth that benefits the population also has to take into consideration the transition, the desire to make sure that we can still grow, the people can have benefits but done in a sustainable manner.”

Government officials and other dignitaries present at the event were the Director General, National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Salisu Mohammed Dahiru; Country Head, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, Mr Muhammad Wakil, and the Head of Office Energy Transition Office, Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, among others.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
4th April, 2023

To read more on the Vice President's activities, please visit https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/

The Role of Diaspora

I see the Diaspora as our vanguard for keeping up with the rest of the world (a secret weapon). They are a source of strength asides their remittances which is substantial, rising from 37Billion in 2010 to 96Billion in 2021.

We saw the contributions from the Ethiopian Diaspora that helped to fund the building of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Kenya has also licensed a Diaspora Investment Fund that will enable Kenyans living abroad invest safely at home.

Instead of lamenting the brain drain, Africa should organize itself to take advantage of its Diaspora.

https://twitter.com/ProfOsinbajo/status/1641491245510930434?t=9ZjY03EQIskUNVrP8XnlgA&s=19

On African Continental Free Trade Area.

While some parts of the world were reviewing or quitting regional integration agreements, African countries were building on the pan-African legacy of leaders like Kwame Nkrumah to establish one continental market.

The AfCFTA will overcome the constraints of Africa's small, fragmented markets and its impact on commerce within the continent both in goods and services will be profound.

https://twitter.com/ProfOsinbajo/status/1641488801750036497?t=9GUKSwjLZdOPe-4L4qZQHg&s=19

Africa is a force for good

In previous centuries, most wars were often linked to disagreements on boundaries. In 1963, African countries were barely out of colonial rule yet they agreed to respect colonially inherited boundaries.

Africa has shown good example in using regional integration arrangements to promote peace and security on one hand and trade and industry on the other hand.

The African Union and ECOWAS are great examples. ECOWAS sanctioned countries like Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali when they seized power by coup d'etat. The Africa Union backed these actions.

https://twitter.com/ProfOsinbajo/status/1641487102666743808?t=pSjEJSQR6g3h4bUkguvg5g&s=19

The Question of Insecurity.

There is some restiveness on the continent which is driven in part by poverty, alienation, environmental degradation and poor governance. The more pressing problem today is the encroachment by franchises of global terror groups in Africa.

Although many African countries have acted vigorously to tackle those terrorist groups but there is so much more that can be done.

The Sahel appears to be the worst hit. According to the 2022 Global Terrorism Index, the Sahel has become home to the most deadly terrorist groups.

The Index reports that Sub Saharan Aftica accounts for 48% of global terrorism deaths. The Sahel is also said to account for 500k internally displaced persons, 1.8million people facing food insecurity and 5.1 million people needing humanitarian assistance.

Given the scale of the problem, I think it is time for the global community to treat the menace of terrorism in the Sahel as a common challenge.

Great powers and emerging powers can set aside rivalries and work with ECOWAS and the African Union to stamp out terrorism in Africa.

https://twitter.com/ProfOsinbajo/status/1641364584681426945?t=HeHjbqG6JlCEwCqI618t7g&s=19

China Investment in Africa
In Mid-December, the US hosted the Africa-US summit, the last one was held in 2014. It appears the summit was meant to at least register the US's interest in being a more active player in Africa.

Most African countries are rightly unapologetic about their close ties to China.

China shows up where and when the West will not and or are reluctant.

Africa needs the loans and infrastructure. The memory of the destructive conditionalities of the Brenton Woods loans are still fresh and the debris is everywhere.

https://twitter.com/ProfOsinbajo/status/1641357842941722624?t=BU5tgsENLsCvSaQ5P8GEZA&s=19

On #ClimateAction.

Africa can lead a revolutionary approach to climate change. One that recognizes Climate Action as the job engine for Africa. James Mwangi and his colleagues at Climate Action Platform Africa have presented this compelling point of view.

They argue that instead of pushing the narrative of Africa as a victim and or insisting on business-as-usual growth which would make Africa a big future emitter.

Africa should instead take the lead in tackling climate change leveraging on its renewable energy potential, young workforce, green technologies, carbon removal and green manufacturing.

In other words, Africa can provide jobs for millions of its young people, prosper and lead in the fight against climate change by becoming the green or carbon free civilization.
And we have the comparative advantage to do so.

https://twitter.com/ProfOsinbajo/status/1641349765140033536?t=xfwUL2jtpACe5CLqNgDAcg&s=19

The Effect of the Russia-Ukraine War on African Countries


Africa can take full advantage of the global complexities we see today and thrive in the face of uncertainties and disruption.

The lines have never been more blurred in the various conceptual prisms through which we view the world.

Since the unipolar world of the 1990s, several centres of political and economic powers have emerged.

In addition to the United States, we now have China, Russia, the European Union, the United Kingdom, India and Brazil as dominant regional powers.

When we consider the on-going Russia-Ukraine war, asides from the consequences for international peace, African countries now have to steer their way delicately between major powers.

