₦airaland Forum

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN and his wife, Her Excellency Dolapo Osinbajo, have congratulated His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, on his 60th birthday today and his 5th coronation anniversary.

In a personally signed statement, the Vice President wrote:

"Your Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, CFR, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland:

“Kabiyesi, Dolly and I join you, the family, friends and all Remo people at home and abroad in thanking and praising God today on your 60th Birthday and 5th Coronation Anniversary.

“Your reign has brought vision and purpose to Remo Kingdom. Sons and daughters of Remo now see a clear pathway to unity, prosperity and peaceful co-existence with all.

“We pray that God will grant you many more years on the throne in good health and joy, and that you will see the abundant fruits of your excellent leadership in Jesus name. Amen."

Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
5th December 2022

*Adds: We must teach children early about integrity, that corruption destroys

With an all-of-society approach, Nigerians must shun the disaster of corruption, embrace honesty and unite to build a great country, because integrity and trustworthiness are vital attributes for success, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today at the official launch of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) Integrity and Zero Tolerance Manual for school clubs, which held at the Model Secondary School Maitama, Abuja.

The VP praised the initiative as “a recognition that integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, are crucial individual and collective attributes for successful people and communities. Every corrupt act is not just a crime, it is a crime against society and even children yet unborn.”

Prof. Osinbajo noted that the establishment of the Integrity clubs is “a vital step in finally achieving this milestone in the building of the future against the disaster of corruption.”

He described the initiative as visionary and timely because “we must develop an anti-corruption army.

“That army is waiting in our schools, and we must teach them early that corruption is the worst destroyer of destinies and people, and we must fight it as you fight a mortal enemy in war.”

Speaking at the event which attracted dignitaries and members of the club in the school, the Vice President noted that the establishment of EFCC Integrity clubs in schools across the country was important because it embodies the values of honesty and hard work toward national development.

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo stated that “every public officer who steals, robs the Nigerian society of funds for health care, education etc,” adding that “we must become policemen against corruption and wrongdoing; whether it is a member of government or a shop assistant or your friend in class who is cheating, because they destroy our reputation.”

Emphasizing the need for integrity in society and for all Nigerians to project the right values, Prof. Osinbajo observed that if the country’s reputation was deemed poor by others, “it will affect all of us.”

According to him, Nigerians, especially the youth, must discard the false notion that “we can get ahead by cheating, or stealing whether in public or private life,” noting that “there are always consequences for wrongdoing."

The VP also observed that “the greatest challenge which we face currently is how to safeguard the youth from the ethical crisis and confusion confronting our nation, and the error of thinking that there will be no consequence for defrauding others, your employers or the government.

“The reason why people may believe these false notions is that there seem to be many in our society whose wealth cannot be explained, many even among the young who live by defrauding others.”

Emphasising further, the Vice President noted that “it is an error to think that corruption pays.

“Many societies in the world were where we are today, but soon, they realized that no society can survive by dishonesty, greed and theft. The society will eventually collapse. What those societies did was take an all-of-society approach to fight dishonesty.

“The other fact is that many who think they can get away with corruption, are often surprised that the long arm of the law, even if sometimes slow will eventually catch up with the criminal.

“There is no time bar or statute of limitation against a crime. A man who steals this year can be arrested in 10 years’ time for his crimes, so when you steal, you cannot sleep with both eyes closed,” he said.

Commending the dynamic Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, for the worthy initiative (Integrity and Zero Tolerance against corruption), the Vice President recalled his personal journey in the advocacy for integrity in Nigeria.

“Sometime last year, the EFCC chairman while sharing one of his many ideas on anti-corruption strategies with me, told me about the plan for Integrity clubs in schools across the nation.

“I told him my own journey in the advocacy for integrity in Nigeria. How in 1995, I co-founded the organisation, Integrity, in Nigeria with Mr. Soji Apampa. Out of it came the Convention on Business Integrity. One of the programs of that organisation, Integrity. was the establishment of Integrity clubs in schools. But we never quite achieved it.

“This is why I feel a deep attachment to this project and I'm particularly pleased that I'm able to witness the launch of the Operations Manual for Integrity and Zero Tolerance Clubs"

The event also featured a welcome address by the EFCC Chairman; as well as goodwill messages from several government agencies and representatives of the National Assembly namely the Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Suleiman Kwari; the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, Abdullahi Ibrahim Dutse; and the Chairman, House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Nicholas Sule.

There were also representatives from the Governors’ Forum, Diplomatic Corps, development partners and Civil Society Organisations, as well as school principals from FCT Government Secondary Schools.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
29th November, 2022

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, departs Abuja today embarking on the first high-level visit to Canada since 2000 when then President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the North American nation.

The visit will deepen diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Canada as Prof. Osinbajo will meet the Canadian Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, and other top parliamentarians and members of the Canadian government in Ottawa, tomorrow.

During the 3-day visit, issues and events around educational collaboration, technology, creative industry and climate justice among others, will also feature.

For instance, the Vice President will give a public lecture at the Queen's University in Kingston on Wednesday. Established in 1841, Queen’s University is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive academic institutions and is famous for its role in advancing the goals of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Earlier, he will be received at the Ontario-based Carleton University, which has significant engagements and collaborations with some institutions in Nigeria, with ongoing efforts to deepen the mutual relationships around issues including research and curriculum development.
Nigeria and Canada have over the years maintained cordial bilateral relationships. Indeed, Nigeria is Canada's largest trading partner in Africa and both countries also have a Bi-National Commission, the only one of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

While in Canada, the Vice President will also meet with the leadership of the Nigerian community, including from Nollywood and notable Canadian government officials with Nigerian origin.

He will also meet with representatives of the Canadian business community and investors especially from the creative industry and technology.

The VP is expected back in Abuja later in the week.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
20th November 2022

With the different challenges in the West African sub-region including the undemocratic takeover of governments, the Economic Community of West African States has done well, rising to the occasion and for this, ECOWAS ought to be proud.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN expressed this view today while receiving a delegation of the ECOWAS Commission led by its new President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, at the Presidential Villa. He noted that ECOWAS has been stepping up to the plate, dealing with the challenges of upholding democracy, ensuring peace, security and maintaining stability in the region.

According to the VP, he is “proud of the way that ECOWAS has risen to its responsibilities. ECOWAS has always stepped up to the plate in every single situation where there are coups, our voices (member countries) have been united and strong”

He added that the hard work of ECOWAS is seen “in the transitions going on (in different countries that experienced coups) and the seriousness with which the rest of the world takes what ECOWAS says today.”

Speaking on the objectives that guide the activities of ECOWAS, Prof. Osinbajo stated that “we share the same objectives of shared prosperity, deeper integration, peace and security, inclusive and sustainable development.

“These objectives are very important and peace and security are obviously crucial to us. It is a challenge we face today all over the sub-region and especially in the Sahel.”

The Vice President acknowledged that “as a nation, a people and as a sub-region, we share so much in common and we have every tool it takes to resolve our problems.”

Regarding ECOWAS’s engagement on a global stage, Prof. Osinbajo stated that it is imperative to reiterate that opinions from the African Continent, especially the regional bloc of West Africa must be heard at all times and considered when decisions are being made.

According to him, “it is very important for us to emphasize to our partners at all times, our points of view must not only be heard but must be taken into account in decision-making.

“Whether it is trade or even the ongoing discussions around climate change and what we should do about adaptation and mitigation, our points of view must be taken into account because they are crucial in decision making.”

Prof Osinbajo added that for this to happen, member countries within ECOWAS need to “speak for us as a regional bloc” and there should be “readiness to take joint action to achieve our common objectives because the successes we have seen so far are the successes that have come out of our cooperation and collaboration from all our member states.”

On the need to have stronger institutions in member countries for dealing with internal pressures, Prof Osinbajo noted that “what we are concerned with today are problems that are not only local but also global.

“There is so much we have to do in common and work together to achieve. We need for our institutions to be strong to represent us, our points of view and also to be trusted by the people so that they are more efficient and effective.”

In his own remarks, Dr. Alieu Touray thanked the Vice President and the government for the support given to ECOWAS. He recognized the leadership role Nigeria plays in the region, pledging to work very closely with the government for the benefit of the community.

His words: “we are committed to serving the community and we are confident that with the type of support Nigeria gives to ECOWAS institutions, we will excel in delivering our mandate.”

Other members of the delegation include Prof Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, Commissioner of Internal Services and Hon. Abdou Kolley, Chief of Staff to the President.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
10th November 2022

NESG to VP: You have done a fantastic job on Ease of Doing Business Reforms

Ahead of next week’s Nigerian Economic Summit, an annual event where the public and private sector stakeholders deliberate on developmental issues, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, says, focusing on far pressing national issues should be the objective of the meeting this year.

“Sometimes we talk about a lot of important things, but there are pressing, immediate things with significance for the future,” Prof Osinbajo told a delegation of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) who met with him today at the Presidential Villa.

The NESG team briefed the VP on the agenda, particularly the theme of the 28th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES), '2023 and Beyond: Priorities for Shared Prosperity', scheduled for the 14th and 15th of November, 2022.

The VP said “I am always concerned we don’t allow very many issues to obscure the more important issues that confront us today so that we leave the Summit with a clearer view on how we can resolve the pressing issues.”

Continuing, the Vice President said “for example, how do we tackle the rising inflation and the exchange rate instability? I really think we should spend more time focusing on the primary issues of inflation and exchange rate control.”

Stating the significance of the private sector’s perspective to macroeconomic issues, the VP said “it is very important to always note what you (private sector experts) think are the main concerns today especially about macroeconomics and how to deal with the issues. What the private sector thinks about how we can resolve some of these issues is important.”

Acknowledging the contributions of the NESG to economic development over the years, the VP said “I strongly believe in the objectives of the NESG, it has contributed a lot to how the public sector thinks through policies and has provided that forum for public sector accountability.”

“The NESG has also been very useful in educating the private sector about the processes of running a complex system such as the one that we have. It has been a very useful synergy between the public and the private sector,” the VP added.

In his remarks, Chairman of the NESG Board, Mr Asue Ighodalo, who led the delegation, commended the Vice President’s coordination that produced great results in the ease of doing business, noting that “you have done a fantastic job on ease of doing business, regardless of the challenges that we are confronted with today.”

He reiterated the commitment of the group to collaborate more with the public sector and expressed optimism that despite the challenges, “this government can still do much more before it leaves. At the NESG, we believe that the next six months are very critical.”

The 28th NES will feature President Muhammadu Buhari, the VP and other leaders from the public and private sectors, sharing thoughts on visionary leadership and inclusive growth, among other topics.

Other members of the NESG delegation included its CEO, Mr Laoye Jaiyeola; Member, NESG Board, Mr Nnanna Ude; Co-Chair (Public Sector) – 28th NES Joint Planning Committee, Mr Felix Okonkwo, and Co-Chair (Private Sector), 28th NES Joint Planning Committee, Mrs. Ijeoma Taylaur, among others.




Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
8th November 2022

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

ALL Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s selection of former Governor of Senator Kashim Shettima on a Muslim-Muslim ticket has set the former Lagos State Governor on collision course with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was said to have warned that such an adoption would not augur well both for the party and the country.
A Presidency source disclosed yesterday that Osinbajo had expressed serious objection to the adoption of a Muslim-Muslim ticket.



