₦airaland Forum

In this report, Oluwafemi Popoola highlighted some of the areas where the policy initiatives of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, as the head of the nation’s Economic Management Team (EMT) impacted the economy under President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration before his team was dissolved by the President in September 2019.

In 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the Economic Management Team (EMT) headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, until it was later dissolved in September 2019, and replaced with the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) with Dr Doyin Salami as the chairman.
In a follow-up statement released by the President’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina, PEAC, “will replace the current Economic Management Team (EMT) and will be reporting directly to the President.”
However, within the few years, he headed the EMT, Nigeria’s current Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, on the job, defied the normal expectations as witnessed in his predecessors’ output by spearheading several projects aimed at making life easier for people in a country where means of daily existence is hard.
• Stabilisation plans and national economic growth
At a time in 2017, he presided over the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, Acting President, Osinbajo issued a directive to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to review its foreign exchange policy that weakened the national currency to stabilise the economy. Consequently, the apex bank released $500 million to the banks, and this forced dollars to crash, 24 hours after, relaxing the exchange rate to N450 from N525 it was at the parallel market.
It was also during this period that Osinbajo declared open the Agenda for Consultative Forum on Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, where he told the forum that the nation was in a very serious economic situation, but assured that the government remained committed to putting the economy on the path to sustainable growth, which was done.
• N-Power’s training and employment for young graduates
The launch of N-Power as a Graduate Skills Acquisition Programme spearheaded by Prof Osinbajo has also helped in bolstering the economy by helping to reduce growth in the unemployed market. It now aims to train million Nigerian graduates by 2023.
As of 2018 under his supervision, Prof Osinbajo, while delivering a special lecture on “The Challenges of Human Development in 21st Century Africa” at the prestigious Oxford University, United Kingdom, said: “Over the past two years, through the N-Power Programme, the largest post-tertiary employment programme in Africa, we have been able to offer skills development programmes digitally to over 500,000 young citizens between the ages of 18 and 35. We have set a target of skilling 10 million Nigerians by 2023,” Osinbajo said.
• The Made-in-Nigeria Project
In 2018, due to his strong belief in locally made products and local content, Osinbajo initiated Project MINE (Made in Nigeria for Export), a Presidential Priority Intervention project aimed at increasing the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the economy and creating new jobs in the export-oriented manufacturing value chain. Also, in 2018, President Buhari signed the Executive Order (EO5) for the Development of Local Content in Science, Engineering, and Technology.
• Largest Social Investment Programmes in Africa
As Vice President, Prof Osinbajo initiated the Buhari Administration’s Social Investment Programmes (SIPs), regarded as the largest social welfare scheme in Africa. The SIPs comprise the N-Power Programme, currently employing 500,000 graduates; the GEEP loans (MarketMoni, FarmerMoni and TraderMoni), which provide credit to about 3 million Nigerian traders, artisans and businessmen; the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme which has fed about 10 million school pupils with free meals daily; and the Conditional Cash Transfer to the most vulnerable and poorest of Nigerians. The Office of the Vice President successfully coordinated the SIPs between 2016 and October 2019
• COVID-19: Osinbajo’s Interventions and Economic Recovery through ESP
The Covid-19 pandemic greatly affected the economies of many countries, Nigeria inclusive. When Nigeria recorded its first COVID-19 death in March 2020, most Nigerians feared the worst.
The Federal Government imposed a 4-week lockdown which meant peoples’ livelihoods were adversely affected. Many Nigerians asked urgent questions. How would the poor and vulnerable cope? What will be the fate of daily income earners? How will they cope?  To help the nation cope with the pandemic, the Osinbajo-led Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) recommended several post-COVID-19 recovery interventions.
As directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof Osinbajo-led committee drafted the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) where Nigerians are to benefit from several packages like MSME Survival Fund to support small businesses, Technology and Youth support, Mass Housing Programmes, Agriculture and food security scheme to provide jobs improve food supply and production nationwide, among others.
The ESP is a N2.3 trillion stimulus plan by the Federal Government as part of measures for post-COVID-19 economic recovery. These also include the recently launched Solar Power Strategy which focused on supporting about 250,000 jobs and enabling the installation of 5 million Solar Home systems and mini-grids across the country, especially in underserved areas not on the national grid.