These price shocks and disruption of supply chains of various commodities across Africa led to high inflation at a time when most countries were struggling to overcome the economic and social fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic especially debt and foreign currency crises.

We are now in the process of working out a grain supply from Russia coordinated by the World Food Programme, and we recently accepted to provide a port space in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria for the distribution of grain from Ukraine to other West African countries.

The Economic fallout of the war should be an introspective moment on self-sufficiency in food.

Zimbabwe for example, through proactive measures shows us that African countries can turn this crisis into opportunity.

https://twitter.com/ProfOsinbajo/status/1641345775593504769?t=VbIUl04oSa_UumWG7d4COA&s=19

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in 2018 and later as Governor in 2019. No sooner had he settled to work as Lagos State Governor than COVID-19 and the #endSARS protests started in 2020.

These challenges regardless, Governor Sanwo-Olu implemented several initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of the people of Lagos State, such as the "Lagos State Employment Trust Fund" and the "Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme." He has also worked on improving infrastructure in the state, including the construction of new roads and bridges.

Sanwo-Olu’s administration saw to the establishment of export free trade zone and SME Hubs: The Sanwo-Olu administration the extablishment of the SEZ, including the Alaro City, another free zone, set on 1,000ha carved out of the bush. It too has an anchor client up and running, Ariel Foods. Around 40 companies now have purchased land here, with a handful already building their factories.

Against all odds, his administration saw the completion of the Lekki port. This is the largest seaport of Nigeria and one of the biggest in West Africa. Lekki port is to be expanded to have a capacity of handling around 6 million TEUs of containers and a significant volume of liquid and dry bulk uncontainerized cargoes. The port is to be equipped with ships able to transport over 14,500 containers.

The Sanwo-Olu administration established the state’s disaster Management Agency and strengthened the existing State Emergency Medical Services for risk mitigation. The body has successfully intervened in numerous cases and prevented so many major disasters in the state.

Waste management also received considerable attention from the Sanwo-Olu administration. The administration saw LAWMA commence construction of Transfer Loading Station (TLS) with organised Public Private Partnership (PPP).  The agency now has over six standard functional TLS in operation across Lagos. LAWMA made remarkable achievements Obalende which some people used to refer to as home of refuse.

In the health sector, Sanwo-Olu supported 15 families of Persons Living With Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome with financial assistance of N1million to N2.5million each. Activated one Oxygen Plant at Yaba for COVID-19. Established 10 Tri and Oxygen Centres.

Chidozie Emeagwali, a writer and public policy consultant,
sent this from Apapa, Lagos

Wednesday March 15,2023

By Mohammed Abdullahi in Dakar.

Nigeria’s reigning basketball premier league champions, Kwara Falcons have lost their second game at the ongoing Basketball Africa League (BAL) Sahara Conference taking place at the magnificent Dakar Arena in Senegal.

The Nigerian team unlike in their first game were very resilient as they lost by just four points, 78 to 74 in favour of Stade Malien of Mali.

All the four quarters of the game were keenly contested except the third where the Falcons fell short, trailing at some point with about 20 points before rallying in the 4th quarter to close the deficit but was a little too late for the Nigerian champions.

Coach Baba Jibril of the Kwara Falcons said the team is learning fast and there is significant improvement from their last game.

“We are learning very fast and you can see significant improvement in this game compared to our last game. We are still very hopeful to clinch a ticket to the playoff finals in Rwanda from the remaining three games,” Jibril stated.

Nigerian born NBA Academy Africa graduate and Washington State University star, Rueben Chinyelu played for the Stade Malien scoring 10 points in total to help the Malians defeat the Falcons.

In other games played, REG of Rwanda recorded their second consecutive win by beating ABC of Cote D’Ivoire 80 – 73. Kwara Falcons will face the BAL defending champions, US Monastir of Tunisia on Wednesday.

http://newsloungeng.com/kwara-falcons-suffer-2nd-defeat-at-basketball-africa-league/

$600M FOR YOUNG NIGERIANS IN TECHNOLOGY, CREATIVE SECTORS READY AS OSINBAJO LAUNCHES SCHEME

*Funding by AfDB, France, Islamic Devp. Bank, BOI for young Nigerians ages 15-35

*VP calls on African Governments, private sector to invest more in innovation, targeting job creation

*AfDB President commends VP’s dynamic leadership, says “you are an amazing leader in our nation, you are very focused, very determined…”

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, today launched a $600 million programme for young Nigerians in the technology and creative sectors with a call on African governments and the private sector to do more to support the growth of innovation in the continent.

The Vice President spoke at the presidential launch of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) Programme, held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja. The programme will support young Nigerians ranging from ages 15-35 who are entrepreneurs and involved in early stages in creative, innovative and technology-enabled ventures.

“I think it is now imperative to commence a coordinated approach towards innovation on the continent, bringing together all stakeholders to coordinate efforts at scaling up investments and building programmes that provide the right enabling environment and produce talent pipelines that support the growth of innovation on the continent,” Prof. Osinbajo said in his keynote address at the event.