“Professor Osinbajo is opposed to this thing announced on Sunday, and his objections are well known both to the party and even the flagbearer himself,” the source said, adding that  the VP opposed a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2014 even before what later turned out as his own eventual nomination as VP.
Then he was reported to have explained to Tinubu that a Muslim-Muslim ticket would simply isolate Christians. Later the then APC flagbearer, President Buhari, also shared that position and rejected overtures to name Tinubu as his running mate after emerging as the presidential candidate.


The informed source said that recently, Osinbajo counselled APC chieftains and Tinubu to avoid an unbalanced ticket, arguing that such would simply be untenable and an unnecessary risk.
said the source: “The VP explained the logic, fairness and justice of a balanced ticket is unassailable. The argument that merit should be considered above a Muslim- Christian balance presents a false choice. It is not one or the other. You can get all the merit you want in a balanced ticket.

“The VP said anything short of a balanced ticket creates a needless tension and further aggravates some of the country’s fault-lines. But a balanced ticket certainly sends a positive signal.”
As political tensions brewed, fresh talks of political realignments were already buzzing since after the announcement on Sunday as some other registered parties are said to be making plans to build a new coalition with Vice President Osinbajo in what is seen as an opportunity to offer a credible and faith-balanced option in next year’s presidential election. A source said a meeting to explore such a possibility is now in the works.

“APC may have shot itself on the foot with this kind of ticket, and the tensions going on in the party and the country since the announcement was made is a bad thing,” the source said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/07/osinbajo-tinubu-on-collision-course-over-muslim-muslim-ticket/

*VP explains FG’s interventions in nutrition and food systems

*Congratulates Duchess International Hospital on first anniversary


Beyond physical safety, securing the livelihoods of Nigerians was a guiding principle of the Buhari administration’s policy and interventions in nutrition and food related issues, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Thursday when he was honoured with the Award of ‘National Nutrition Vanguard’ by the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) in a brief ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The award, according to the NSN, was in recognition of VP’s outstanding and immense “contribution to national development and particularly nutrition development in Nigeria.”

“Your Excellency, under your leadership as the Chairman of the National Nutrition Council, the Council has provided the purposeful direction in the nutrition landscape in the country as well as increase the visibility of the council in national development,” according to Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, former Kano State Deputy Governor and a member of the NSN Board of Trustees, who read the citation.

The society, according to Abubakar, noted 12 major achievements recorded in the food systems space under the Vice President’s leadership. Some of them include:


*Approval of the National Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (NMPFAN) in Nigeria by the Federal Executive Council

*High level support for the Nigeria Food System Dialogue leading to the development of a food system transformation pathways

*The approval for the establishment of nutrition departments in all relevant MDAs

*High level engagement of the Nigeria Governors Forum for increase in funding for nutrition at State level

*Creation of the Technical Advisory Group for the support and guided implementation of NCN decisions, and

*Improvement in the funding for nutrition activities both at Federal and State levels, among others

Accepting the award, Prof. Osinbajo said “we decided as a government to do a lot more work in the area of nutrition and one of the major issues for us was the consideration that, the most important task for government was the security of lives and property of the citizens. Security, of course, in terms of physical security but perhaps more, in terms of lives and livelihoods, because really what is the point of providing any physical security for somebody who dies of hunger or who is about to die of hunger.

“So, I think, for us this was so important that we should dedicate time and attention to food security and of course, nutrition.”

Continuing, the VP said “our work on Human Capital Development which we have done through the National Economic Council and our work in the area of nutrition, through the National Council on Nutrition, is one that we think, we have developed synergy and it is very important that we maintain that synergy. It speaks to our responsibility to the country and our responsibility to the people.”

Thanking the Nutrition Society of Nigeria for the honour, the Vice President dedicated the award to all stakeholders in the nutrition and food systems space, noting that “it (the award) was not expected because a lot of what I have been achieved was in the course of doing the work for which one was elected.

“But I deeply appreciate this award and I also dedicate the award to all of us including yourself, all of us who worked diligently but silently in the nutrition and food systems space, who are hardly ever acknowledged or hardly ever noticed.”

He commended the NSN for its steadfastness and contributions to the advancement of the food systems space in Nigeria over the years.

His words: “If we did not have the NSN, we would not have made the advancement or achievements that we have made. It is your advocacy over the years that has led to the point where government could not ignore the nutrition space at all.”

The VP urged the society to expand its scope of collaboration with government to cover more areas, citing ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, through the Homegrown School Feeding Programme, as an example.

Earlier, the President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Wasiu Akinloye Afolabi gave an update on the society’s activities over the years and presently under his leadership.

Prof. Afolabi said the society was currently supporting the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry with the implementation of the school feeding programme especially by enhancing the quality of meals served under the scheme.

Besides the President of NSN, Prof. Afolabi, and BOT member, Abubakar, other members of the delegation included, past President of the society, Dr Bartholomew Brai; members of the NSN Council, Mr Patrick Ogbonna; Dr Maimuna Ladidi; and Dr Salisu Abubakar. Others include Fellows of the Council, Dr Davis Omotola, Dr Victor Ajieroh and the NSN Abuja Chapter Chairperson, Dr Florence Uchendu.

In another development, Prof. Osinbajo has congratulated the management of the Duchess International Hospital on its first anniversary, affirming that “has proved to be world class, both in the quality of its medical personnel and management, and is living up to its mission”.

According to the VP in a recorded message “it’s already a year since we were there to commission the Duchess International Hospital. I didn’t know I would actually end up being a patient at the duchess a few months later to test the accuracy of my rather generous praise of the hospital. So, be careful when you praise a hospital”.

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said “not only did I undergo an orthopaedic surgery in one of the state-of-the-art theatres there, but I spent a whole week on admission, post-surgery, in perhaps one of the most comfortable hospital accommodations anywhere in the world.

“So, I am possibly the best person to confirm that the Duchess Hospital has proved to be world class, both in the quality of its medical personnel and its management, and that it is living up to its mission.

“I like the way they put it (mission) - to reverse medical tourism by delivering the highest standards of care, using the most advanced technology and treatments to give the fastest, most convenient access to the best medical expertise available anywhere in the world.”

It would be recalled that several months after inaugurating the hospital in Lagos, the VP returned to the same facility to undergo a successful surgery on his right femur.




Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
3rd November 2022


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

*Highlights gains in the sector, including a world-class gold mine in Osun State

*Says FG will break the Ajaokuta jinx, as transaction adviser been named towards concession of steel company

A fully developed mines and steel sector will not only surpass other sectors of the economy in terms of export earnings, it will also create more lucrative jobs and opportunities for many Nigerians, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today at the opening of the 6th Edition of the Nigerian Mining Week in Abuja, where he represented President Muhammadu Buhari as the Special Guest of Honour.

He said the steel sector "will stimulate industrial growth as a local source of raw materials and improve the quality of lives in rural communities.

Assuring of government’s commitment to support mining activities towards shared prosperity for the Nigerian people, the VP observed that the event was “a very significant complement to our vision and sustained effort to accelerate the growth of the mining sector as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic diversification programme.”

“This is why the Federal Government will continue to intensify its regulatory and supervisory role in ensuring that mining is held to the highest standards of sustainable development and intergenerational equity,” the VP added.

Prof. Osinbajo observed that "the mining sector has always needed a transformational leap to contribute meaningfully to the envisioned economic growth of the country, because, despite the glorious contribution of the mining sector to our national economy in the past and the abundance of mineral resources found in almost every state of the Federation, the growth of the sector stagnated for many years especially since the early 1970s. And there have been many notable efforts by previous administrations to wake up the sleeping giant that is the mining industry.”

Speaking further, he added that the Buhari administration’s commitment towards developing the country’s steel sector has continued to record significant gains over the years.

“We are proud that the indices of development in the sector are rapidly changing. Part of these is the increased revenue generation and, of course, the unprecedented investment interest that the industry has attracted in the past few years.

For instance, the VP noted that “Nigeria, for the first time, has a world-class gold mine in Segilola, Osun State, operated by Thor Exploration, while Eta Zuma Mining and Industries Limited and Mosra Enerji Limited are mining and supplying the coal needs of Dangote and Bua Cement factories.”

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said, “in the steel industry, African Natural Resources and Mines limited, owners of the Kagarko Integrated Steel plant, is about to produce liquid steel from its iron ore mine in Kaduna State.

“Several other investors are at different stages of mine development in various parts of the country, and these strategic milestones will hopefully catalyse more mining investment in the country.”

The Vice President emphasized that the development of the steel sector remains a huge priority for the administration.

According to him “our vision for an industrialised nation cannot be achieved without a vibrant steel sector. We understand the huge demand for steel and iron in our domestic markets and across the sub-region. This is why we prioritized the resolution of all the issues constraining the full operation of the Ajaokuta Steel company.

“To this end, a transaction adviser has been appointed to concession the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Nigerian Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe. The selection process is ongoing. Our commitment is to break the jinx and actualise the dream of a vibrant steel sector.”

He disclosed that since the Administration came into office in 2015, it has “intentionally prioritised the development of the country's mineral resources as one of the frontiers for economic growth.

“This led to the comprehensive Roadmap for the Growth and Development of the Nigerian Mining Sector and we have steadily followed the steps set out in the roadmap. So far, we can say without fear of contradiction that this administration has committed more resources to the development of the mining sector than any other government in the history of this country,” the Vice President said.

While he noted that “government will continue to intensify its regulatory and supervisory role in ensuring that mining is held to the highest standards of sustainable development and intergenerational equity,” the Vice President urged for more responsibility and accountability from public and private sector entities to ensure sustainable development and mitigate the effects of climate change.

“The extraction of mineral commodities entails considerable impact on land, water, air and other environmental assets that are central to human living, both now and in the future. The painful experience of the negative impact of oil and gas exploitation in the Niger Delta cannot be ignored. Therefore, all operators in the mining sector are obliged by law ethics, and our responsibility for the future, to ensure that proper environmental, social and governance principles are practiced in the sector,” he said.

Noting some of the milestones recorded by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Prof. Osinbajo also commended the efforts of the Minister, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, and other stakeholders in providing a conducive environment for investment.

The VP also noted that the organisation of informal miners into productive work groups is another landmark activity for the Ministry.

“The Ministry has increased the formalisation of mining activities and stimulated downstream development by the establishment of a gemstones and Jewellery Marketing Centre in Oyo State, Gold Ore processing plant in Kogi State, a Gold Souk in Kano State, and the construction of a Barite plant in Cross River State, as well as Kaoline plant in Bauchi State and a Lead/Zinc processing plant in Ebonyi State.”

He added that the "aim of these clusters is to provide direct and indirect economic opportunities for many Nigerians,” the VP added.

In his remarks, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, noted that environmental impact was critical in sustainable mineral development.

He said, “Government has maintained a consistent environmental surveillance and green mining practices to ensure minimum damage to the environment. The Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) has been strengthened and the Ministry is keeping constant dialogue with committees in almost all the states of the country.