The plan is that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will provide structured loans to companies that will manufacture these Solar Home systems, of which many would be assembled locally to promote local manufacturing business. Also, the Mass Housing Programme is expected to create 1,500,000 jobs and build 300,000 affordable homes across the country in 12 months.
The ESP has been one of the major reasons for the country’s exit from recession in the 1st quarter of 2021.
• Osinbajo and Ease of Doing Business
On May 18, 2016, As Acting President, Prof. Osinbajo signed the Presidential Executive Order on Ease of Doing Business. This Order was aimed at improving businesses in the country and attracting foreign direct investments (FDI) to Nigeria. This Order made it easy for Nigerians to register their businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Since 2016, Nigeria has risen by an aggregate of 39 places on the World Banks Ease of Doing Business rankings.
• Osinbajo’s involvement in TECH brought about the following:
Google Inc. in July 2020 announced plans to establish its first Google Launchpad Space outside the United States in Lagos.
Facebook, in September 2020 made public its decision to open an office in Lagos as part of its planned expansion in Sub-Saharan Africa.
HUAWEI in November 2020, promised the Vice President that the company will position Nigeria as a technology centre for the African continent and give more jobs to young Nigerians.
• The growth of MSMEs
Osinbajo has driven the growth and empowerment of MSMEs in the country through his involvement in MSME Clinics which have been held in 26 States, twice in Ebonyi and then across the country including the FCT. 7 One-Stop-Shops for MSMES – Cross River, Kwara, FCT, Abia, Bauchi, Osun, Plateau.
FG has also launched Shared Facilities for MSMEs in Oyo, Bauchi, Benue, and Lagos. This is to allow MSMEs without the financial capacity to own their equipment and the opportunity to go into a fully equipped cluster-style facility to pay a token to use such equipment.
Over 400,000 MSMEs have so far participated in the MSME clinics nationwide. About 300,000 new business names have been registered by the Cooperate Affairs Commission (CAC) at a 50% reduced cost.
• Energizing economies and education
Osinbajo supervised the provision of solar power to markets around the country such as Ariaria in Aba, Sabon Gari in Kano, Sura in Lagos, etc., as part of the energizing economies initiative of the Rural Electrification Agency. VP Osinbajo also commissioned solar power plants in Universities such as Alex Ekwueme University, in Ebonyi, Bayero University in Kano, and most recently, the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Energizing Education Solar Power Plant on the 11th of February, 2021
• Osinbajo and Niger-Delta Development and Peace
The erstwhile volatile Niger-Delta has achieved much peace since 2016. This is thanks to the Niger Delta New Vision, which is the blueprint of the Buhari administration to develop the Niger Delta. This initiative was spearheaded by the Vice President on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari when the VP went on a tour of the region in 2017 and had meetings with Niger Delta elders.
The Niger Delta New Vision of the Buhari administration, driven by the Vice President, has not only helped a great deal in resolving insecurity and youth restiveness in the Niger-Delta region, but it has also had a huge positive impact on the economy as crude oil is Nigeria’s major foreign exchange earner.
It is good to note that as the Acting President his first official function was a meeting with the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Ms Er-Tharin Cousin on the 27th of January of the year 2017. He was informed of the serious food shortage in the Northeast of Nigeria and why he needed to act fast to save hundreds of thousands dying from food starvation.
Immediately, he constituted a team made up of ministers and other cabinet members and ordered that they activated the Bureau of Public Enterprises Emergency Act. Days after, food and other household needs were on their way to the Northeast. Hundreds of Nigerians were saved from starvation.
On the 1st of February, he presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, during which the Presidential Task Force on food security was mandated to reduce the price of food items in the country. Consequently, the prices of foodstuff were brought in one day.
Also, as Acting President, Prof Osinbajo presiding over the first National Economic Council (NEC) meeting of the year, he directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to review the foreign exchange policy.
The meeting resolved that fresh $250 million be injected into the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). The CBN subsequently released about $500 million through the inter-bank market where the 23 banks bought $371 million. As a result, there were indications that the weakened Naira currency was showing small signs of recovery after the Central Bank had moved to ease some foreign exchange restrictions. Days later, the Naira was strengthened to about N480 to the US Dollar on the black market after being N520 and even higher in previous weeks.
• Slash in the price of the CCA registration fee
In October 2018, Vice President Osinbajo announced that business registration would go for a reduced rate of N5,000 away from the N10,000 standard price. The window of opportunity was initially for 90 days before it was subsequently extended till July 2019.
Vice President Osinbajo made the announcement in Enugu at the launch of the 19th edition of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinics.
According to Osinbajo, It was observed during some of the earlier editions of the MSMEs Clinics that a lot of MSMEs were finding it difficult to register their businesses as a result of cost and the new rate would also allow more MSMEs to formalise their businesses.
Osinbajo’s leadership acumen has not only helped rebuild the trust of many who had been sceptical of the Federal Government’s plan for the region, but it has also contributed significantly to the peace and stability in the region. Osinbajo’s deft handling of the issues helped to improve the country’s oil revenue which was decimated by past restiveness in the region.

https://thedailyleaks.com/review-bucket-list-of-osinbajos-impact-on-nigerias-economy/

FACT CHECK: Is Osinbajo Head Of FG’s Economic Management Team?

During a recent Arise TV programme titled “The Morning Show” hosted by Dr Reuben Abati, Ms Tundun Abiola and Mr Rufai Oseni, former All Progressives Congress Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole claimed the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo currently chairs the Federal Government’s Economic Management Team.
While answering a question posed by Ms Abiola, (what approach will the Tinubu campaign take since he will be running on the platform of the APC that has been in power for the past 7 years. Under his watch as the national leader of the APC, all the blames and the credits will be apportioned to him. Will the campaign be run on continuity or a departure from the last 7 years?), Oshiomole noted that “…in apportioning blame to people, you have to look at their roles. It is a fact that Asiwaju by himself said he cofounded APC, but he never participated in governance, never held any position in government, he didn’t carry out any contract on behalf of government, so how can you credit him? You can’t credit him either way.”
“This is just being fair. It is not like the Vice President who announced that he has been given the responsibility by the President to chair the economic team. Not just the Economic Council that is in the constitution, but a special team put together by government and he chairs it. So, you can ask him to account for some economic policies. You can’t say someone who never in any way participated in government to be credited with the outcome of government policy or be blamed either way.”
However is this claim that Osinbajo is the head of the Economic team accurate?
Available public records indicate that the former Edo governor lied as the Economic Management Team of the Buhari administration headed by the VP in the first term had been dissolved since September 16, 2019.
The EMT was set up in 2016 by the President to coordinate the Federal Government’s economic policies with the VP as the chair before it was dissolved. The team was dissolved in 2019 and replaced with the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC)with Dr Doyin Salami as the chairman.

Below is the full membership of the PEAC, according to a statement by the presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, President Buhari appointed the following experts:
1. Prof. Doyin Salami – Chairman
2. Dr Mohammed Sagagi – Vice-Chairman
3. Prof. Ode Ojowu – Member
4. Dr Shehu Yahaya – Member
5. Dr Iyabo Masha – Member
6. Prof. Chukwuma Soludo – Member
7. Mr Bismark Rewane – Member

8. Dr Mohammed Adaya Salisu – Secretary (Senior Special Assistant to the President, Development Policy)
The statement by Mr Adesina added, “This advisory council will replace the current Economic Management Team (EMT) and will be reporting directly to the President.

“The Economic Advisory Council (EAC) will advise the President on economic policy matters, including fiscal analysis, economic growth and a range of internal and global economic issues working with the relevant cabinet members and heads of monetary and fiscal agencies.
“The EAC will have monthly technical sessions as well as scheduled quarterly meetings with the President. The Chairman may, however, request for unscheduled meetings if the need arises.”
Following the composition of the team, on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja administered oaths of office on members of the PEAC, and also set an agenda of what they should accomplish in the shortest possible time.
Prior to the inauguration of PEAC, the Vice President headed the administration’s EMT, but ceased heading the group effective Sept 16, 2019. He only chairs the National Economic Council, which only has advisory responsibilities according to the Nigerian Constitution.
The National Economic Council (NEC) was established by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended; Section 153(1) and Paragraphs 18 & 19 of Part I of the Third Schedule.