Under i-DICE, constraints such as access to capital, and capacity limitation of Start-ups would be effectively addressed. But according to the VP, more needs to be done to scale up such programmes.

In his words, “the government must provide more support for startups and small businesses, and investors must provide more funding. This is why the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme is important.”

i-DICE is supported by funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB)-$170m, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)-N70m and the Agence Française de Développement-$116m. There is also Federal Government of Nigeria counterpart contribution of $45 million through the Bank of Industry loans for qualifying start-ups.

On behalf of the Nigerian government, the Vice President thanked the development partners for their collaboration.

Commending the efforts of the development partners, the Vice President noted that the programme’s design “supports innovation across very critical pillars including policy, infrastructure, access to finance and talent. These pillars have been identified as very critical to the growth and sustenance of innovation on the continent.”

The VP disclosed that “the total fund is $618 million, out of which the AFDB provides $170million, the Agence Francaise de development $116m and the Islamic Development Bank will provide $70 million in co-financing.” Another $271m is expected from private sector and institutional investors, he noted.

Similarly, Prof Osinbajo observed that the launch of the (i-DICE) Programme was a significant milestone by the Nigerian government in its continued efforts in harnessing the potential of its youth population and creating more jobs.

Beyond job creation, “the programme is a government initiative to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital tech and creative industries and especially targeted at job creation,” the VP added.

Speaking about the Buhari administration’s efforts in supporting the growth in the tech and innovation sectors, the VP noted that, “as a government, we have consistently provided support to the innovation ecosystem over the last 8 years. In 2018, we established the Technology and Creativity Advisory Group. The Advisory Group brings together stakeholders in the technology and creative industries, to contribute directly to policy formulation, articulation and the design of the technology and creative sectors of our economy.”

“The Group has influenced various government policies for the growth of the economy. For instance, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, working with NITDA has established a Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, the Ministry has also led the coordination of our partnership with Microsoft to increase Nigeria’s technology talent pipeline by training 5 million Nigerians in various technology skills,” Prof. Osinbajo said.

The Vice President also recalled how President Muhammadu Buhari signed Nigeria’s Startup Bill into law, making it the Nigeria Startup Act and also highlighted the essence of collaboration between the private sector and government in scaling up such programmes.

He stated that there has been an influx of private capital which has enabled startups “to expand operations and create new jobs while contributing significantly towards overall GDP growth of the country. There are of course thousands of startups that have used private funds or debt that goes unrecorded.”

The VP referenced Disrupt Africa’s 2022 Tech Funding Report which indicated that “Nigeria was the best-funded country in Africa for the second year running, with a minimum of 180 startups, making up approximately 30% of Africa’s funded ventures, raising approximately $1billion - substantially ahead of all other countries on the continent on both counts.”

The Vice President commended development partners for their support, and also thanked the AfDB President, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, for his role in bringing the idea to fruition.

On his part, the President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina commended the Federal Government’s commitment to the actualization of the initiative, particularly the leadership of the VP in creating “the enabling environment for the development of start-ups, as well as position Nigeria as Africa’s leading digital technology centre.”

He said “today, I will thank you, my brother, the Vice President. You have been an amazing leader in our nation, you are a very focused and very determined person, as your time ends, may God continue to be with you and guide you in whatever lies ahead of you.”

He added that the i-DICE Programme is “timely, strategic, and transformative as it will build the ecosystems to support more competitive entrepreneurs powered by digital technologies.

“That is why we like i-DICE: it is visionary, sees the future and prepares Nigeria for it. That future is here. Every aspect of life is being transformed digitally.“

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Science and Technology, Sen. Adeleke Mamora; Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; the representative of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy; the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Emmanuelle Blatmann; and the representative of the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Mr Olukayode Pitan.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity to the President
Office of the Vice President
14th March, 2023

https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/600m-for-young-nigerians-in-technology-creative-sectors-ready-as-osinbajo-launches-scheme/

The place of inspiration and imagination in the pursuit of personal or national fulfilment is not only pivotal but also irreplaceable and this is why people who can inspire must remain in front.

This view was expressed by the Vice President’s Spokesperson, Mr. Laolu Akande in a birthday message for the 66th anniversary of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN today March 8, 2023.

“What I have come to know about the VP is that he is an inspirer, and watching him do things is in itself an inspiration. People like that exists to inspire individuals, groups and nations to attain goals and objectives that advance their causes and lead irrevocably to greatness.

“He provokes something in people such that conduces towards excellence, endurance and emphaty, attributes that he himself exemplify.

“Excellence; so that people can reach into themselves to discover hidden capacities.
Endurance which enables people to sustain the pursuit of vision by imbuing patience and humility that creates perseverance.

And finally Empathy that reinforces a common bond of humanity by which individuals become an example of selflessness, rendering service and value on private and public levels, Akande says.
He continued “let me give just a few illustrations.