“The Committees have the responsibility of monitoring mining activities in the states including addressing issues of compensation and community relations.”

At the event, the Vice President also commissioned the on-line innovation, the Electronic Mining Cadastre Plus of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office.

The VP was then accompanied by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, as well as the Minister of State, Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, round the exhibition stands, where he interacted and engaged with the participants and exhibitors.

Dignitaries at the event included Senator Tanko Al-Makura who represented the Senate President, among others.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
1st November, 2022

Osinbajo presides over National Council on Skills meeting


To effectively close the skills gap in Nigeria, the Federal Government will collaborate more with the private sector, especially in the relevant policy formation process and the management of skills centres in the country.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this Monday at the meeting of the National Council on Skills, where it was resolved to give more roles to the Organized Private Sector (OPS) as a means to closing the skills gap in the country.

Based on the approval of the Council, the organized private sector represented by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, among other groups, will be integrated in the activities of the NCS.

The meeting chaired by the VP also resolved to, among other things, encourage the establishment of State Councils on Skills to complement and replicate efforts made at the national level, in order to deeply tackle the issue of skills gap across the country.

At the Council meeting, Prof. Osinbajo said that it was clear the private sector has critical roles to play in resuscitating many of the skills centres across the country, stating that the sector is better positioned to determine the needs of industries.

The VP emphasized the point about creating opportunities for digital skills acquisition as well as other relevant skills across different sectors, also with the active collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“This can be achieved by collaborating with private sector stakeholders to, among other things, get accurate data on the skills gap in the country and how to better address it.

“The establishment and running of the various skills centres should be private sector driven, it shouldn’t be left to the government alone to manage. The industry players know where the gaps exist.”

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje also shared lessons learnt from operationalization of the Kano State Skills Acquisition Centre in collaboration with the Dangote Foundation to back up the resolution.

According to him, “the Skills Acquisition Centre is being managed in collaboration with the Dangote Foundation, as a good example of collaboration with the private sector. The objective was to ensure that it is run on a sustainable basis.”

Council also approved the adoption of the revised Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), presented by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, to have a more standardized framework for the certification of skills in the country.

The Council among others also endorsed the report of the inter-ministerial team on training of youths on relevant trades/skills, especially the sub-committees’ proposals on Training Module; Building and Works; Information Technology; Agriculture; Automobile Servicing, and Basic Management and Accounting.

Besides the VP and the Kano State Governor, other members of Council present at the meeting were Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Umar Kadafur; Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige; Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Henry Ikoh, the representatives of the Head of Service of the Federation, and the Minister of Communications & Digital Economy, among others.




Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
31st October 2022

While there is room for political realignment, any talk of forgiveness between the VP and Asiwaju is both an insult and a provocation that the OSM will not take lying low. This is the view of the Osinbajo Support Movement through her national coordinator, Mr Liberty Badmus in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja.

Osinbajo Support Movement in response to a group of persons who in Kano went to declare their support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu noted that they should be counted out of plea for forgiveness.

According to Osinbajo Support Movement (OSM), its attention has been called to a news report in Vanguard newspaper where a fellow and his co-travelers in declaring his support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu begged for forgiveness of the candidate for our principal as well as members of the support groups during the primaries of the party.

The group, in its statement noted that the representation of the support group in question do not speak for the coalition of all Support Groups that rooted for the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo in the buildup of APC Presidential Primary.

"While the OSM welcomes the need for the APC flagbearer and other presidential aspirants to come together, the group rejects the use of the word "forgiveness" and the implications attached to it."

"We note just like the flagbearer stated that both the VP and himself have met at least twice since after the primaries, any attempt to take a revisionist perspective by insinuating that an offence had been committed because a sitting VP decided to run for the Office of President is an unmitigated insult, completely unnecessary and such narratives ought to be totally discouraged."

"We recall that a meeting of APC Elders in the Southwest ahead of the primaries where the aspirants had resolved the issue concluding that all the aspirants had the right to contest. It is the spirit of that meeting that should be maintained not a derogatory effort which undercuts the solidarity required to take both the flagbearer and the aspirants including the VP forward."

The group said support of everyone was appreciated and their new political choice is respected, but will not accept a situation where every group or individuals in the Vice President’s camp will be forced and classified into this self serving agenda.

“Everyone who supported the Vice President has the right to support whoever they wish after the primary, and Vice President Osinbajo has made it clear that people are free to support the party’s candidate but no one should however ridicule us and our principal by going to beg for forgiveness,” the statement added.

The group also noted that, "Nigeria runs a democratic democracy, and approves anyone within the legal ambit of our laws (constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the APC constitution) to seek to be elected for President and other elective offices as so desired”.

“For the umpteenth time, we state that His Excellency, the Vice President has not committed any crime or offended anyone by seeking to serve his country in the capacity of President.”

"We wish to call on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to face his campaign and ignore elements who want to want to benefit from him by regularly invoking Osinbajo. Osinbajo has since moved on and he is vigorously facing the task of nation building for which he was elected Vice President", said Mr Badmus.

POLITICAL OFFICE IS ABOUT SERVICE TO MILLIONS, NOT PRESTIGE, SAYS OSINBAJO AT GOV GANDUJE’S BOOK LAUNCH

Holding political office is more of an opportunity to serve and positively impact the lives of millions of people, rather than the prestige that comes with the position, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the launch of the book titled "Deputising and Governance in Nigeria" by the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

It was an occassion where the roles of a deputy to an elected public official, especially Vice Presidents and Deputy Governors, came under public searchlight with remiscences from former President Goodluck Jonathan, Prof. Osinbajo, the author himself and his deputy, Alhaji Nasir Gawuna.

“A thought that runs through the book is that despite the put-downs of the office, being political number 2 is important because the political office is about the lives of millions of people not just about the prestige of office,” the Vice President stated.

But he added that “in our Constitutional Democracy, the effectiveness of the number 2, the Vice President, depends a great deal on the trust reposed in him by the President. That is a function of loyalty and it goes both ways as Umar Ganduje points out in his book.”

The Vice President further highlighted that the importance of dedication, loyalty and service in political office on governance.

Describing the relationship between him and his boss - President Muhammadu Buhari, as ideal and exemplary, the VP noted that he has been “more fortunate than others in my relationship with my principal, Mr. President.”

According to the VP, the President “genuinely believes in the role of the Vice President.

“When he was leaving on medical leave, the second time, there were a few things that were outstanding to send to him, and he said, “I don’t want you to send me anything, it is your job now, just make sure you do a good job.”

“As former President Jonathan said, of his relationship with late Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the President does not expect me to call him when he is away, he expects that I know what to do and should do it.

“Indeed, once when I called him, he said, “Professor, I am on leave, you are supposed to do your job. Do whatever you want to do, when I come back, we will discuss it.” And that is the way we have always related. I think that is ideal, and I recommend it to principals everywhere.”

While the VP noted the analogy of the spare trye widely used to describe the role of the deputy to the President, he explained that a better description would be that of the relationship between a captain of a flight and his deputy.

His words: “imagine a commercial flight with people, including yourself on a plane, there is the captain, and then there is his deputy. The captain flies the plane, but no human being can be completely focused for several hours. So, sometimes he gets up and goes to the bathroom, while the flight is on, his deputy had better be a good pilot otherwise lives are at risk.

“Can you imagine a situation where the captain leaves the cockpit briefly and you hear an announcement from the cockpit, “ladies and gentlemen, I am the deputy to the captain, the captain is in the restroom, and I am only a spare tyre and I am not sure what to do now?” If you are on that plane you will ask God for forgiveness, for expecting that a deputy or vice plays no role.”

Referencing Governor Ganduje to further emphasize the important role of deputies, the VP noted that, “the deputy or vice must be up to the task every day. He must be the most hardworking in the government, bringing his own skills and talents in representing the principal as efficiently and effectively as possible every single day."

Noting that unlike deputy governors, he added that Vice Presidents have a few more well-defined constitutional roles.

“The Vice President is the chair of NEC, the monthly meeting of 36 governors, the Chair of the National Planning Commission, the Chair of the National Council on Privatization, the Chair of several boards and also deputy of several other official bodies.

Prof. Osinbajo observed that the book was “full of wisdom and wit from a practical politician and erudite social scientist, Governor Umar Ganduje.”

In the VP’s words, Governor Ganduje was “worth studying not because he has always succeeded politically, but because he failed many times, yet he always knew how to lose and not get lost.”

As Prof. Osinbajo observed, Governor Ganduje had first-hand knowledge and experience to write on such an important subject of ‘Deputising and Governance in Nigeria’, having served as deputy before becoming governor himself.

“More importantly, on the subject of deputizing, no one has his experience. He has been deputy governor twice. Except perhaps, His Excellency, former President Goodluck Jonathan. Governor Ganduje is one of the few who from being deputy governor, became governor and he is perhaps the only governor who has now put forward his deputy to succeed him,” he said.

He further noted that it was rare for a politician to write a book that is not about himself or herself and their great achievements.

"This book is not about Ganduje and his achievements, it is more a textbook on governance and politics. And we have heard this most eloquently from Prof. Jega, the book reviewer today, it contains important nuggets on those two subjects.

The VP also disclosed that "in my very early interactions with him, and there have been many, I found that Umar Ganduje is probably one of the wittiest, most cerebral and most humorous politicians that you could ever found. I always find his views incredibly witty and perceptive. I thought it would be interesting to have his thoughts in writing somewhere. If you are looking for a deep, witty, unforgettable analysis of a subject, you have your man.”

Prof. Osinbajo then recommended the book “to everyone, not just politicians but anyone who has any kind of interest in good governance.”

Aside from the Vice President, other dignitaries at the event included former President Goodluck Jonathan; the APC vice-presidential candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima, who represented the party’s Presidential Flagbearer; Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno State; Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara State, among others.



Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
25th October, 2022

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

OSINBAJO LAUNCHES SPECIAL AGRO-INDUSTRIAL ZONE PROGRAMME, SAYS AGRIC SECTOR TURNAROUND IN SIGHT

*AFDB, IsDB, IFAD partners with FG

*Kano, Imo, Kaduna, Cross River, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun & FCT benefit in first phase

*VP receives Islamic Development Bank President at Presidential Villa


With the launch of the Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme, Nigeria can, in less than a decade, banish food insecurity, while radically improving export earnings from agriculture, creating millions of lucrative agro-industrial jobs and opportunities for its citizens.

This was stated by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, when he represented President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday at the Official Launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones in Nigeria, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.

Prof. Osinbajo noted that the launch of the SAPZ programme heralded a “profoundly important moment in our agricultural odyssey.”

“If the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones programme delivers on its objectives and we have no doubt that it will, then we would in less than a decade deal a fatal blow to food insecurity, create millions of good paying agro-industrial jobs and opportunities and radically improve export earnings from agriculture,” the Vice President stated.

According to him, the Programme was “a clear plan for the industrialization of agriculture, the deliberate development of value chains in the crops farmers grow and a pathway to net exportation of their produce.”

Highlighting the significance of the SAPZ programme to Nigeria, the Vice President noted that “the programme is now a critical component of our agricultural strategy, which is to accelerate the industrialization of our agricultural sector with the objective of being ahead of our constraints in providing food, nutrition and wealth for the largest population in our continent.”