The National Economic Council was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari on 29 June 2015. Chaired by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, the NEC, which meets monthly, has the mandate to “advise the President concerning the economic affairs of the Federation, and in particular on measures necessary for the coordination of the economic planning efforts or economic programmes of the various Governments of the Federation.”
Membership of the NEC comprises of the 36 State Governors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other co-opted Government officials.
From the foregoing, it is incorrect to say the Vice President  is the chairman of the Economic Management Team. Currently, the chair of the PEAC, Dr Doyin Salami is now the President’s Chief Economic Adviser.
According to the statement dated Jan 4, 2022, announcing his appointment, Dr Salami who is the Chairman of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), is expected to address all issues on the domestic economy and present views on them to the president.

https://dailytrust.com/fact-check-is-osinbajo-head-of-fgs-economic-management-team-2

During a recent Arise TV programme titled “The Morning Show” hosted by Dr Reuben Abati, Ms Tundun Abiola and Mr Rufai Oseni, former All Progressives Congress Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole claimed the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo currently chairs the Federal Government’s Economic Management Team.
While answering a question posed by Ms Abiola, (what approach will the Tinubu campaign take since he will be running on the platform of the APC that has been in power for the past 7 years. Under his watch as the national leader of the APC, all the blames and the credits will be apportioned to him. Will the campaign be run on continuity or a departure from the last 7 years?), Oshiomole noted that “…in apportioning blame to people, you have to look at their roles. It is a fact that Asiwaju by himself said he cofounded APC, but he never participated in governance, never held any position in government, he didn’t carry out any contract on behalf of government, so how can you credit him? You can’t credit him either way.”
“This is just being fair. It is not like the Vice President who announced that he has been given the responsibility by the President to chair the economic team. Not just the Economic Council that is in the constitution, but a special team put together by government and he chairs it. So, you can ask him to account for some economic policies. You can’t say someone who never in any way participated in government to be credited with the outcome of government policy or be blamed either way.”
However is this claim that Osinbajo is the head of the Economic team accurate?
Available public records indicate that the former Edo governor lied as the Economic Management Team of the Buhari administration headed by the VP in the first term had been dissolved since September 16, 2019.
The EMT was set up in 2016 by the President to coordinate the Federal Government’s economic policies with the VP as the chair before it was dissolved. The team was dissolved in 2019 and replaced with the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC)with Dr Doyin Salami as the chairman.

Below is the full membership of the PEAC, according to a statement by the presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, President Buhari appointed the following experts:
1. Prof. Doyin Salami – Chairman
2. Dr Mohammed Sagagi – Vice-Chairman
3. Prof. Ode Ojowu – Member
4. Dr Shehu Yahaya – Member
5. Dr Iyabo Masha – Member
6. Prof. Chukwuma Soludo – Member
7. Mr Bismark Rewane – Member

8. Dr Mohammed Adaya Salisu – Secretary (Senior Special Assistant to the President, Development Policy)
The statement by Mr Adesina added, “This advisory council will replace the current Economic Management Team (EMT) and will be reporting directly to the President.

“The Economic Advisory Council (EAC) will advise the President on economic policy matters, including fiscal analysis, economic growth and a range of internal and global economic issues working with the relevant cabinet members and heads of monetary and fiscal agencies.
“The EAC will have monthly technical sessions as well as scheduled quarterly meetings with the President. The Chairman may, however, request for unscheduled meetings if the need arises.”
Following the composition of the team, on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja administered oaths of office on members of the PEAC, and also set an agenda of what they should accomplish in the shortest possible time.
Prior to the inauguration of PEAC, the Vice President headed the administration’s EMT, but ceased heading the group effective Sept 16, 2019. He only chairs the National Economic Council, which only has advisory responsibilities according to the Nigerian Constitution.
The National Economic Council (NEC) was established by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended; Section 153(1) and Paragraphs 18 & 19 of Part I of the Third Schedule.

The National Economic Council was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari on 29 June 2015. Chaired by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, the NEC, which meets monthly, has the mandate to “advise the President concerning the economic affairs of the Federation, and in particular on measures necessary for the coordination of the economic planning efforts or economic programmes of the various Governments of the Federation.”
Membership of the NEC comprises of the 36 State Governors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other co-opted Government officials.
From the foregoing, it is incorrect to say the Vice President  is the chairman of the Economic Management Team. Currently, the chair of the PEAC, Dr Doyin Salami is now the President’s Chief Economic Adviser.
According to the statement dated Jan 4, 2022, announcing his appointment, Dr Salami who is the Chairman of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), is expected to address all issues on the domestic economy and present views on them to the president.

https://dailytrust.com/fact-check-is-osinbajo-head-of-fgs-economic-management-team-2

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/

Jubilant Nigerians have reacted to the first official viral photo of the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, released on his social media handles where he was seen standing on his feet with his wife, Dolapo, alongside the Duchess Hospital medical team.

As the photo was published on his official social media handles on Sunday, July 24, 2022, the Vice President appreciated the Nigerian people for their show of love, and their best wishes and get-well-soon messages, while he also commended the medical team for “providing such an excellent care.”

He wrote: “My deep gratitude to everyone for your get-well wishes and prayers following my surgery.

“And special appreciation to the amazing team of surgeons, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and the management of the Duchess International Hospital Lagos, for providing such excellent care”

“God bless you all.”

VP Osinbajo on Saturday, July 16, went under the knife to repair his thigh bone at Duchess International Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State.

After the successful surgery, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Adedoyin Dosunmu-Ogunbi, who gave an update on the VP’s health said Osinbajo was making steady progress and now walking.

“He is walking already, taking a few steps. You can imagine after a major surgery in his right femur bone; that is very encouraging as he continues to recover,” Dosunmu-Ogunbi said

Reacting to Osinbajo’s ‘thank you’ message, many Nigerians took to Twitter to express a sigh of relief at the VP’s quick recovery rate, as they further urged him to be strong, with many saying they were eager to see him return to work.

A responder, Adewumi Collins, who described Osinbajo as “stronger” welcoming him back, wrote: He is up standing again. He’s back stronger and healthier.
Osinbajo is saying “thank you” all for the abundant wishes he got when he went under the knife.PYO is the matter.
#OsinbajoAppreciates
#ThumbsUPForPYO
He is up standing again.
He's back stronger and healthier.
Osinbajo is saying "thank you" all for the abundant wishes he got when he went under the knife.

PYO is the matter.#OsinbajoAppreciates#ThumbsUPForPYO pic.twitter.com/434X3axMT1

— Adewumi Collins (@AdewumiCollins) July 24, 2022

Congratulations Sir! Your healing springs forth as the morning sun. You are lifted and stronger in Jesus name. We love you Sir. Keep shining the light in the midst of darkness. The grace is sufficient for you. Peace �️

Congratulations Sir! Your healing springs forth as the morning sun. You are lifted and stronger in Jesus name. We love you Sir. Keep shining the light in the midst of darkness. The grace is sufficient for you. Peace �️

— Hilary Odoko (@odk3) July 24, 2022

Another commenting via Mayowa Olaniyan lauded the Nigerian people and Duchess Hospital for their excellent services.