“It is the empathy that took him to Maiduguri in the early months of this administration where he led a charitable effort that produced the Learning Centre where orphans coming out of the insurgency have in the last 6 years now been receiving some of the best types of education available anywhere in the world.

“It is the endurance that kept him in place when all kinds of malevolent forces were bent on diminishing the effective delivery of public goods directly to the people of this nation in an unprecedented scale such as the Social Investment Programme of the Buhari Administration when some entrusted with leadership responsibilities wanted to privatise the process by sharing slots among the elites in a scheme meant to secure some social safety nets in a country fiercely battling poverty.

Finally, it is the excellence for instance that makes him interrogate his aides and people pushing laudable ideas in and out of government by demanding for scaling up the numbers. Afterall he would wonder “what’s the use of a government programme that reaches only a few thousands in a population of over 200m?

For him, Excellence says think, not just out of the box, but think big. Do the hard part, apply yourself, be relentless, work tirelessly at goals. I can disclose that in the past 8 years the average close time in the Vice President’s office is 8 or 9pm. Several times we have been at work past 12 midnight. Excellence spares no effort afterall.

So today as the Vice President turns 66, I wish him a happy birthday and many happy returns of the day. My dear boss, and Nigeria’s number 2 citizen, we pray that as your days so shall your strength, wisdom and favour be with God and man!

https://dailytrust.com/osinbajo-exists-to-inspire-says-laolu-akande-as-vp-turns-66/

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), presided over the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC), where he led Ministers in congratulating President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his election victory.

Today, Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, announced this via his verified Twitter handle.

According to Akande, Osinbajo also congratulated Vice President-elect Senator Kashim Shettima and First Lady-designate Chief (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu.

Osinbajo wished them the best as they prepare to lead the nation.

https://youtube.com/shorts/_7xuxN0-0b4?feature=share

Where are the supposed structures?

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

Today while speaking at the Lagos rally, Tinubu never said that Osinbajo did not congratulate him.....listen to the video!

What Tinubu was saying was that he went to the President to nominate a Vice Presidential running mate for him just as he did in 2015 for the President. The President however refused but rather said he (Tinubu) knew Nigerians better and had more experience and so should choose his own running mate.

*Tinubu didn't not even mention* Osinbajo’s name and the reference to VP was to his own Tinubu’s running mate. Just watch the video.

Nigerian tweeps on Saturday, February 18, schooled the Afro hip-hop musician, Peter Okoye, popularly called Mr. P-Square about the contributions of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, to the nation.

They recall Prof. Osinbajo’s wealth of experience as a Professor of Law, a global statesman with a notable voice on many global issues besides his sterling record as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The controversial entertainer, Mr. P, had earlier today raised a question on the role of the Vice - President amidst the present situation in Nigeria. Speaking via his verified twitter account, he tweeted “In all of these, where does the Vice President of the Federal Republic Prof. Yemi Osinbajo stand?”.

Many Twitter handles put out several banner headlines from media platforms showing what the VP had said about the matter and some of his contributions in the past. It begs the question whether the artist did any kind of inquiry before raising what many see as a partisan post.

In a swift response, Funmi Peters, with the handle, @funmi_peters56, said “He has been at the fore front of trying to find solution to naira scarcity. He stands with the people always”.

Another tweep took a swipe at Peter Okoye, a supporter of Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, asking Peter Obi to address the Biafra Agitators. Vincent with the Twitter handle, @vincent15260932, said “Please let's leave that aside and please ask president peter obi to address those guys in the Biafran land saying there won't be any election in those Biafran states. He needs to make peace with those guys that's the most important cos men those guys are strong”.

Quoting the Vice - President, Phillip Obin said “Our people just want food on their table, shelter over their heads, clothing on their bodies, health care and education for their children and themselves...

“So the good legislator or the good minister is not the one who is weaving the law and procedure adoptions.

@jonnysleek claimed that the Mr. P just copied and paste the content from @elkrosmediahub “Copy and Paste Vibes Isonu”.

Sharing the pains of Nigerians on the Naira Scarcity, VP Osinbajo in a statement released earlier this week during his meeting with FinTechs said “In Abuja how do you take ‘drop or along’ or use a Keke NAPEP without cash, or buy foodstuff on the road or in canteens, or even buy recharge cards?

“Parents with kids in public schools give money daily to their children for lunch, most commerce is informal, so you need cash for most things”. The nation’s second-in-command observed some FinTechs have mobile money licenses and should be engaged immediately. He said many of them have micro-finance bank licenses and already have a network of mobile money agents or human banks or human ATMs, and should utilize as many of them as possible.

https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1520699-tweeps-school-p-square-asks-vp-osinbajo-stand/

In a church service laced with singing, & biblical ministrations, Nigerians from all walks of life joined Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and the family to celebrate the grace of God in the life of VP's mother, Mama Olubisi Osinbajo as she turns 90 today in Ebute-Meta, Lagos.