“The Nigeria Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones programme (The SAPZ programme) is a government-enabled and private sector-led initiative that will to mobilize private sector investment to develop value chains for selected strategic crops and livestock in the Participating States. Nigeria will implement the first phase of the SAPZ programme with co-financing from the African Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB),” he added.

The Vice President, who noted that the SAPZ programme was recently approved by the Federal Executive Council, stated that the programme “is a major cross-cutting value chain investment effort driven by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in alignment with the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy of the Federal Government to incentivise agro-industrialization for private sector development.

“The SAPZ programme is a five-year programme, being implemented by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), state governments and private investors, in seven (7) participating states (Kano, Imo, Kaduna, Cross River, Kwara, Oyo and Ogun) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”

In the first phase, the VP noted that the programme is expected to achieve significant milestones, including reducing the country’s current food import bill through Import Substitution, boosting revenue from agricultural exports, creating wealth for rural farming communities, and creating new sustainable jobs, especially for women and youths.

He added that the programme will also “stem rural-urban migration, boost rural livelihoods and revive stranded public and private sector funded assets; and decisively improve food security.”

SAPZ will also “vastly improve the business environment for agro-industrial processors as it will improve their productivity and enable value addition for inclusive, adaptive economic growth.

“In the next phase, we will bring on board another 18 States. The SAPZs also stand to benefit from two salutary developments: technology and innovation, and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA),” the Vice President added.

On the opportunities that AfCFTA will offer, the Vice President said the Agreement would open up for Nigeria to be the breadbasket and the agri-business hub of the region.

“This convergence of resource and opportunity is certainly auspicious for the great impact that we look forward to from the SAPZs. The operation of the SAPZs will also leverage other Federal and State programmes including the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP: 2019 – 2028), and the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP),” he stated.

Further highlighting the importance of agriculture to Nigeria’s economy, Prof. Osinbao noted that “The agricultural sector was pivotal in pulling our economy out of recession and is the single largest employer of labour, so we must incentivise agriculture through greater investments and an enabling environment for private sector participation, and to advance our national agro-industrialization drive.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria is profoundly proud of the strategic relationships with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Food for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Islamic Development (IsDB) over the years in building long-term national prosperity for our country through agriculture. And we thank them for their steadfast support through the years.”

The event also featured remarks (delivered virtually) from the President, the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

The AFDB president noted that despite its massive agriculture potential, Africa still faced huge challenges in meeting its food needs, with 283 million people that go hungry annually.

“Agriculture is critical for the survival of any nation. The most important role of any nation is to feed its people. Food is a fundamental human right,” he said, adding that the African Development Bank is also supporting Nigeria, through Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) to produce more wheat, rice and maize."

“This support will allow Nigeria to cultivate by next year 900,000 hectares of rice, 250,000 hectares of wheat and 107,000 hectares of maize,” he added.

The Presidential launch also featured remarks by representatives of IFAD and the Islamic Development Bank as well as the Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. (Mrs.) Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed; and the Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, among other senior government and regional representatives.

In another development on Monday, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said the relationship between Nigeria and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), was helpful, noting that the bank “understands the nuances of countries in the global South and for that reason, you (IsDB) are able to be more creative and more sensitive to our needs when you consider requests coming from us.”

Using the example of the funding request for the Nigerian-Moroccan Pipeline project, the VP said “if given all of the considerations today with the global North Development Finance Institutions, we (Nigeria) will not be considered favourably for the facility because of the talk about defunding fossil fuel projects and all that. But it is evident that we cannot do without fossil fuels at least for the next several decades and we have fossil fuels, this is a natural resource for us and it is available not just for industry alone but also for cooking.”

“I think that we are fortunate that we have IsDB, they are there… if we were to be subjected to the policies of the global north DFIs, we will be in serious trouble. So, I thank you again, and to say that the collaboration between the Bank and Nigeria is a strong one and one that we respect greatly,” Prof. Osinbajo added.

Earlier in his remarks, the President and Chairman of the IsDB, Mr Muhammed Al Jasser said Nigeria is one of the bank’s most valued partners, noting that the relationship between Nigeria and IsDB will continue to grow stronger.

Mr Jaseer reiterated the bank’s commitment to support the Federal Government’s economic diversification efforts, especially through agricultural industrialization.

Accompanying him to the meeting was the Nigerian-born Vice President of the bank, Dr Mansur Mukhtar. The Finance Minister, Mrs Zainab Ahmed and the FCT Minister of State, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani were also at the meeting.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
24th October, 2022

OSINBAJO AT GOMBE INVESTMENT SUMMIT:
NIGERIAN FEDERATION BENEFITS OUR PEOPLE WHEN FG, STATES, PRIVATE SECTOR COLLABORATE

•Adds: improving the business environment is critical to the prosperity of our great country

* States must approach development as sovereign to boost economic growth"

Effective collaboration between Federal and State Governments with the private sector is a sure catalyst for boosting economic growth, economic diversification and improved productivity, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo, who stated this on Friday at the closing of the maiden Gombe State Investment Summit, also noted that improving the business environment is critical to "the prosperity of our great country.”

He added that State Governments can further boost economic growth and investments in their respective States by approaching development like a Sovereign State while improving the business environment for small businesses to thrive.

“The future of our country rests in the hands of business owners, the entrepreneurs, all over this State and all of our country.

“The successes that we have seen here in Gombe are substantially on account of the effective collaboration of the private sector, the States and the Federal Government. Our Federation benefits our people when the States and Federal authorities alongside private actors think and work together.”

The VP, who highlighted significant improvements recorded by the Gombe State Government in this regard noted that “as a progressive government, we remain committed to policies and reform efforts that are geared towards economic diversification and improved productivity.”

Speaking specifically on the Nation-State nexus in development, using Gombe as an example, the Vice President noted that it was “fascinating that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approached the development of the State by thinking as a Sovereign State as opposed to thinking as a sub-national.”

In the VP’s view, the Governor’s vision to draw up a 10-year development plan - Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), and determination towards creating an enabling business environment, were key pivots to economic growth.

“And this is as it should be. Gombe could rank very easily as a Sovereign State; its GDP is almost three times the GDP of Gambia and it is almost at the same level as the GDP of Liberia. So, when you compare this State to actual Sovereign States, you will see clearly that the only way to plan the growth of this State is to plan it like you would plan the growth of a country. And I am very happy that Governor Inuwa Yahaya is doing that,” Prof. Osinbajo further said.

The State has already started reaping the rewards of its approach towards development, the VP noted.

“One of those is the remarkable feat of attaining the first position in the Sub-national Ease of Doing Business Baseline Survey Report of 2021. I am also informed that Gombe State was recently invited by the world-renowned Royal Institute of International Affairs, popularly known as the Chatham House, to share its experience implementing the State's health system reforms. These validations from different bodies, local and international could not have come by accident."

Commending the State Governor for his strong leadership and commitment, the Vice President added that Governor Yahaya also commissioned a Needs Assessment Survey, which he noted was “a vital first step towards developing a solid roadmap of reforms and programmes for the progress that we see today.”

Speaking on the State’s investments in human capital and physical infrastructure development, the Vice President stated that these investments “are the strong foundations for the rapid development led by small and medium enterprises.

“We are proud of the giant strides that Gombe State has recorded so far, but more importantly, we are confident of the successful results of the programmes currently being implemented by the State Government and those that are underway in the areas of health, industrialization, and agriculture,” he added.

The VP also disclosed that Gombe State is at the centre of the business enabling reforms, "which informs your standing as the number 1 State in the sub-national Ease of Doing Business Survey Report ranking. As captured by responses from the private sector in the report, Gombe leads the frontier in Infrastructure and Security indicators, as well as in Skills and Labour indicators."

Particularly, the Vice President emphasized that Gombe’s progress was evidence that “government must catalyze economic growth with both policy measures and brick and mortar.”

Explaining further on rewards of investment in human capital and infrastructure, Prof. Osinbajo noted the commencement in 2021 of the 1000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park in the State, which the VP also visited before he left.

“We are now told that the first phase of it is ready - over 369 hectares of that is ready. This is to be a purpose-built fully resourced manufacturing and industrial processing hub, designed to accommodate 10 mega factories. The project is important for the value-added functions of the factories and accretion to both internal and national revenue and the jobs that it will create -10,000 direct and 100,000 indirect jobs,” he said.

The Vice President also urged for government and the private sector to leverage the opportunities with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Prof. Osinbajo performed the ground-breaking ceremony of the Domagric Integrated Rice Mill, which is located inside the 1000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park.

Governor Inuwa had led a delegation of top officials of the State, traditional rulers and other dignitaries to receive the Vice President at the Gombe Airport. The VP was also accompanied on the visit by Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
14th October, 2022

bobbybrown007:
Who send am message abeg, APC don forget am jhor, he don fade

Those that matter haven’t forgotten him. He will go down in history as the best VP in Nigeria

Olaolu Beckley

I was introduced to Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN in 2008 and the reason was our mutual love for music! Prof Osinbajo had this idea to have an all-female band, and I was invited to be the drummer. Right from that first interaction, it was obvious to me that he felt girls/women should be given the same opportunities and platforms as men and recognized for their talents. It is no surprise that his birthday falls on the same day celebrating women: International Women’s Day, 8th March.

Fast forward to 2017, I became his Special Assistant on Documentation and part of what I document include his speeches. Over and over, I have heard him speak about girl-child education, women’s rights and female representation in leadership positions, to name a few. It's so refreshing in a world where some still think women should be confined to the role of being housewives and rearing children. A case in point is what is currently happening in Afghanistan with the Taliban-led government.

Let me cite a few recent instances where Prof spoke in defense of women. At the 2022 Edition of The Women Directors’ Conference Themed “Facing Forward – The Evolving Nature of Boards in a Rapidly Changing World”, he made the case for female representation across all strata of society and not just for a few privileged women.

Emphasizing that opportunities for women must not be reduced only to those who have the good fortune of education, the VP said “there is a much larger fight for the future of a large majority of girls who are not even represented in primary schools. The States of the Federation control primary and secondary education, they must be engaged in the advocacy and persuasion efforts”.

In terms of efforts by the Federal Government regarding girl-child education, Prof Osinbajo noted at the 6th Anniversary of Future Assured Project, that in “2020 the Federal Executive Council approved a World Bank credit facility in the sum of $500million to finance the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment. This initiative is particularly important because it was meant to improve secondary education opportunities among girls in certain targeted States which includes Borno, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Plateau.”

Despite the interventions, women and the girl child continue to face challenges regarding access to education. For instance, in northern Nigeria, there is still a high level of female illiteracy. Cultural beliefs among other factors, continue to limit access for young girls and women to education, putting them in disadvantaged positions in an emerging world that is knowledge-based and technology-driven. This in itself, affects the overall development of the country. And like the VP has said often, how can we hope to develop a nation when we don't directly address the empowerment of about half the population? This makes so much sense and not only am I fascinated by the logic, it's something I fully agree to and would work hard to personally advocate for as well.