He wrote, ” Thank You Nigeria! To the Doctors @DuchessHospital you are the best. You have shown how much FX Nigeria can save frm Medical tourism. To Prof. Osinbajo, Thanks for believing in Nigeria. You type is rare in our political space. PYO is Back!!!
#OsinbajoAppreciates
#ThumbsUPForPYO

Thank You Nigeria!
To the Doctors @DuchessHospital you are the best. You have shown how much FX Nigeria can save frm Medical tourism. To Prof. Osinbajo, Thanks for believing in Nigeria. You type is rare in our political space. PYO is Back!!!#OsinbajoAppreciates#ThumbsUPForPYO pic.twitter.com/UomBZezwy9

— Mayowa Olaniyan �� (@olaniyanmayowa) July 24, 2022

Congratulations sir, quickest full recovery. We were told that you are Esther of our time, are you still waiting for Mordecai or you will watch and allow Herman to finish us?

Congratulations sir, quickest full recovery. We were told that you are Esther of our time, are you still waiting for Mordecai or you will watch and allow Herman to finish us?

— Petraobi designers perfume (@5Linus) July 24, 2022

Bolaji Phillips wrote, ” It is nice to see you on your feet my amiable VP. Iam hoping you find strength in each new day. We are thinking of you and you are missed at your duty post.
I hope you bounce back stronger than ever. I wish you total recovery.
#ThumbsUPForPYO

It is nice to see you on your feet my amiable VP. Iam hoping you find strength in each new day. We are thinking of you and you are missed at your duty post.
I hope you bounce back stronger than ever. I wish you total recovery.#ThumbsUPForPYO pic.twitter.com/KLrxH7Dm8A

— Bolaji Philips (@PhilipsBolaji) July 24, 2022

“If not because of the selected few That we gave a national mandate, i can boast it anywhere, you are still the best We need but wont have for now. Quick recovery sir.”

If not because of the selected few That we gave a national mandate, i can boast it anywhere, you are still the best We need but wont have for now.

Quick recovery sir.

— Iam_Akeem (@olajuwonakeem22) July 24, 2022

Congrats to VP Yemi Osinbajo SAN for a great improvement in his health. #ThumbsUpForPYO for believing in Nigeria, while also living out his #NewNigeria dream. This is leadership defined. The VP’s uncanny nationalism is worth emulating. Best wishes, Prof! GOD BLESS NIGERIA. � ��

Congrats to VP Yemi Osinbajo SAN for a great improvement in his health. #ThumbsUpForPYO for believing in Nigeria, while also living out his #NewNigeria dream. This is leadership defined. The VP's uncanny nationalism is worth emulating. Best wishes, Prof! GOD BLESS NIGERIA. � �� https:///D4VwTXH61Z

— ✍ Sèyí Gesindé – Ghéshè (@GhesheS) July 24, 2022

Another user commenting via Thomas Blessing wrote, ” It is a thing of joy to see him back on his feet stronger and healthier, glory be to the Lord! We have learnt lessons from your actions by believing in Nigerian doctors.
#OsinbajoAppreciates
#ThumbsUPForPYO
#IStandWithPYO.

It is a thing of joy to see him back on his feet stronger and healthier, glory be to the Lord!

We have learnt lessons from your actions by believing in Nigerian doctors.#OsinbajoAppreciates#ThumbsUPForPYO #IStandWithPYO pic.twitter.com/KyM0DBvULW

— Thomas Blessing (@Thomas2blessing) July 24, 2022

“While you were away sir, Nigerians celebrated you for patronizing a Nigeria-based hospital. You are a rare gem”

While you were away sir, Nigerians celebrated you for patronizing Nigeria based hospital. You are a rare gem

— Balogun Murtala Muhammed (@MMBaloo) July 24, 2022

“If we have the right facilities, training and equipments in Nigeria, we will soar as a Nation. The right people are here, they just need the right environment to shine.

Kudos to the entire “team”. Congratulations Y.O, wishing you a sound recovery. #Standstrong”

If we have the right facilities, training and equipments in Nigeria, we will soar as a Nation. The right people are here, they just need the right environment to shine.

Kudos to the entire "team". Congratulations Y.O, wishing you sound recovery.#Standstrong

— Olu I.G (@dareidowu11) July 24, 2022

Editor's note: Olaolu Beckley, the Special Assistant to the President on Documentation, Office of the Vice President writes on forgiveness, arguing that is difficult to forgive and let go of a hurt or wrong done to someone. In her spare time, she plays the drums and loves to stay up to date with tech trends.

“Forgiveness is above all a personal choice, a decision of the heart to go against natural instinct to pay back evil with evil.” - POPE JOHN PAUL II If we really want to be honest, it is difficult to forgive and let go of a hurt or wrong done against us. This is more so when our feelings of being hurt are justified and valid. The reality is people will upset us and we will definitely upset others too, it is simply the way human beings operate.

Like Pope John Paul II said, “forgiveness is a personal choice.” It is a conscious decision not to let the hurt and pain affect us. Someone once said to me that it is best to move on quickly after being horribly treated by getting busy with the next thing. In other words, find something useful to distract yourself, and get your mind and thoughts focused on achieving a goal or desired outcome.

On the one hand, this proves helpful on some occasions, but on the other hand, the mind is a powerful thing and once it starts to wander, we find ourselves remembering or dwelling on the pain again. Here is my take: LIFE IS TOO SHORT to harbour unforgiveness. Things change very quickly! A life of fulfilment can’t be attained with hate and resentment towards others. When people hurt us, it is left to us to make that tough choice to forgive and repay evil with kindness. After all, there is something called karma – what goes around comes around.

We shouldn’t let the bad behaviour of others deprive us of our own good nature. Also, forgiveness helps with our mental health and strengthens our relationships with others. Some might say that when we forgive easily and treat those who acted badly towards us with kindness, they might take advantage and see it as a weakness. This is what I say to that: just forgive anyway. Your actions might be the compass that directs the opposing party towards redemption.

https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/guides/1480984-forgiveness-hard-difficult-a-hurt-by-olaolu-beckley/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bwq3InsIxA

*A New Nigeria as Professor Osinbajo takes Nigerian Doctors and medical institutions to the global stage*

#olufemiAdegbulugbe

Today marks a small step for Prof Osinbajo but a giant leap for the image of Nigerian doctors and all Nigerians.

It is a well known fact that our politicians, from top to bottom, as low as LGA chairmen and councillors engage in medical tourism for even routine medical checkups.