VP Osinbajo this afternoon inaugurates the APC Legal Compliance Committee for over 1400 elective offices at State & National 2023 elections urging members to be proactive, confident they are up to the task across the country, while recalling notable achievements of the APC led FG.

OSINBAJO COMMISSIONS ODU'A HOUSING ESTATE BUILT BY UK-BASED DIASPORANS HE INSPIRED TO INVEST IN NIGERIA

*VP speaks on solutions to Nigeria’s housing deficit

A group of UK-based Nigerian professionals and investors who are partnering with the Odu’a Investment Company Limited to build a big housing estate in Ibadan, say they were inspired to come home and invest at a meeting in London years ago with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, even as he details required steps to address Nigeria’s huge housing deficit.

The VP spoke at the commissioning of the Westlink Iconic Villa - a joint venture project of Odu’a Investment Company Limited and Chapter Four Estates Management Limited owned by UK-based Nigerians, on the requirements for addressing the housing deficit in Nigeria. He said a more lasting solution lies in ensuring adequate housing finance, affordable mortgages and available social housing.

“There is a significant housing deficit, 17 million, which should ordinarily be a major economic opportunity not just for house ownership but also for the many jobs and manufacturing opportunities that housing brings. The missing link is not the market, neither is it the number of ideas for private development. Housing finance, affordable mortgages and social housing are what we need,” the VP noted.

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said “every developed economy has had to grow, usually, with government support, mortgage schemes. What needs to be done is that government must provide the capital to derisk single digit mortgage lending by banks.”

Citing examples in the US where government-sponsored enterprises have been instrumental to the growth of the housing sector, the VP said “the role of government is crucial.”

On the Federal Government’s efforts aimed at addressing the deficit in the housing sector, the Vice President said “we started that process in our housing for jobs programme under the Economic Sustainability Plan. The Family Homes Fund was the arrowhead for the first phase.

“CBN was to provide the intervention fund for mortgage finance through the Family Homes Fund. We are still working on the programme but there must also be affordable private sector funding for housing.”

The Vice President recalled a meeting held with the group of UK-based Nigerians in March 2015. “I encouraged them (diaspora business persons) to bring their skills and capital back home and to partner with the incoming APC government to develop Nigeria.”

“After the event I had a discussion with one of the leaders of the group of business persons, Mr. Shams Ogumuyiwa, who expressed a keen interest in coming back to Nigeria to invest in real estate. Some time after that meeting he and others came together to develop this project,” the VP added.

A recorded video of the VP meeting the diasporans in 2015 in the UK, was played at the event.

Commending the Odu’a Investment Company Limited for the feat attained, the VP noted that “the future is bright, if we stick to the vision of providing derisking funds supported with development finance funding such as Odu’a’s.”

Prof. Osinbajo added that “though the road to raising capital was rough they (investors) kept at it through the years. But the breakthrough appears to have come by way of another great story. The Odu’a Investments Company Limited.”

The VP acknowledged the contributions of Nigerians in Diaspora in the project, noting that “…the Nigerian diaspora has a crucial role to play in the Nigerian economy.”

In separate remarks, the Odu’a Group Chairman, Mr Bimbo Ashiru and the MD of Chapter Four Estates Management Limited, Mr Shams Ogunmuyiwa - representing the diaspora investors, paid glowing tributes to Prof. Osinbajo for laying the foundation for the project.

According to Ashiru “the Vice President deserved to be celebrated for encouraging citizens in the diaspora to invest at home which resulted in this project. It was the VP’s interaction with four UK-based Odu’a citizens that motivated them and set in motion the investment into the project.”

On his part, Ogunmuyiwa recalled that “it started in 2015 when the Vice President came to the UK. Sir, you may not remember everybody who met with you, but those of us who met with you will never forget that situation.

“You promised that your government will make ease of doing business a priority. We thereafter had one on one chat, that meeting inspired what set us up on this trajectory.”

The first phase of the project comprises 67 housing units located in Alakia, New Ife Road, Ibadan. The second phase will have more than 200 units added.



Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
9th February, 2023


To read more on the Vice President's activities, please visit https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN attends as the Special Guest of Honor the 13th National Labour Congress Delegates Conference at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. 7th Feb, 2023.

OSINBAJO DISTURBED OVER DIFFICULTY IN GETTING NEW NAIRA NOTES, SEEKS HUMANE WAYS TO IMPLEMENT CURRENCY CHANGE

* People need cash daily, most commerce informal

*VP wants more engagement of FinTechs, mobile money agents in distribution

Worried by the difficulty experienced by Nigerians in getting the new naira notes, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN today met with some players in the FinTech space, exploring possible ways of mitigating the hardship.

Specifically, he urged regulators and the banks to deploy more FinTechs and money agents to the hinterlands to address the worrying situation.

According to the VP “you need cash to pay for transport. For instance, in Abuja how do you take ‘drop or along’ or use a Keke NAPEP without cash, or buy foodstuff on the road or in canteens, or even buying recharge cards?