Regarding women's participation in politics, Prof. Osinbajo is one of the most vocal proponents of increased opportunities for women. This is even against the background of the National Assembly rejecting five gender equality bills that sought to alter the Constitution to the nation’s bewilderment.

However, the VP emphasized women’s involvement in politics at the National Forum of APC Women, explaining that any society that refuses to acknowledge and deploy the talents, skills, energy and capacity of half of its population (women) in the governing of the country has set itself up for failure.

Someone who also feels the same way is former President of the United States, Barack Obama. In 2019, at an event in Singapore centered on leadership, Obama affirmed that if women were given the opportunity to be presidents, there would be a general improvement in the living standards of people. He even went as far as saying that women aren't perfect, but are "indisputably better" than men.

In empowering women, Prof. Osinbajo is perhaps women’s strongest advocate, insisting on reserving certain quotas exclusively for them, particularly some of the government’s social and entrepreneurial programmes.

Out of the 2.4 million beneficiaries of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, GEEP, 1.2million were women, 56.4% of beneficiaries. Over the last 4 years, N38billion in loans have been disbursed and of the 1.1million beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfers, 98% are women. For the youth employment programme, N-Power, out of the 526,000 employed, 40.4% are female. And of the 106,074 cooks in the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, 97% are females.

Again like the true champion for women's rights that he is, Prof Osinbajo in his remarks at the Women in Africa Initiative Webinar in March 2021, re-echoed the need to transform the discriminatory mentality and sexist attitudes that impede women. He is of the opinion that the solution to this involves the engagement of leaders across religion, the private sector, professional bodies, community leaders, and civil society organizations.

I am encouraged by the idea that men are now being challenged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with women in the struggle for gender equality and equity. Is there a difference between gender equality and gender equity you may ask? Absolutely!

An article written by Agnes Binagwaho excellently defines the difference between gender equality and gender equity.

Her words: “while gender equality is simply focused on providing men and women with the same equal opportunities, gender equity works to correct the historical wrongs that have left women behind. Gender equity also means giving women the tools to succeed.”

We need more men like Prof Osinbajo speaking up for women in terms of equality and equity. Voices like his help shape and mould the minds of others to see women for who they truly are; strong, value-adding, intelligent and crucial members of any society.

Nigerians have mocked Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of aviation, over an empty boast that he was not going to apologise over his stance on same faith ticket.

Fani-Kayode who used to be a staunch voice against same faith ticket especially the Muslim-Muslim ticket changed tune when he was appointed Director of New Media of Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.

Boasting that he won't apologised, the disgraced former spokesperson for the PDP said, "I will never apologise for the position I took concerning Tinubu/Shettima and those that are not comfortable with it should go and jump in the lagoon.

Adding that, "I am trying so hard to be nice and gentle but you keep provoking me. Stop pushing me before you make me unless a hellish storm. I am trying so hard to be nice and gentle but you keep provoking me. Stop pushing me before you make me unleash a hellish storm against your principal and candidate."

Reacting to Fani-Kayode, “You will never apologize because you are shameless and you lack integrity. I just know that very soon, you will meet your waterloo,” @SexyOmotee replied him.

@kejay_prince labelled him a betrayal. “Please shut up, where would you even start to apologize from? You have literally betrayed every political party and political candidate for a loaf of bread. If you’re given the chance to apologize, it might take you a whole decade because your whole life is full of hypocrisy.”

@ProNigeria1 urged him to evaluate the responses to his post. “Read through the comments to know that you are a Mr. Nobody, Fani-Mumu! Go "unless" hellish storm upon yourself, dull boy.

@KYKY147 said his apology does not carry any weight. “You think we care about you. You are very, very irrelevant in Nigeria. Tinubu/Shettima are even the ones giving your dead political career small voice now self. So keep quiet your time is past.”

Another Twitter user, @NnaEmekaEdeh1 culled up his marital shortcomings. “You can't hurt a fly. Your history is before us as revealed by your estranged wife. Nobody respects you, do you take us for Chikwendu your former wife that you beat black and blue? Enough of your ranting, stomach infrastructure personality.”

@ChimamandAAA says the U-turn by Fani-Kayode is similar to selling his birth right. “Femi, you sold your conscience for a plate of porridge, you are not different from Esau. Will Bashir defend a Christian Christian ticket?”

“An irresponsible father is an irresponsible leader. An irresponsible husband is an irresponsible leader. A former Aviation Minister reduced to crumbs... Tufiakwa! Unleash what? Your pitiable lifestyle? The degeneration of your family name? Shame!” @_patrioticguy wrote.

@PetersZion1 said that no one takes the former minister seriously. “You are the worst of them all, but thankfully no one takes you seriously anymore even APC knows you are not relevant and a liability to the party, so you can raise hellstorm all you want, you are useless even to yourself, you live in denial, a snake that everyone hates, spits,” he said.

Referring to one of Fani-Kayode’s meltdowns, @gozie___ wrote, “Mr. short fuse, we can see through you. It’s only a matter of time, everything will be clear soon. I hope your kids will be proud of you when they grow up to see this.”

https://twitter.com/realffk/status/1580605948741431296?s=46&t=Fj9PID1Jq_27Bppwh9dt0g

More pix

More pictures from the induction ceremony

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has inducted 178 graduates of medicine and dentistry from foreign institutions.

Speaking during the induction ceremony at the council’s headquarters in Abuja , Chairman of the governing board of the council, Professor Abba Waziri Hassan, said 647 Medical and Dental graduates appeared for the June 2022 examination, and out of this number, 172 medical graduates (26.5 percent) and six (0.93 percent ) dental graduates passed.
He said this gives a total of 178 successful candidates with an overall percentage pass of 27.5 percent.

Professor Hassan, said it is necessary to conduct the examination to assess the quality of candidates trained outside the country.

He said, “We appreciate that as long as there are inadequate vacancies to absorb qualified candidates in our medical and dental colleges, some have to go abroad for medical and dental training. This is why MDCN continues to encourage federal and state governments and philanthropists to invest more on establishment of medical schools.”

He said while efforts are being made by MDCN and the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC) to increase the carrying capacities of the existing medical schools and encouraging the opening of new ones, parents/guardians and state governments should be cautious as to which countries to send wards for medical and dental training.

He advised the inductees to shelve malpractice by not attending to cases that they are not capable to handle and seek guidance from their seniors at the right time.

“You should develop good understanding with your colleagues, seniors and other health professionals that you will work with in the overall interest of your patients. The oath you are going to take should be the watch word of your practice for life,” he advised.

BY PROF. PETER EMEKA KATCHY

World First Aid Day is THE event of the Global First Aid Reference Centre. This is an opportunity to highlight first aid and to make awareness campaigns mobilizing both the general public and volunteers. Every year, GFARC provides tools (concept note, quizzes, description of activities to be run, posters, leaflets) to National Societies to optimize their day and the impact of their communication.

Theme for 2022 is LIFELONG FIRST AID
This year, we are putting forward the importance of having a lifelong First Aid learning. No matter the age, having first aid skills and knowledge helps creating safer and healthier communities. Children, adults, or older adults should be able to have a quality first aid education. A lifelong commitment to learning and providing first aid is what makes us more resilient. Get prepared to celebrate and send us your plans for activities.

World First Aid Day’s current year celebration date is 10th September 2022. The day is celebrated on the second Saturday in September. It’s an annual campaign that promotes first aid training to save lives all around the globe. Now and then people all around the globe face a time when they might need to perform first aid. The day is eminent to show the importance of first aid and create awareness. Therefore, it’s significant that adults and children know how to offer first aid in case of an emergency.

First aid plays a significant role in preventing harmful situations. Regardless of background each one of us must know how to perform operations like CPR and other first aid to manage emergencies.

World First Aid Day is observed on the second Saturday of September, every year. The International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) believes that First Aid should be accessible to all including the most vulnerable, and should also be an integral part of a wider development approach. World First Aid Day is celebrated to raise public awareness of how First Aid can save lives in everyday and crisis situations.

Each year, more than 198 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Nations around the world organize events and ceremonies on the second Saturday of September which is Saturday 10th September. This day is also celebrated to encourage First Aid training for all and raising awareness about the importance of First Aid required in accidents. First Aid training provides more than the knowledge and skills for effective response, it also provides the confidence to act when needed.

This year, The Global First Aid Reference Centre is happy to share with you the materials for World First Aid Day 2022 Celebration taking place on September 10th 2022 with the Theme: LONGLIFE FIRST AID.

On 24th June 1859, Henry Dunant, a young Geneva businessman, witnessed horrifying suffering and agony following the battle of Solferino. He secured them with the necessary materials and supplies and helped in the establishment of temporary hospitals. His book “A Memory of Solferino” inspired the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863.

First Aid is the first and immediate assistance given to anyone who suffers from either minor or serious illness or injury, with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery. The purpose of First Aid is to minimize injury and future disability. In serious cases, First Aid may be necessary to keep the victim alive before a doctor arrives to apply the more specialized treatment.

Celebrating the World First Aid Day is very simple. You should know how to use a First Aid Kit which is vital during emergencies. First Aid training can now be easily learned through the means of the internet. You should utilize this World First Aid Day in a positive way by learning and spreading the importance of First Aid.


WORLD FIRST AID DAY: OBJECTIVES
First Aid knowledge and skills must be made available to ALL. More and more people and volunteers should have the capacity to provide quality First Aid in community-based services. Simple First Aid skills, and the confidence to use them, can save lives and everyone, if properly trained, has the potential to save lives. First Aid help is important and plays a crucial role in saving lives, but appropriate training and knowledge are necessary for giving First Aid to an injured person.

THE FIVE (5) MAIN AIMS OF FIRST AID ARE:
1. Preserve Life
2. Prevent the escalation of the illness or injury.
3. Promote Recovery.
4. Pain Relief
5. Protect the unconscious.

HOME ACCIDENT AND FIRST AID PRACTICES:
HOME: literary means where a person lives, residence or domicile. It could be a person, family, group, mates or organized persons in a community. Home can as well be an abode for motherless and abandoned children, inmates in a special custody, old peoples, psychiatrics persons, occupational therapist, clinic and maternity, social welfare Home of Social Welfare Department Services etc.

ACCIDENT: A sudden situation of emergency in most cases involving human beings of which affects their lives or put them in dangerous conditions. The affected persons are referred to as casualties. A setting for dealing with problems which require immediate attention before referrals are made to appropriate places.

HOME ACCIDENT: Home accident is a sudden situation of emergency that occurs in the house or home where people are living. It is normally referred to as domestic accident.

TYPES OF DOMESTIC ACCIDENT
1. Fire Disaster
2. Flood Disaster
3. Domestic Violence
4. Electric Shock/Electrocution
5. Building Collapse
6. Windstorm
7. Arm Robbery Invasion
8. Carbon Monoxide Suffocation
9. Asthmatic Attack
10. Hypoglycemia
11. Hypertension
12. Dog/Rat Bite
13. Snake, Scorpion and other Venomous Insects.
14. Arson
15. Sudden Bad News

CONSEQUENCES
1. Burns
2. Drowning
3. Cuts
4. Bleeding
5. Broken Bones
6. Rabbies and Venomous Reactions
7. Fainting and Coma
8. Long, Nasal and Cardiovascular Congestions.