Prof Yemi choose to act differently. He trusted his life in the hands of Nigerian medical doctors and went under the knive and anaesthesia by Nigerian medical doctors.
Those that seek to make a difference must act differently.
Today, I am happier to be a Nigerian, more than ever before because i see a ray of hope in our leadership.
IT is possible. The hope of a new Nigeria must be kept alive, strong and firm.
Thank you PYO for this leadership by example.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN presides over the Energy Transition Meeting with G7 Countries, The UN, The World Bank and The
IMF at the Statehouse, Abuja. 14th July, 2022. Photos; Tolani Alli

Again, let’s us ask ourselves: Why are we even having this discussion?

If Bola Tinubu or Atiku wins the 2023 presidential election, this means that Muslims will rule Nigeria for 24 consecutive years: 8 years of Buhari, 8 years of Tinubu or Atiku and another 8 years of a northerner after power rotation.
Will the Muslims ever allow this if they were Christians? Think

Alleges APC flag-bearer used ‘strange powers’ to clinch party’s ticket
Head Pastor of Doers Nation International Church, in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Reverend ShalomKelvin Akinbo, alleges that Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, used “strange powers” to secure the ruling party’s ticket.
The cleric, however, prophesised that the former Lagos governor will not be the one that would succeed President Muhammadu Buhari when the retired military officer hands over to his successor on May 29, 2023.
Reverend Akinbo who made the prophecy while addressing his congregation on the ‘Mountain of Prayer’ in Akure, said Tinubu bewitched the Presidency and the top hierarchy of the ruling APC.

“What played out before the ruling party’s convention was a manipulation from hell. The people bowed to the god of this world. The ticket given to Mr Bola Tinubu is a stolen ticket. It’s a stolen mandate and would be taken from him.

“Mr Tinubu bewitched the Presidency and the people and took another man’s mandate overnight.
“I am a prophet; I know what I am saying,” remarked Rev. ShalomKelvin, who then went on to prophesy that Tinubu won’t take over from Buhari.
“I speak as a prophet of God. Bola Tinubu will not sign (on 29 May 2023); somebody else will do that in his place.
“As we rise to pray for this nation, we take back our country. Let us pray.
“Let’s rise up and take back our nation from captivity this time through prayer and active participation in voting. Something new is coming to Nigeria but there’s going to be a serious national travail before it finally comes,” he bellowed.

https://www.thequesttimes.com/2023-tinubu-stole-another-persons-mandate-says-prophet/

Thank You for coming out to condemn the killings. I’m a Muslim and the activities of these people didn’t represent Islam. May God be with you sir. You have proven that you are not a coward like other politicians.

Osinbajo is the next President of Nigeria Insha Allah

*Receives CAC delegation, urges faith leaders to “reignite hope in the hearts of our people” at C&S symposium.

*I've been an admirer of President Buhari for a long time - CAC leader

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has again restated the seriousness with which the Buhari administration is confronting the security challenges in the country, noting the results and outcomes of the keen efforts of the Federal Government are certainly underway.

He spoke over the weekend at the Presidential Villa when he received a delegation from the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC led by its President, Pastor Samuel Oladele at his Aguda residence on Saturday evening.

"It's a huge country and with the security challenges, we need to ramp up resources, men and equipment. We need to ramp up the numbers, use of technology, get more military platforms and arms and ammunition," the VP stated, adding that all of these are now in progress.

Explaining the situation further, he noted that at times, some of these things take some time. For instance, he recalled that the Federal Government ordered and fully paid over $469 million for the Tucano fighter jets about 4 years ago, but only got delivered last year.

But he assured that FG is already "getting a handle on it. Now we are reconfiguring our security, local ammunition manufacturing is on the cards and a lot of work is going on. We pray we see some of the results soon."

He then affirmed that "our country has potential if we can keep having honest leadership. When I decided I will run for office, I thought, let's even put our minds to it. I have seen it for 7 years and I know it can be done”

Earlier in his remarks, the CAC President, Pastor Oladele while extending greetings and appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership, stated that he has always personally admired the President.

"I have been a great admirer of the President since he was head of State and so we encourage him to do more for peace and prosperity of our country. We believe that all will be well with the nation.

Meanwhile, the Vice President has also called on all faith leaders in the country to inspire the right values and greatness of the Nigerian nation in their leadership roles. This is particularly so, according to him, because the church and other faith leaders have played key roles in nation-building and in the development of public and private institutions for many decades in Nigeria and such should continue.

This was the summation of his remarks at a symposium organized by the Wardens’ Unit of Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church, Surulere District, Ayo Ni O in Lagos on Saturday morning.

Prof. Osinbajo's remarks were delivered by the State House Chaplain, Pastor Seyi Malomo, who represented the Vice President at the symposium themed, “The State, the Society and the Church,” which also marked the 50th Anniversary of the C&S Wardens’ Unit.

The Vice President noted that with endemic corruption, among other societal vices that have dogged the nation for decades, the church must rediscover its role as a shaper of values.

“We have a duty and a charge by God Himself to challenge the moral conscience of leadership when we do not live up to the standards of our office.

“We have the ears and the hearts of the people. We must inspire them through our own great example to look to the future with hope, and to find that hope in their God-given abilities, in the strength of their character, in the enduring value of honest work and a patriotic commitment to the overall well-being of the Nigerian nation.”

He further urged the Church and all faith leaders to inspire great hope among Nigerians, especially now.

He added that “the fate of Nigeria rests in the aggregated efforts of ordinary people doing the best they can, where they can. That as citizens in a democracy they have the power to direct the course of the nation by engaging the electoral and political process; to look out for godly men and women with the capacity and elect them into offices. The church holds more power than it knows.

“The Nigeria of our dreams cannot be attained without an aggressive reawakening of our public consciousness; without a sense of collective values rooted in the very principles our faiths espouse, principles of honesty and hard work, of mutual respect, cooperation, tolerance, and fidelity to the common good.”

Despite the challenges, the VP noted that there was hope for Nigeria because of the faith and quality of its people.

“As a pastor who has spent over three decades in public service, I have unflinching faith in the capacity of the Nigerian people to build a country we can all be proud of. Like most of us, I have seen firsthand what Nigerians are capable of given the right environment and support,” the VP stated.

“The Nigerian people, particularly the young people of today, who are daring great odds to take their place under the sun, represent the beacon of hope for a new Nigeria. We must rise up to meet them with the values required to build a sustainable future, and inspire them toward the moral imperative of doing good and honest work to the best of their ability, as a service to humanity and to God.”

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

Abdulmumin Jibrin, the Director General of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Support Groups Management Council (ABATSGMC) has dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and by extension the presidential bid of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Jibrin announced his withdrawal from the ruling APC on his official social media accounts, noting that, he will disclose his next political move within 24 hours.