"Parents with kids in public schools give money daily to their children for lunch, most commerce is informal, so you need cash for most things,” Prof. Osinbajo pointed out.

During the interactive session with a number of FinTech investors and ecosystem players, the Vice President said that the Central Bank of Nigeria and the commercial banks should work with all FinTechs that have mobile money agents, not just some of them, in order to reach the farthest places in the country.

According to him, “it seems to me that banks must engage their mobile money operators – FinTechs with mobile money licenses and many of them have micro-finance bank licenses now and already have a network of mobile money agents or human banks or human ATMs (as they are sometimes called) who are responsible to them and they can supervise by themselves. They can do currency swaps and open bank accounts.”

The VP spoke just as the President in a meeting with some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors at the Presidential Villa, assured the nation that the challenges are being addressed and would be solved very soon.

Speaking further about some of the concerns arising from the redesign of the new naira notes, the VP stated that “more disturbing is the fact that after depositing your old notes, there are no new notes, so people everywhere in the urban areas and rural areas simply have no money.”

The Vice President acknowledged that “there are logistical challenges that have to be addressed by the CBN and the banks, especially from the point of view of the average Nigerian and those in the hinterland who hardly use any electronic platforms.”

He also observed that while there has always been a certain failure rate in online banking and money transactions, they have become even more difficult now with the increase in the number of transactions congesting the system.

His words: “so where in the past you used POS or any of the electronic platforms, you had maybe 20%-30% failure rate, now because everyone is trying to get on those platforms, obviously, the failure rate is much more and the problems are much more pronounced.”

He thanked the participants at the meeting for their commitment and contributions, noting that “it has really been revealing hearing all your thoughts about what is going on, our country just simply needs to have the quality of advice that I have received, today.

“We really need to make progress even as we make efforts to deal with some of these issues confronting us today.”

In separate remarks, some of the players made valuable suggestions on how to address the current situation in the country and offered to support government at all levels with the required expertise to address bottlenecks associated with the problem.

They suggested that USSD fees and the cost of data be reduced, while regulators should remove floor prices and called for relieving choke points in online transactions by cutting out some of the technical procedures.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
3rd February, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwXiP-psE-A

El Rufai has clarified that Osinbajo is not part of the “Cabal” in the Villa working against APC.
First, it was Babatunde Raji Fashola and now Gov El-Rufai

OSINBAJO INAUGURATES SOKOTO-BASED ACADEMY FOR FEMALES, SAYS SOCIETIES ADVANCE WHEN GIRLS ARE EDUCATED


The education of young girls should not just be a top priority, our children must also be taught the highest standards of honesty, piety, and hard work, in order to build a healthier, happier and more prosperous society.

These views were expressed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, today at the virtual inauguration of the school-based Management Board of Adawiyya Girls Academy, Minannata community, in Sokoto State.

Acknowledging the brainchild of the Academy, Hajia Rabiatu Adawiyya, from whose name the school is endowed, Prof. Osinbajo noted that despite the fact that she did not undergo formal education, she “understood a reality that even the best minds are only just realizing, that when you educate a girl, you educate a whole society.”

The Adawiyya Girls Academy, established in collaboration with Text Foundation - a digital and foundational literacy nonprofit organisation - is a state-of-the-art school designed to provide high-quality education to young girls from less privileged backgrounds with modern education using advanced teaching tools.

A section of the school, which combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in its teaching curriculum, is dedicated to training women in entrepreneurship.

According to the Vice President, “ignorance has no benefit, ignorance is darkness but education is the bright light of knowledge that can help us to live healthier, happier and more prosperous lives.”

However, he added that “education is dangerous without morals and uprightness,” emphasizing that “we must teach our children the highest standards of honesty, piety, and hard work.

“I am glad that the students of Adawiyya Girls Academy Sokoto have this great opportunity of being offered both conventional and religious education using the most advanced modern teaching tools available in our time,” the VP observed.

Speaking further, Prof. Osinbajo said Rabiatu Adawiyya was passionate about the education of girls from less-privileged families.

“Her dream is today a reality and has started a movement that will bring about the education of millions of girls from poor families across Nigeria,” he stated.

He further observed that the people of the Minannata, a low-income community, understood the importance of education, adding that “education is the ladder by which even the poorest can climb to the top in the society, but the ladder of education is a special ladder, it is not only the educated person who climbs, their family members and others around them can learn from them and also begin to climb the ladder to the top.”

Acknowledging the school’s STEM-based approach, he noted that “a lot of thinking has gone into designing the curriculum for the school and we have ensured that we have the best teachers anywhere in the country.

“Technology and technology tools for teaching and learning are a fundamental part of our pedagogy. The school’s technology facilities are state-of-the-art and the school, in keeping with best practice, has an intentionally optimized teacher-to-student ratio,” he said.

The Vice President thanked the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the Mutawalle of Sokoto, for the consistent support he has given to the school, especially in enrolling the teachers of the school into the State Civil Service.