CONTINGENCY
1. Well Stocked First Aid Box
2. Fire Extinguisher
3. Safety Measures such as:
a. Checking the Homes and its environs regularly.
b. Switch off electrical gadgets when not in use.
c. Cover all the pits around your Homes.
d. Well water holes must be covered.
e. Tanks and butters must be covered as well.
f. Always lock refrigerators at Home.
g. Lock gas cylinders and keep lighters, matches and other inflammable materials away from children.
h. Cut down bushes and flowers around Homes to avoid snakes and other reptile’s invasion.
i. Buy kerosene from Filing Stations or recognized persons to avoid adulterated kerosene and explosion.
j. Tempers must be under control to avoid fight and fist cuffs at Homes.
k. Do not engage your spouse in a domestic violence which could lead to emergency accident or culpable homicide.
l. Clear gutters around your Homes and leaking roofs.
m. Install iron gates or burglary proof on your doors and windows for safety from night marauders.
n. Always check the source of your drinking water.

CAPACITY BUILDING
The capacity building is narrowed to Home and domestic levels which requires mainly advocacy and awareness campaign to the people to enable them prepare, prevent and respond to accident emergency situations at all times.

Note that the contingency plan of Home Accident has evolved preparedness in disaster emergency response to the situations and mitigations.

The safety measures have also taken care of preventing the occurrence of the disastrous situations.
Nigerian Red Cross Anambra State has Emergency First Aid Teams (EFATS), Accident Rapid Response Teams, Traffic Control Teams known as SOR TEAM which is Sanity On Our Roads. As Emergency Situation and First Responders, Red Cross Respond to every disaster emergency situation in Anambra State. From Motor Vehicular Accident, Building Collapse, Fire Disaster, Flood Disaster, Epidemic Diseases and Internal Displaced Persons in every emergency situations including Communal Conflicts and Invasions.

SUPPORT RED CROSS TO PROVIDE FIRST AID FOR SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES AS FIRST AID SAVES LIVES!!!


PROF. PETER EMEKA KATCHY (Gold Medalist) JP FCAI FIPAM
Tel:+2348039510069
Email:emekakatchy@yahoo.com

The professor of law and Vice President of Nigeria has ignited an undying love in the heart of Nigerians even those who are skeptical about this administration find Professor Yemi Osinbajo worthy. They see him as an individual that they can approach and engage given that he is a man of enlightenment.

The Vice President’s recent trip to the United State of America where he met his counterpart, Vice President Kamala Harris, the President of World Bank Group, top US government officials and private sector players in Nigeria showed Osinbajo’s selfless spirit for the Nigerian people and by extension Africa. His push for energy transition, climate change and proposition for debt-for-climate swap at the US Energy Transition Plan is what some Nigerians might not appreciate now but down the years they will understand the importance of it.

The nation’s political topography is distracted by 2023 succession merchants and their paid agents but they don’t know that the Vice President’s ambition is never a do or die affair. He has never stopped discharging his duties with high level of effectiveness, efficiency and transparency.

There is no doubt both the President and Vice President are devoted to the success of this administration. The duo are from different backgrounds yet they seem to have a high level of trust and respect between them especially during the time the Vice President championed the affairs of the nation in an acting capacity. It is this relationship that some of the president’s hawks have not warmly embraced. When the President returned from his medical vacation, he didn’t vituperate his VP for firing his AGF and the removal of DG, DSS.

The Vice President was courageous enough where partisanship might have been expected of political stooges. He showered praise on Governor Nyesom Wike of River state, a PDP governor who often takes shots criticising the Federal Government, for his development projects in his state. Professor Yemi Osinbajo even echoed his nickname; “Mr Projects” and we have also seen more opposition governors return praises to Mr. Vice President.

This level of honesty and bravery is alien to Nigerian politics. This is why he is referred to as civilized, decent and a heaven sent man whose sole aim is to take Nigeria to the promise land.
I recall a few years back, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Faruk Umar of Daura applauded Professor Yemi Osinbajo and described him as the most trustworthy Vice President who has the best interest of Nigeria at heart.
Osinbajo always acts in the interest of Nigeria in spite of the fact that he has little or no powers constitutionally. As vice president and by virtue of the federal constitution he heads the National Economic Council, a forum that includes all state governors, the finance minister and the governor of the central bank. ‘This body is expected to advise the president on economic matters’.
One of the most widely revered and iconic leaders in world history, Sir Winston Churchill once said “You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something” and “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts”. Professor Osinbajo is a man who is humble, courageous, and approachable with a great sense of humour. We have never had a top ranking office holder who goes around and engages with the common Nigerian or seen patronizing any Nigerian hospital.
Some publications that surfaced a few years ago questioned his honour at which point he was ready to waive his immunity in order to challenge these “fifth columnists” legally.

Nigeria as a nation has often witnessed several face-offs between the President and the Vice President but in this administration, the reverse is the case as we have seen the display of loyalty and covalent bond-ship.
The President once said, “This `market money’ I warned the Vice-President. I don’t like him to be mobbed, especially the way I see hefty women coming and confronting him, he should be very careful.” “But he knows me if he insists I will say `okay go and do what you like.’ He did it and I’m very pleased as he is being very successful,”.

Solagberu Mustapha Olatunji a researcher and social media analyst writes from Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Headquarters has recognized BAT/SKS SUPPORT ORGANIZATION (BSO), as one of its strong support groups for the 2023 elections.

This is contained in a statement signed on Friday by Alh. AbdulWasiu Atoyebi, the Deputy Director General of the group and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

It said that the party advised BSO to ensure that all its activities were in synergy with the guidelines and the constitution of the party.

The statement quoted the letter of recognition as officially issued to BAT/SKS SUPPORT ORGANIZATION by Alhaji Salisu Yahaya Alfa, Head of Support Group/Mobilisation on behalf of the National Chairman of the APC;
” The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress APC has recognized BSO as a support group for the party.

“This is to ensure that all your activities are in synergy with the guidelines and the constitution of the party”.

Osinbajo is making Nigeria and the black race proud.

*VP to meet U.S. counterpart, Kamala Harris, World Bank Group, other partners

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, departs Abuja for the United States of America early Wednesday seeking global partnerships and support for Nigeria’s recently launched Energy Transition Plan.

Prof. Osinbajo is leading Nigeria’s Energy Transition Implementation Working Group (ETWG) on the US mission with meetings starting from tomorrow-the 1st of September to promote the plan and secure global support from the US government, the private sector, and other development partners.

The ETWG which is chaired by the VP comprises relevant ministers and other top government officials.

Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan officially launched last week at a global virtual event is a homegrown, data-backed and multi-pronged strategy developed for the attainment of 2060 net-zero emissions commitment in 5 critical sectors : Power, Cooking, Oil & Gas, Transport & Industry. Nigeria needs $410 billion to deliver the Transition Plan by 2060.

Among other highlights, the plan needs at least $10 billion per annum above business as usual spending for effective implementation.

At the launch, the World Bank and a renewable energy organization - Sun Africa, pledged a sum of $1.5 billion each totaling an initial $3 billion investment to support the implementation of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan.

While in the United States, Prof. Osinbajo will meet US Vice President, Kamala Harris; US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm; Secretary of Treasury, Janet Yellen, and President of World Bank Group, David Malpass, among others.

The Vice President is also scheduled to speak on Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan at the Centre for Global Development in Washington DC.

The Vice President’s delegation to the U.S. will include Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. (Dr.) Zainab Ahmed; Minister of Works and Housing, Raji Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu; Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General/CEO for Sustainable Energy for All, Ms Damilola Ogunbiyi. Nigeria's Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Uzoma Emenike will also join the delegation.

The Vice President will return to Abuja early next week.



Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
31st August 2022

HOW STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS AMONG STAKEHOLDERS CAN ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, BY OSINBAJO

*VP launches SDGs 3&4 independent evaluation document

*Says, goals align with FG’s desire to lift 100 million out of poverty in a decade

Determined to improve effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria, the Federal Government will leverage existing institutional framework to promote stronger partnerships and synergies among stakeholders, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this in his remarks delivered virtually at the launch of the independent evaluation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 4 in Nigeria.

The SDG-3 prioritizes ‘Quality health and well-being for all’, while SDG-4 focuses on ‘Qualitative & inclusive education and life-long learning for all’.

The Vice President said Nigeria has a suitable institutional framework, and “the Federal Government will continue to promote strong partnerships and synergies among its Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) and development partners for a coordinated implementation of the SDGs.”

According to him, “these strategic evaluations reinforce the evidence for improving health and education outcomes in Nigeria and highlight how all stakeholders – government, development partners and civil society can best address systemic gaps and challenges.

“This Official launch comes with a responsibility for us to intentionally use the key findings of the two evaluations to strengthen policies that support the achievement of the SDGs.”

Referencing government’s efforts in ensuring attainment of the goals, the VP noted that “achieving inclusive sustainable development is an objective that aligns closely with our government’s desire to bring 100 million people out of poverty in 10 years.

“It is for this reason that the Federal Government of Nigeria established a number of ambitious programmes to support the acceleration of the achievement of the SDGs.

“More positively, the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) helped increase school enrolment and slight improvement in learning outcomes.”

Speaking about the outcomes of the evaluation, the Vice President said “on SDG-3 ‘Quality Health and Well-being for all’, the report notes that Nigeria has a suitable institutional framework, key among them include the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and the National Health Insurance Act – both of which address health financing as a means of improving access to care.

“On SDG-4 ‘Qualitative and Inclusive Education and lifelong learning for all’, the report noted that education sector policies and strategies, both at the Federal and State levels are aligned with SDG-4.1 target, particularly in the formulation of the plans.”

While noting some loopholes in the implementation of the SDG-3, Prof. Osinbajo said stakeholders must synergise to “create a self-sustaining financial architecture, universal health coverage, improved clinical governance and a harmonious health workforce – all which should prepare us for the challenges of the 21st century.

“This must be accompanied by strengthening accountability mechanisms at the level of the state governments to improve resource mobilization,” the VP added.

In resolving challenges in implementation of Goal 4, the VP said “transparency around education budgeting and spending needs to improve. Similarly, governance issues at the Federal, State and Local governments remain at the heart of education provisioning in Nigeria.”

In her remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, re-affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the successful implementation of the SDGs, noting that “effective implementation requires periodic evaluation to ensure progress measurement, generate knowledge and inform policy shift.”

Dignitaries present at the event included the representatives of State Governors, Federal Ministers, and the United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Ms. Amina Mohammed who delivered her remarks virtually.

Other officials at the launch were the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale, the representative of UNICEF, and heads of government agencies and departments, among others.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
25th August 2022

AS NIGERIA SEEKS $10B INITIAL SUPPORT PACKAGE

*World Bank, US EXIM Bank pledge $3b implementation support

*VP says “it is time for decisive action, we cannot afford to delay”

Africa’s increasing energy gaps require collaboration to take ownership of the continent’s transition pathways and the action should be decisive and urgent, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this in his remarks delivered at the global virtual launch of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, a roadmap to tackle the dual crises of energy poverty and climate change.