The former House of Representatives member said, “I have done my best for APC. Its time to move on.

“I will announce my new political party within the next 24 hours insha Allah. I will make a formal statement in due course,” he said, signing off with his name.

Chronicle NG reports that if Jibrin leaves the APC then he cannot continue to campaign for the national leader of the party, Tinubu because that would amount to anti-party activities.

Chronicle NG reports that Jibrin, a former Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, lost his reelection bid in 2020.

In a rerun election on January 25, 2020 he lost the Iru/Bebeji federal constituency of Kano state to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Aliyu Detti Yako.

A year earlier, the Kano politician was suspended from the APC by the Bebeji Local Council chapter, Kano State and has since struggled for recognition within the party structure in his home State.


https://www.chronicle.ng/2022/05/dg-abdulmumin-jibrin-dumps-tinubu-apc/

*VP interacts with APC delegates in Anambra, Enugu

*Soludo to Vice President: You are leading well, acting excellently

*VP joins APC leaders, other 2023 aspirants in Lagos meeting

In addition to implementing socio-economic measures for the benefit of the Nigerian people and national development, the Buhari administration has taken important steps to re-engineer the country’s security architecture, and the fruits of that are imminent, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Friday in Awka, Anambra State while speaking with delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in continuation of his engagements with APC delegates and stakeholders across the country.

The Vice President, who also visited Enugu State yesterday right after Anambra, has so far visited several other states, including Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Taraba and Adamawa before now.

Speaking earlier in the Southeast States, the VP assured that with the “re-engineering of the security architecture, with the view to be more effective on the ground, we will begin to see the fruits of that, especially with the acquisition of more platforms – mobile platforms, air platforms, and, of course, technology, that will be useful in resolving some of these problems.”

On arrival at the Anambra International Cargo Airport, the Vice President was received by the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim; and other senior state government officials, including Anambra State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Honourable Uche Okafor, and APC stakeholders in the state led by the State Chairman, Sir Basil Ejidike.

Stressing the need to enhance the security apparatus in the country, Prof. Osinbajo stated ways to improve the capacity and capabilities of the Nigerian military, adding that “technology would be useful and deployed to resolve the problem of insecurity."

Responding to questions from delegates, the VP restated his experience in government, noting that "after serving as Vice President and being exposed to several aspects of governance by President Muhammadu Buhari, I know that God made this possible so that I would serve the people as President."

During the courtesy visit to the Anambra State Governor, the VP also spoke on other issues, including measures being taken by government to improve the country’s power sector.

Applauding Governor Soludo for his wealth of experience, the VP said the governor has been a friend for many years, adding "I've sought Prof. Soludo's advice well before he became one of the members of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.

Prof. Osinbajo further said, “We are looking forward to working with you; and I believe that all will be well with our country and Anambra State. Everyone is looking to Anambra state; this is one of the major hubs of industry, especially small businesses; and a place where we expect to see very significant contributions to national economy.”

Governor Soludo, who expressed excitement and hope of a cordial working relationship with the Vice President, said he was most delighted to welcome Prof. Osinbajo to Anambra State, adding that the VP has been instrumental in promoting MSMEs and youth development.

“You have been to Anambra severally, but the one that I was part of, in receiving you, and the one dear to my heart, was when you came to commission the shoe factory (at Ogbunike)

“Our government is about promoting made in Anambra, made in Nigeria (products). You came to empower us with that, with the MSMEs and thousands of youths and the less privileged in that particular industry.

Prof. Soludo also commended the VP for his efforts in government and for steering the National Economic Council, as its chairman, noting that NEC “coordinates all economic agenda of the 36 states of this country.”

“And in that capacity, I must state that Mr Vice President, also coordinating several of the special intervention programmes of the Federal Government, has been leading us well. In various areas and capacities where he has been assigned to do that, he has acted excellently,” he added.

Governor Soludo noted that all the progressives should come together to build a better Nigeria and make it work, “because we believe that if all the 36 states of the Federation work, Nigeria works.”

At his meetings with delegates in Anambra and Enugu, the VP received very favourable responses as he engaged in question-and-answer sessions, allowing for interaction and feedback from the APC delegates and stakeholders in all the States he has visited so far.

In Anambra State, the party Chairman, Sir Ejidike, while commending the way and manner the VP is widely consulting ahead of the APC Presidential Primaries later this month, observed that he was the very first Presidential aspirant to consult in the State.

In Enugu State the VP made a stop at the Southeast Zonal Office of the APC, accompanied by the State Chairman, Hon. Ugochukwu Agballa, and other party stalwarts.

After his visits to Anambra and Enugu States, the Vice President proceeded to Lagos State, where he attended the Southwest APC Elders’ meeting with other aspirants from the zone. The meeting was co-convened by the first Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, and a former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
7th May, 2022

Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, former Governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is adopting a last ditch effort to use prominent APC leaders in the South-West to cajole other candidates to step down for him.
 
Tinubu reportedly arranged a meeting schedule to hold today to “unite Yorubas” ahead of the forthcoming APC primary using some well-known elders in the South-West.
 
A source close to his Bourdillon residence said the politician concluded the plan to use the South-West leaders' support in what appears to be a last-dish gamble in his bid for the presidency. The said plan includes using these elder statesmen to cajole Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to step down for Asiwaju.
 
A close source to the National Assembly said the “Unity meeting” was all Asiwaju's idea and according to him, “It is unclear whether the Vice President has agreed to attend.”
 
The source was not clear on whether Osinbajo will show up for the meeting or not. The source also could not confirm the attendance of Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.
 
There are, however, indications that Babajide Sanwo Olu (Lagos State Governor), Gbenga Oyetola (Osun State Governor), Bisi Akande (former APC National Chairman), Dimeji Bankole (former Speaker of House of Representatives), and a few others have confirmed to be at the venue by 6pm today.
 
Kayode Fayemi (Governor of Ekiti state), Ibikunle Amosun (former Governor of Ogun State), Akinwunmi Ambode (former Governor of Lagos State), General Alani Akinrinade, Olusegun Osoba (former Governor of Osun State), Dapo Abiodun (Governor of Ogun State), Rotimi Akeredolu (Governor of Ondo State), and Yemi Osinbajo (Vice President), are all expected to attend the meeting.
 
The source said he knows a governor was reached last night and was told Asiwaju disagreed with Osinbajo’s effort to move the meeting to the following day due to previously scheduled engagements in his capacity as Vice President.
 