He also commended the leadership of the Minannata community, especially the traditional chiefs led by Maigirma Ardo, Alhaji Aminu Garba Riskuwa, for his selfless service to the people.

“The parents and guardians of the girls have also been outstandingly cooperative, in some cases their enthusiasm and commitment to the education of their children has gone perhaps even beyond the call of duty."

The VP mentioned the example of Malama Zali Bala, the mother of Hafsat Bala, "who when teased about having only female children, will point to examples of great women from within the community and express pride and hope that, with education, Hafsat will one day join that same league of great amazons.”

Prof. Osinbajo also highlighted other parents like the 68-year-old father of one of the pupils, Hauwau Muhammad Danchadi, who he noted enjoyed walking his daughter daily to and from the school.

He also recalled his own experience saying "I value education and one of the things I enjoyed then was taking my young daughters to school.”

The members of the School’s Management Board include the Vice Chancellor, Uthman Dan Fodio University (UDUS), Prof. Lawal Suleiman Bilbis (Chairman), who was represented by UDUS Deputy Vice Chancellor - Academics, Prof. Muhammed Mahuta; Dr. Balkisu Saidu (Representative of the Family & Vice-Chairman); and Dr. Muhammad Lawal Maidoki (Representative of Sokoto State Government).

Others are Alhaji Aminu Garba Riskuwa, Maigirma Ardon Minannata (Representative of Traditional Rulers); Abdullahi Muhammad Babangida (Representative of Community); Mrs. Rahimat AbdulMalik (Head Teacher & Representative of Parents/Teachers Association); and Mr. Enajiyerin Anthony Enajite (Representative of Text Foundation & Secretary of the Board).

Alongside members of the management board, those present at the virtual event included teachers, students, staff of the school, and traditional rulers, who joined in from the School’s environs.

In her remarks, Dr. Balkisu Saidu, who is also the daughter of the endower (Adawiyya), thanked the VP for his selfless service to humanity.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the Board, Mr. Enajite, thanked the Vice President for his dedication and expressed his delight in the ‘historic’ inauguration and education of young girls in the Academy, having grown up as a young boy in the same community.

“I also enjoyed the free education being given to these young girls as a young boy at the age of six through the benevolence of the Sokoto State government. Based on this, you could understand how I feel when I see these girls and this gesture by the community and Text Foundation,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers and the community, Alhaji Aminu Garba Riskuwa, thanked the Vice President for his support, noting that they will continue with their efforts towards ensuring the development of the school.

Laolu Akande,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity,
Office of the Vice President,
2nd February, 2023

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Media and Publicity to the President, Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande, has bagged a 2022 Special Recognition Award.

The Award of Excellence was presented to Akande in his office at the Statehouse, Abuja, on Friday, January 27, 2023, by the representative of the World of UItes, the largest e-community of the University of Ibadan (UI) Alumni group.
Akande, who is the spokesperson of Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is an alumnus of the prestigious Nigeria’s premier University, UI, graduating in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, from the Department of History in the Faculty of Arts, and later completed his Master’s degree from Communications and Language Arts (CLA) in 1992, also in UI from the same faculty.

A thoroughbred journalist, editor, and scholar, Akande started his journalism career in 1989, 34 years ago in Nigeria, and later travelled to the United States, where he lectured for over a decade as a professor.
Also, before being named as Spokesperson to the Vice President in 2015, there in the US, Akande had founded and reported for Empowered Newswire, a news agency based in the US, and was also a former North America Bureau Chief for The Guardian (Nigeria) in New York, United States.
As someone who developed a special interest in news gathering, Akande was a founding member of The News magazine team in 1993 as Senior Writer, and also Tempo publication, when the military government of the day headed by General Sani Abacha, banned The News for its staunch pro-democracy stance and reportage.

In 1995, he joined the Nigerian Tribune as a Special Projects Editor and later became the Editor of the Tribune on Saturday title of the oldest newspaper in Nigeria, making him the youngest newspaper editor at the time.

While in the United States, Akande worked with Newsday (of New York) as an assistant editor. He wrote regular columns for several prominent online platforms at the time, including the then 7th biggest US newspaper- Philadephia Inquirer. He also freelanced for the Philadelphia Daily News and The News Journal of Delaware.

Akande is regarded as the only Nigerian journalist to have interviewed a sitting American president in the White House when he interviewed former US President George W. Bush, at a White House African Reporters Roundtable. He has also interviewed prominent personalities, including Billionaire Bill Gates in New York on different occasions; immediate past US President Donald Trump; former US Secretary of State, Colin Powell; and Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka.
It was his interview with Soyinka that preceded the literary icon’s eventual exile after Nigeria’s military rulers then in power declared him wanted for his pro-democracy views.