Speaking on the need to have a peculiar transition plan, the Vice President said “for Africa, the problem of energy poverty is as important as our climate ambitions. Energy use is crucial for almost every conceivable aspect of development. Wealth, health, nutrition, water, infrastructure, education, and life expectancy are significantly related to the consumption of energy per capita."

The VP highlighted the significant scale of resources required to attain both development and climate ambitions. Nigeria would need to spend $410 billion above business-as-usual spending to deliver our Transition Plan by 2060, which translates to about $10 billion per year.

“The average $3billion per year investments in renewable energy recorded for the whole of Africa between 2000 and 2020 will certainly not suffice,” he added.

Additionally, the Vice President noted that “we have an inter-ministerial Energy Transition Implementation Working Group, which I chair. We are currently engaging with partners to secure an initial $10 billion support package ahead of COP27 along the lines of the South African Just Energy Transition Partnership announced at COP26 in Glasgow.”

At the virtual event, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, Nigeria Country Director for World Bank said the bank plans “to commit over USD 1.5 billion towards the Energy Transition Plan on renewable energy, on power sector reforms, on clean cooking, and wherever opportunities arise.”

In a similar vein, Mr. Adam Cortese, CEO, Sun Africa stated that “the launch of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan has further accelerated our efforts, proving Nigeria to be fertile grounds for investments in the sector. We are in the final stages of discussion with US EXIM Bank on a USD 1.5 billion financing package.”

Speaking on the effects of Climate Change in Africa, Prof Osinbajo explained that “climate change threatens crop productivity in regions that are already food insecure, and since agriculture provides the largest number of jobs, reduced crop productivity will worsen unemployment.

“It is certainly time for decisive action, and we just cannot afford to delay. African nations are rising to the challenge. All African countries have signed the Paris Agreement and some countries, South Africa, Sudan, Angola, and Nigeria have also announced net-zero targets.”

Giving more details on energy poverty in Africa, the VP noted that “the current lack of power hurts livelihoods and destroys the dreams of hundreds of millions of young people.

“And although Africa’s current unmet energy needs are huge, future demand will be even greater due to expanding populations, urbanization, and movement into the middle class.

“It is clear that the continent must address its energy constraints and would require external support and policy flexibility to deliver this. Unfortunately, in the wider responses to the climate crisis, we are not seeing careful consideration and acknowledgement of Africa’s aspirations.”

Underscoring the importance of collaboration, the Vice President then noted that “we developed our Energy Transition Plan to engage with the rest of the world in a serious, thorough and data-backed manner.”

Prof. Osinbajo explained that “there is a clear need for African nations to engage more critically and vocally in conversations on our global climate future.

“More importantly, we need to take ownership of our transition pathways and design climate-sensitive strategies that address our growth objectives. This is what Nigeria has done with our Energy Transition Plan.”

Making reference to the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, the Vice President said “the plan was designed to tackle climate change and deliver SDG7 by 2030 and net-zero by 2060, while centering the provision of energy for development, industrialization and economic growth.”

According to him, “we anchored the plan on key objectives including lifting 100 million people out of poverty in a decade, driving economic growth, bringing modern energy services to the full population and managing the expected long-term job losses in the oil sector due to global decarbonization.

“Given those objectives, the plan recognizes the role natural gas must play in the short term to facilitate the establishment of baseload energy capacity and address the nation’s clean cooking deficit in the form of LPG.

“The plan envisions vibrant industries powered by low-carbon technologies; streets lined with electric vehicles and livelihoods enabled by sufficient and clean energy.”

On other aspirations of the roadmap, Prof. Osinbajo explained that “the plan has the potential to create about 340,000 jobs by 2030, and 840,000 by 2060. It also presents a unique opportunity to deliver a true low-carbon and rapid development model in Africa’s largest economy.”

“We are currently implementing power sector initiatives and reforms focused on expanding our grid, increasing generation capacity, and deploying renewable energy to rural and underserved populations.”

Aside from the transition plan, the Vice President announced the launch of the Universal Energy Facility “an innovative, results-based, finance programme that focuses specifically on scaling up electricity access for productive uses.”

He explained that “the Universal Energy Facility will provide grant payments to enable solar companies to expand their operations to small and medium-sized enterprises across Nigeria, while crowding-in additional private capital.”

“Projects supported by the Universal Energy Facility will help grow businesses and create jobs, making them key contributors to our Energy Transition Plan.

“I’d like to encourage solar companies in attendance today to engage with this innovative financing opportunity, which is being managed by Sustainable Energy for All,” he added.

Speakers at the event commended Nigeria's leadership and pioneering role in the region, emphasizing the need for data-driven country-level energy transition plans that recognise the unique pathways each country would need to take in order to achieve a just, inclusive and equitable energy transition for all.

The launch also featured remarks from Nigerian Ministers and officials, including, Ministers of Environment, Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi; Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu; Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs, (Dr.) Zainab Ahmed; and Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo.

Other speakers included the Minister of Petroleum and Energies from Senegal, Dr. Aissatou Sophie Gladima; Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy from Egypt, Prof. Dr. Mohamed Shaker El-Markabi as well as representatives of the United Nations, Sustainable Energy for All, The World Bank, African Development Bank, IRENA, The Rockefeller Foundation and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
24th of August 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKE7cL4ia0o

https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/osinbajo-launches-fgs-energy-transition-plan-as-nigeria-seeks-10b-initial-support-package/

EMXTAN1:
So VP hasn't resigned? He seems relaxed tho, cos he Knows Peter Obi would make him smile again when he embrases Tinubu and Atiku at d Polls with a land slid victory.

Resign so that you can take over from him right?

Every day, humanitarian aid workers stand on the frontlines of war and disaster, having tremendous dangers and difficulties to deliver assistance to those who need it most. World Humanitarian Day (WHD), which takes place every year on 19th August, recognizes the aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian action. The day was designated by the General Assembly nine years ago to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq which resulted in the death of 22 persons, including UN envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello.

The theme for 2022 is REAL LIFE HEROES:
Under the overarching theme of “Real Life Heroes” humanitarian partners are coming together to reaffirms that civilians caught in conflict are Real Life Heroes. Through a global online campaign featuring an innovative partnership with Facebook Live, together with events held around the world, we will raise our voices to advocate for those most vulnerable in war zones, and demand that world leaders do everything within their powers to protect civilians in conflicts.

This campaign follows on the UN Secretary-General’s report on protection of civilians, which was launched earlier this year. Laying out his ‘path to protection’, the Secretary-General calls for enhanced respect for international humanitarian and human rights law, and protection of civilians infrastructure.

Around the world, conflict is exacting a massive toll on people’s lives. Trapped in wars that are not of their making, millions of civilians are forced to hid or run for their lives. Children are taken out of school, families are displaced from their homes, and communities are torn apart, while the world is not doing enough to stop their suffering. At the same time, health and aid workers who risk their lives to care for people affected by violence are increasingly being targeted.

Everyone can be a humanitarian. People affected by disasters are often the first to help their own communities following a disaster. Responding to emergencies is only one aspect of humanitarian work. Humanitarian workers also support communities to rebuild their lives after disasters, to become more resilient to future crises, to advocate for their voices to be heard, and to build lasting and sustainable peace in areas of conflict.

The basic frame work of protection of civilians is hinged on the law of Armed Conflict or International Humanitarian Law which governs the conduct in hostilities. There are two historical streams of the components of International Humanitarian Law.
1. The Law of the Hauge, referred to as the law of war proper.
2. The Law of Geneva, or Humanitarian Law.

The International Humanitarian Law has four Basic Principles of:

PRINCIPLE OF DISTINCTION
The principle of distinction protects civilian persons and civilian objects from the effects of military operations. It requires parties to an armed conflict to distinguish at all times, and under all circumstances, between combatants and military objectives on the hand, and civilians and civilians objects on the other; and only to target the former. It also provides that civilians lose such protection should they take a direct part in hostilities. The principle of distinction has also been found by the ICRC to be reflected in state practice; it is therefore an established norm of customary international law in both international and non-international armed conflicts.

NECESSITY AND PROPORTIONALITY
Necessity and proportionality are established principles in humanitarian law. Under IHL a belligerent may apply only the amount and kind of force necessary to defeat the enemy. Further, attacks on military objects must not cause loss of civilians life considered excessive in relation to the direct military advantage anticipated. Every feasible precaution must be taken by commanders to avoid civilian casualties. The principle of proportionality has also been found by the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) to form part of customary international law in international and non-international armed conflicts.


PRINCIPLE OF HUMANE TREATMENT
The principle of humane treatment requires that civilians be treated humanely at all times. It prohibits violence to life and person (including cruel treatment and torture), the taking of hostages, humiliating and degrading treatment, and execution without regular trial against non-combatants, including persons wounded, sick and shipwrecked. Civilians are entitled to respect for their physical and mental integrity, their honour, family rights, religious convictions and practices, and their manners and customs. This principle of humane treatment has been affirmed by the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) as a norm of customary international law, applicable in both international and non-international armed conflicts.

PRINCIPLE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
The principle of non-discrimination is a core principle of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Adverse distinction based on race, sex, nationality, religious belief or political opinion is prohibited in the treatment of prisoners of war, civilians, and persons hors de combat. All protected persons shall be treated with the same consideration by parties to the conflict, without distinction based on race, religion, sex or political opinion. Each and every person affected by armed conflict is entitled to his fundamental rights and guarantees, without discrimination. The prohibition against adverse distinction is also considered by the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) to form part of customary international law in international and non-international armed conflict. Women and children are granted preferential treatment, respect and protection. Women must be protected from rape and from any form of indecent assault. Children under the age of eighteen must not be permitted to take part in hostilities.

PROTECTING CIVILIANS IN INTERNAL ARMED CONFLICT
The latest incidents confirm that the most dramatic and prevalent threats to civilians arise in internal armed conflicts of the 57 armed conflicts that took place in 2021, 57 were internal in character, involving one or more non-State actors. A common feature of internal armed conflicts is the widespread violation of international humanitarian and human rights law by the State and non-State actors. Threats to civilians also increase with the proliferation to weapons, especially small arms and landmines, and as a result of the organized crime and random violence that occur in these chaotic conditions. The presence of armed groups among civilians plays a particular role in blurring the dividing line between combatants and non-combatants, a vital distinction in international humanitarian law. These developments have cast doubt on the validity of some of the basic tenets of international humanitarian protection, in particular the central role of States in the protection of civilians and the non-military character of civilians assets.

The development of international humanitarian law and human rights law is deeply rooted in the historical and political environment of the twentieth century and the paradigm of the nation State. Traditional protection strategies under the international humanitarian law and human rights conventions have focused primarily on the role of States. Accordingly States are the principal agents to humanitarian protection under international legal instruments such as the 1949 Geneva Conventions on the protection of war victim. Charged with ensuring that military operations are restricted to military targets and that population in need receive adequate relief assistance and protection.