“The timing of the meeting – just a few weeks to the APC primary, is suspicious. Why didn't these so-called Yoruba elder statesmen call a meeting before now to unite the Yorubas,” the source wondered.
 
A close source to Bourdillon says there are three things Asiwaju might achieve at tomorrow's meeting.

“First, Asiwaju intends to use the meeting to blackmail the Vice President and then use his elders like Baba Akande and Chief Osoba to cajole Osinbajo into stepping down for him,” the source said.
 
“Second, whether he agrees or not, they plan to use a narrative that Southwest APC met and the decision to let the past go and have a fresh beginning was agreed which insinuates VP has stepped down leaving VP to the usual reactive measures his aides will resort to. "Will he come out to say I didn't agree to step down when they haven't really said he did but insinuated?” the source queried.
 
“Third, they plan to use VP’s words against him after the meeting,” he said.
 
Now another source close to Osun State Government said the meeting borders on rallying round another candidate other than Osinbajo.
 
The source notes that Tinubu gradually accepts he cannot win the primaries as super delegates have held a meeting and concluded that Tinubu cannot win the  presidential seat for APC in 2023.

By ETIM ETIM

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is steadily carrying out his threat to ‘’fight dirty’’ and his targets have been well marked out: President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. He has deployed most of the writers in his newspaper, The Nation, as his fighters. Day after day, they rain abuses and insults on Yemi Osinbajo and the President. Their grouse is that the VP has dared to run for President and Buhari is tacitly supporting him and at the same time unsympathetic towards Asiwaju. There is no way the VP would have had the audacity to challenge Asiwaju if he didn’t have the backing of the President, one of writers told me last week. Yesterday, the Chairman of the newspaper’s Editorial Board and its lead columnist, Sam Omatseye made the same point in an essay titled ‘’The king’s meat’’. The piece drips with anger, malice and nastiness and aims at both the President and Vice President. It’s central theme is that Osinbajo should not have declared to run because Tinubu has been eyeing the job since 1999. Even after he decided to run, Omatseye wonders why the VP did not even travel to Lagos to take permission from Tinubu before the announcement, concluding the full-page essay by calling Buhari a plagiarist for the ‘’I am for everybody’’ line in his 2015 inaugural speech.

The essay is the clearest evidence yet that the Tinubu camp is frustrated and bitter that President Buhari is not willing to hand over the Presidency to the former Lagos governor. Tinubu and his supporters have not hidden their anger at the President for not publicly declaring his support for him, and they are venting their anger on Osinbajo for taking what they think rightfully belongs the APC leader. I understand that these writers and the newly recruited ones have been instructed to pour the kitchen sink ‘’in full measure’’ on Buhari and Osinbanjo between now and when the convention holds at the end of this month. But how effective is that as a strategy to win the primary? I have made the point in my previous interventions that this approach is flawed. By resorting to constantly harassing and intimidating the VP, Tinubu is giving the impression that he is a ruthless and brutal contender who can mow down whoever is on his way. You can now see why President Buhari said in a TV interview that he was not ready to reveal his choice for President because ‘’they would eliminate him’’. The constant assault and visceral attacks against the VP since he declared his intention is akin to elimination. Thank God, Prof Osinbajo will never be another Funso Williams.

Tinubu’s quest for power and control is insatiable. The former governor has made Lagos his conquered territory. Its politics, treasury and every decision, ranging from who collects garbage from the streets to who becomes the governor is under Tinubu’s control. Apparently not satisfied, he wants the whole country under his belt. We can only imagine what will happen to the CBN, FIRS, NNPC, Customs, NDDC, NPDC, PTDF and other cash cows if he succeeds. Tinubu’s self-accreditation as the Grand Deity of Nigerian Politics who must be worshipped and adored, and his sense of entitlement to power is the single most dangerous development in the polity since the annulment of June 12 election. President Buhari cannot afford to hand Nigeria back to another set of bandits that has raped the country for eons.

Yemi Osinbajo has the right, like every Nigerian, to aspire to any office he wishes to occupy. The VP does not owe Tinubu any apology or permission to pursue his dreams. Osinbajo will be a very good presidential candidate for our party. He represents the best of Nigeria and the best in all of us. His wide acceptability nationwide across party lines, ethnic divides and religious boundaries makes him a natural choice as our presidential candidate. On the contrary, Asiwaju Tinubu has a huge baggage hanging on his neck, the least of which is the dubious sources of his stupendous wealth. Tinubu has taken so much from the system that he should be grateful to the country and its leaders who have condoned him for this long. He ought to realize that he would be the biggest casualty if, God forbid, APC loses the governorship election in Lagos or the presidential election next year. There are people who hates his guts and are ready to throw him into jail if they come to power.

One of the major weaknesses of Nigerian nation is the possibility of some corrupt politicians becoming too big to control. They are rather in control of the state. They are almost as powerful and dreadful as Mexican drug lords who control some cities, recommend judges for appointment, murder those they don’t like, intimidate and harass the citizens. These bullion van politicians, who call themselves ‘’democrats’’, are very powerful, demand obeisance from citizens, order elected officials around and confiscate government property and amass wealth with reckless abandon. They have a large collection of minions who exercise derived authority and exert their own influence. The Nation’s writers represent the echo chamber for their master. They know what the boss wants and they put it across in fine prose.

I called up Sam Omatseye after reading his piece yesterday and asked him ‘’What’s the strategy behind your essay? Since you want the President’s support for Tinubu’s ambition, do you think this would help’’? I will keep the details of our conversation private, but it is clear that Tinubu and his people have come to the full realization that Buhari cannot be cowed and the VP will never bow out. Tinubu’s insistence that the VP must constantly defer to him and publicly sing his praises is just a sign of megalomania. The man is a psychological egotist with delusions of grandeur and obsession with power. He deserves our sympathy and consolation.

https://www.thequesttimes.com/opinion-tinubus-desperation-and-omatseyes-dirty-fight-by-etim-etim/

Osinbajo Describes Late Alaafin A Bridge Builder, Man Of Great Intellect Who Will Be Missed