In 2002, Akande also worked as a Press Officer at the United Nations Headquarters, in New York, where he was responsible for writing press releases on the proceedings of UN main bodies including the General Assembly, and covered press briefings at the UN, as well as other assignments for the UN’s Department of Public Information.
He also worked as a media consultant for the enunciation and implementation of a Communications and Advocacy Campaign strategy for the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, NEPAD.
In his relationship with his current principal, Akande is also very close to his direct boss, Vice President Osinbajo, both on a professional and personal level.
As his spokesperson, he also has the ears of the Vice President, as the VP regularly consults with him on a daily basis to seek his opinion on major issues of national and international interests.
Prof. Osinbajo trusts his judgement and invaluable experience as a thoroughbred professional. Suffice it to say that, you cannot work directly with a Professor of Evidence and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) if you don’t possess the requisite character, skills, expertise and gravitas for the job.
Akande is an inspiration to many professional journalists in Nigeria and abroad for his sterling qualities and professionalism.

https://thedailyleaks.com/laolu-akande-bags-2022-special-recognition-award/

VP receives Methodist delegation, Northern group at Presidential Villa

*Archbishop to VP: “we salute your visionary leadership, integrity, doggedness”

*Northern group says Osinbajo has “so much more to contribute, name written in gold”

Nigerian elites from the political, religious to business leaders, all good people and individuals with a vision must come together to make a great difference for Nigeria.

This was the central message Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN delivered in separate meetings today at the Presidential Villa first with the new Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, the Most Revd. Michael Akinwale and the leadership of the Northern Reawakening Forum led by Hon. Mohammed Kumalia.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, “the elite (religious, political, business) in this country have the same hopes and aspirations. But it is to this elite that the future of this country has been entrusted. It is what this elite does that will make a difference in the lives of the rest of the nation.”

The VP further noted that “I think that the church has a great responsibility indeed,” adding that “Christ said that we are the salt of the earth, the light of the world.”

According to the VP, “the first point of call is how the faith itself responds to the problems of the country. How does Christianity, how does the gospel respond to the problems of the society?”

“Once the religious elite accept that people can do whatever they like, enrich themselves in whatever way they wish, then it becomes the culture of society and everybody accepts it as such,” he added.

He thanked the Methodist Church for its prayers for peaceful coexistence in Nigeria noting that, “we are always very mindful of the fact that this country is upheld by prayers. There is no question at all that without prayers, we may not be where we are today. So, none of us is under the illusion that a country can survive without the prayers and supplications of the saints.”

He prayed that the Archbishop’s tenure will be of tremendous benefit to the people of Abuja and the country at large.

Earlier in his remarks, Archbishop Akinwale commended the Vice President for his “solidarity which you have always shown with the Christian community. We are also here to salute your visionary leadership, Godly character in governance, your Christian virtue which you have demonstrated over the years, your integrity in enhancing and sustaining the credibility of the Christian faith, your doggedness and commitment and tenacity of purpose.

“We have come to declare peace upon this land and our support for this government. We are convinced that as a church, our main duty is to continue to pray for our country. We are here to assure you that as a church we will continue to pray for the peace of this nation.”

Other members of the delegation include the Archbishop’s wife, Mrs Mopelola Akinwale, Sir Kayode Beckley (Rtd) KJW, Very Rev. Noble Azuonye, Very Rev. Dr. Friday Iroegbu, Very Rev. Dr. Engr. Vincent Asuquo amongst others.

In the meeting with the leadership of the Northern Reawakening Forum, the VP while affirming his belief “in the development of Northern Nigeria as being central to the development of Nigeria,” noted that “in the years that I have been here (in office), it is evident to me that this country has talents from everywhere.”

Continuing, he said “we have sound people in every state. People who are as brilliant as anybody anywhere in the world.

“We have also seen the necessity of building a safe, secure and economically inclusive Northern Nigeria and Nigeria and how that needs to happen. The last few years have shown us that this country is not just about North and South.

“It is about good people, individuals across this country who have a vision for this country. And that like minds across regions, across states must come together to do something about our country.

“We have been able to demonstrate time and time again that this country must benefit from all its talents and from its diversity. What this country needs is like minds across faith and states who have the vision of seeing that this country works,” Prof. Osinbajo added.

On his part, Hon. Kumalia noted that the visit was to strengthen the relationship between the group and VP, noting that “we want to continue to have this strategic relationship with you not only by virtue of your office but your person because we believe that there is so much that you can still contribute to nation building.”

He added that the VP “contributed so much to the development of this country but I want to assure you that you are not done with us yet, what you have done is noted and written in gold and we believe that you have a lot more to contribute.

“We congratulate you on your foray into politics and came here to encourage you to remain steadfast, stand for what you believe in and continue to pursue whatever objectives you set to achieve.”

Other members of the Northern Reawakening Forum at the meeting included the Forum’s Vice Chairman, Hon. Tajudeen Dantata; members of the Forum’s executive council, Hajiya Hauwa Abbas; Mr Iliya Stephen Mshelizah, and Jack Yakubu Pam, among others.

The Forum is made up of professionals, politics and business people from the North.



Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
19th January 2023