To mark World Humanitarian Day (WHD), the United Nations has called on governments and other bodies across the globe to embark on a concerted programme aimed at mitigating the effect of violence, regarded as one of the newest threats to the continuous existence of human being sequel to World Health Organization (WHO) reported titled: “Violence, Our Concern”, said violence accounts for over 1.6 million deaths per year in every corners of the global including Nigeria.

The bane of vagaries of exposure of the Civilian populace emanated from religious exploitation and crude political maneuver of selfish and tribal sentiments became the order of the day, lawlessness, impunity, infringement on fundamental human rights, lack of rule of law and non-compliance to rules and methods of managing public and private enterprises in Nigeria. There was a delusive notion that propels any geographically based group which emboldens them to claim ownership of Statehood. Such is always an essential element of their propaganda to potentially recruit recalcitrant youth groups to generate national crisis with fake and negative indoctrination, instead of encouraging youth groups to volunteer in humanitarian activities, relief projects to help victims of disaster and violent conflicts. If they teach the youth groups to help others, give them the tools to empower themselves and feel that they are part of national vehicle of humanity, it will be very purposeful and meaningful. Youths must be protected by providing to them with positive counter-narratives of national ethos and values of which will yield adequate patriotism, by offering opportunities of language learning, cultural exchange, professional service providers, mentors, tutors, helpers, social network fosters employments, vocational and industrial training which is the panacea to National Economic Growth.

Protecting the Civil Populace is becoming more difficult in a world where crises are increasing in complexity and magnitude. The humanitarian system faces unprecedented strain, with four “level 3” emergencies the UN’s highest classification for a humanitarian crisis in Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Yemen and Nigeria. Violence and insecurity in these countries are causing massive internal and cross-border displacements, and aid workers are saving lives at great risk to their own. In just over a decade, the number of people in need of humanitarian aid has more than doubled.

Sequel to the extremely difficult situations of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) mostly in the North East and North Central of Nigeria and other theatres of war and internal conflicts within the country, every humanitarian is called upon to rapidly respond in one way or the other to cushion the effect of excruciating hardship, severe malnutrition, health hazards and psychological problem of displacement and vagaries of harsh weather, contaminations and terrorists invasions.

It is most auspicious to use the World Humanitarian Day (WHD) to call on every person to eschew any illegal dead, incisive utterances, bellicose stance, felonious threats, and pugnacious attitude that will precipitate violent exhibitions which would lead to death of defenseless civilians.

IT IS PERTINENT TO SAY A BIG THANK YOU TO THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE COMMITTED THEIR LIVES IN HELPING OTHERS!!!



PROF. PETER EMEKA KATCHY (Gold Medalist) JP FCAI FIPAM
Tel: +2348039510069
E-mail:emekakatchy@yahoo.com

By Femi Adeoye

The throwback pictures of Laolu Akande have emerged of him meeting world leaders including current Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, former US President George W. Bush, former US chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–93) and secretary of state (2001–05), Collin Powell and a host of others while in service as a journalist.

While in Nigeria, Akande worked with media outlets such as The Guardian, Tribune, & The News in the 1990s. He actually was one of the youngest ever Nigerian journalists to edit a national newspaper when he was named under 30 the editor of Tribune on Saturday before he relocated to the US in 1998.

In the pictures, he was captioned in meetings with Vice President Osinbajo in Maryland (USA, during the 2014 campaigns), Bush at the White House after an exclusive interview in 2003 with the then US President , Gates in New York, Powell in Washington while practicing as a journalist in the United States, where he was among others Copy Editor at NY Newsday.

In his time in the newsroom, Akande was regarded as one of the best in the field because of his attention to details, tonnes of exclusive reports and an unrelenting commitment to excellence on the job.

Many of his former colleagues have publicly attested to his high standards and dexterity, attributes that distinguishe him from others.

Akande was appointed the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity (Office of the Vice President) in 2015.
His job as presidential spokesperson speaks largely of his high degree of professionalism and excellence.

Akande worked as both a reporter and editor with major newspapers in Nigeria and the United States.

Akande has demonstrated that he remains one of the few journalists who left the country and came back to become relevant in the public sphere till date. His story is truly inspiring that hardwork and tenacity still pays.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/08/laolu-akande-gets-career-accolades-in-throwback-photos-of-us-media-sojourn/

By Seun Bisuga

Some of the clear signs of a mentally unstable person are confused thinking, flickering mental focus, and imbalance reasoning. These sum up the characteristics of Rudolf Okonkwo who calls himself “Dr. Damages”.
We know that he is obsessed with the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo but the extent of his poetic recklessness is only a reflection of a personal midlife crisis–for there can’t be any other reasonable cause for this petulance.
Damage’s obsession with the Vice President is becoming an issue of grave concern to everyone including those who are fans of his satire.

In his recent piece of dross he titled “The Secret Diary Of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo,” Damages deliberately chose to misinform and confuse his audience. He wrote a jumble of different imaginary thoughts while attributing it to the Vice president.
For instance he wrote: “To have that decision to fire Lawal Daura questioned, to have it considered for possible reversal, to have some people who think they own the country use it as a basis to question my loyalty to the president, to have them instigate my isolation and emasculation, was all that I needed to pen my resignation.”
This is absurd and mischievous to say because the sack of Lawal Daura is one of the best decisions undertaken by the Vice President, who was acting president then.
Nigerians, including opposition politicians, lauded the VP for his quick decision and swift action of firing the DSS boss—without recourse to familiarity or political friendship—for invading the National Assembly. The VP’s passion for Rule of law and democracy was the reason for his decision. The Vice president believes in rule of law and due process.
There was absolutely no fracas between the Vice President and his principal after the sack. The garbage written by Damages was another dry thought borne out of unreasonable imagination as a result of too much marijuana intake.
Rudolph has again displayed clear signs that he is a damaged personality with a defective brain and distorted reasoning. He has, on many occasions attempted to ridicule Vice President Yemi Osinbajo through his senseless writings, dry parodies and uninteresting satires.
They are strewn with wild figments of his rascally imaginations and concocted pieces of garbage that are designed to disparage the erudite VP.
Most of them appear in the form of video satires which are often dry and lack fiber of humour or are even reasonable enough for any normal human to digest the message behind it.
He boasts of having a footprint in political satire, which he started during the Jonathan administration, precisely nine years ago. But in contrast, he has reduced himself to a tool being used by some underground players to attack personalities like Vice President Osinbajo as his own effort at clout chasing.
A writer and journalist he claims to be, yet he has succeeded in ridiculing this art through his unprofessional conduct and unintelligent act. Even a kindergarten will string together something more coherent and more reasonable, that will be appealing to the public space than his infantile displays. He has succeeded in reducing himself to public scorn.
He has been grappling to survive after being broke for a while, and he thinks he can survive by attacking the Vice President incessantly to get his attention. He claims to be a Post-Colonial African History teacher in New York, yet his daily routine is fixated on VP Osinbajo. Well, the Vice President is very busy with official duties and at the same time recuperating from his recent surgery. The least he needs at the moment is a distraction.
Also, in November 2021, damages wrote a parody letter titled “How To Avoid Being Sued By Osinbajo.” He parodied a letter by the VP’s lawyer in which the lawyer had addressed the public against broadcasting certain defamatory posts which were obviously maligning the VP.
These and many others are clear proof that Damages is trying by every means possible to get the attention of the Vice President. His futile attempt to paint a bad picture of the VP in public space is affecting his brain in a way that he suddenly has an uncontrollable orgasm whenever he thinks of the Vice President’s name.
Never in the history of Nigeria has a Vice President been called upon to intervene in national issues, and never before has a Vice President been very proactive and active like VP Osinbajo.
It has become obvious that Damages has a mental disconnect and cognitive dissonance from reality and the current wave of things in the political environment in Nigeria because a lot of Nigerians know that the Prof. Osinbajo has crossed his constitutional boundary as a Vice President to deliver the best he can despite the limit his office can do. The future will be kind to him.
Damages can continue with his dry parodies and empty satires. There will be no more response from me, and neither does he deserve any response or reaction from anywhere except to excoriate his arrant nonsense!

https://www.legit.ng/politics/1486418-the-fake-osinbajo-secret-diary-by-rudolph-dr-damages-okonkwo/

OSINBAJO TO STATE GOVTS:
YOUR HARDWORK CRITICAL FOR BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT REFORMS TO SUCCEED

PEBEC proposes $750m World Bank-backed program for sub-nationals starting next year

State Governments and their agencies have a significant role to play in ensuring an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, made this assertion at a virtual meeting of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) where a presentation of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Program coordinated by the secretariat and the World Bank was discussed.

The SABER Program is a 3-year (Jan 2023 – Dec 2025) performance-based intervention jointly designed by the World Bank and the PEBEC Secretariat with support from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat.

The purpose is to incentivize and strengthen the implementation of business enabling reforms in Nigeria specifically across the participating States of the Federation and the FCT.

According to Prof Osinbajo, “for all who are charged with responsibilities at the State level, you have your work cut out for you.

“If we are going to have the kind of business environment that our country deserves and that can make a difference for our economy, it is the hard work at the sub-national level that would really move the needle.”

He added that “the States’ process is a very important one and I hope that we will be able to spend individually, especially in the States, a fair amount of time trying to work out how this will work in actual practice in our various States.”

Prof Osinbajo then noted that at the Federal level, it has been a major challenge “just trying to coordinate agencies and parastatals.”

In her own remarks, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Special Adviser on Ease of Doing Business and Secretary of PEBEC, stated that “we have been collaborating for over two years in conceptualizing the SABER Program,” adding that “it is the first programme of this size that the World Bank is embarking on at this scale globally.”

The program is a $750million operation comprising two main areas - $730million Program-for-Results Financing (PforR) component and $20million technical assistance for investment project financing.”

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs (Dr.) Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed had made a formal request to the World Bank for the preparation of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Program with Government Partners.

This was after a request came from PEBEC, through its Vice Chairman, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, asking for the World Bank’s support for deepening ease of doing business reforms at the sub-national level.

The four main objectives of this PEBEC–NEC Ease of Doing Business intervention are:
1. Deepen subnational business-enabling reforms through SABER program incentives, using result-based financing targeted at improving the business environment.

2. Deliver technical assistance to all states to support gaps in reform implementation and provide opportunities for structural development and institutionalization of reforms across the country leveraging the PEBEC-NEC implementation structure.

3. Ride on the back of State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme, which has created a mutual accountability platform between the Federal Government and the States. The SABER will further consolidate and deepen gains from EoDB reforms implemented across the country.

4. Facilitate crowding-in private investments at scale, a key requirement for the achievement of Nigeria’s development priorities

Present at the virtual PEBEC meeting were some of the Chairpersons of the Ease of Doing Business Council in various States across the country including Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State; Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State; Deputy Governors of Abia, Cross River and Kaduna; Secretary to the State Government, Anambra; Federal Ministers who are members of the commission including the Industry, Trade and Investment Minister, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Information & Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Interior Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama.

Other present were the Commissioners of Finance and Economic Development in Ekiti and Ogun, representatives of Governors, other Senior Government Officials as well as the World Bank Country Director in Nigeria, Mr. Shubaham Chaudhuri.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
16th August 2022

For more information on the Vice President's activities, please visit www.yemiosinbajo.ng