Aside from impacting the lives of many in his community, the Southwest and across the country, the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was a bridge-builder whose great intellectual knowledge and depth would be missed, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
Prof. Osinbajo stated this today in a chat with journalists in Akure while on a visit to Ondo State.
According to the Vice President, “we all feel a great deal of pain and a deep sense of loss. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was a force of nature all by himself, he was a man of incredible knowledge, depth, and he was erudite in every way.
“He was a bridge builder and I think he created several avenues in the 52 odd years that he reigned. He created several avenues for people from the Southwest of Nigeria to interact with people from other zones from those very early days.”
Speaking about his personal experience with the late highly referred monarch, Prof. Osinbajo said “I had several meetings with him, especially in Abuja, whenever he was in Abuja and sometimes in Ibadan.
“He was one of the most intelligent commentators on public life in Nigeria, on politics and he had such a deep knowledge of politics and international relations and international affairs and even in Nigerian political economy.
“He wrote several articles and books and he was always very keen to share them. I think that clearly, the Alaafin of Oyo was somebody I believe that the monarchy hid away from most of Nigeria just in terms of his intellectual depth and his knowledge.”
On the late Alaafin’s impact on his community and beyond, the VP said “I want to thank God that he was such an incredible and impactful leader and he didn’t just impact Yoruba land or Oyo State, but he impacted the entire nation.
“Today we celebrate a man who has lived a life of impact, who has reigned as a monarch, not just royalty, but he has royally proved that you can make tremendous impact in the lives of common people and in the life of your nation even while serving as a monarch in just one portion, one part of your country. I think his impact has been nationwide.”
The Vice President then expressed his condolences to “the family, government and the people of Oyo State” on the passing of one of the leading monarchs in the country.
The late monarch passed away on Friday, April 22 at the age of 83 after ruling as Alaafin of Oyo for 52 years.

https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/osinbajo-describes-late-alaafin-a-bridge-builder-man-of-great-intellect-who-will-be-missed/

The Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi, has passed on, PREMIUM TIMES can report.

Alaafin Adeyemi, the third from the Alowodu Ruling House, died in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.

The remains of the top Yoruba traditional ruler were brought to Oyo in the early hours of Saturday and traditional rites began, palace sources told this newspaper.

He was 83 years old and the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for 52 years.

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, is expected to make an official announcement upon receiving the report of the monarch’s passing from the Bashorun of Oyo, Yusuf Akinade, the head of the ‘Oyo Mesi’, who will now lead Oyo before a new Alaafin is installed.

The monarch had been sick and a plan had been made to fly him abroad before he passed on late Friday night.

A source familiar with the medical travel plan said his tickets and those of a few wives were already procured.

His death came after the two other senior Oyo State monarchs – the Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Jimoh Oyewumi – died. All happened in less than five months.
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/525342-breaking-alaafin-of-oyo-top-yoruba-monarch-is-dead.html?fbclid=IwAR2OfObV6NNkQHqzMIHh51isxhzI9w_0DXRa5ZJz6yD6Wxnw7nDHQJ4sAzg

Without a doubt, the entry of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo into the presidential race about two weeks ago has changed the dynamics of the contest, disorganized his opponents and angered many godfathers who had hitherto assumed that the presidency is theirs for the asking. These moneybags, with dubious sources of wealth and narcotics-driven paranoia, did not anticipate the mass support that followed the VP's declaration. They've been startled and flummoxed, and s a response, supporters of these enraged aspirants have resorted to writing several misleading statements, lies and malicious articles to malign Prof Osinbajo and mislead the public.

Two of these writers are Gbenga Adefulu and Tope Fasua. I do not know what these two people do for a living; or their academic background and career path, but their recent articles betrays a lack of depth in business and economics, and contain a huge dose of misleading and false assertions that may mislead the less informed Nigerians.
I am duty bound to debunk their falsehoods.
The first falsehood is that the VP is the head of the Economic Management Team and National Economic Council, and the two bodies have not achieved much.

It is important to state that the Buhari administration has not constituted an Economic Management Team, as previous administrations did. There is, however, the Constitutionally recognized National Economic Council (NEC) which is chaired by the VP and consists of state governors, CBN governor and some ministers. There are however officials whose main suite is the management of the economy. They include the CBN Governor; the Minister of Finance; Minister of Industry & Investment; DG of Budget Office; the Petroleum Minister, etc. The VP is not the Chairman of the Debt Management Office (DMO) as alleged by Adefulu. The NEC has made significant achievements in managing the Nigerians economy in the last seven years, chief among which are getting the country out of two recessions in 2016 and 2020, and achieving steady GDP growth in the last two years. Today, our GDP has recorded over 2% growth quarterly since last year.

NEC was also responsible for designing and implementing the Nigerian Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP), the N3 trillion economic plan launched in 2020, that helped in supporting the economy during the pandemic. Part of the achievements of the Buhari administration in the last seven years, of which the VP played significant roles is the nation's attainment of self sufficiency in rice production (national output was 9 million metric tonnes last year, up from 5.4 metric tonnes in 2015). The Presidential Fertilizer Initiative that has led to massive domestic production of fertilizer and its drastic fall in price is a major success of the administration. The substantial investments in the revitalization of the nation's infrastructures including roads, bridges and railway development is unprecedented in our recent history.

Contrary to the falsehood peddled by the two writers that the VP is responsible for managing the exchange rate of the Naira, I wish to state emphatically that the management of our exchange rate is an exclusive responsibility of the CBN. By the CBN Act of 2004, the CBN is a very independent institution; and its Board and organs like the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). Not even the President has the powers to interfere in CBN's Monetary Policy. MPC meets every quarter to determine interest rates and other monetary guidelines. Blaming the VP for the Naira exchange rate shows a lack of understanding of the roles of the various institutions of government. But I recall that the VP has early this year called for a more transparent means of managing the value of the Naira, rather than the current arbitrary system that promotes arbitrage and reduces confidence in the value of our currency.

The pledge by the VP to continue the policies of the Buhari administration has befuddled many a commentator who misconstrue the loyalty of the VP to the government and his commitment to his duty. Adefulu believes that the VP is wrong in pledging to build on the achievements of the Buhari administration. If Adefulu lives in Nigeria, he would have travelled on the newly rebuilt Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Mile Two-Oworonshoki Road in Lagos which were left decrepit by previous administrations for years; and the newly built Lagos-Ibadan rail service which carries thousands of Nigerians every day. These are part of the achievements Osinbajo would build on. Osinbajo will certainly extend these rail network to other parts of the country like the South-South and South East regions. In addition, the VP will make Nigeria self sufficient in other food crops like maize and wheat, a continuation of the Buhari agenda on domestic food production. Prof. Osinbajo has promised to continue the war against terrorism and violent crimes and the fight against corruption.

Levelling allegation of ingratitude against the VP has been the cornerstone of the Bola Tinubu campaign. They keep repeating the insane statement that the Osinbajo candidacy is a betrayal to Tinubu. Many Nigerians are making a mockery of this assertion everywhere it is mentioned. Yet, Adefulu shamelessly repeats the same nonsense in his article. Tinubu has been in charge of Lagos politics and treasury since 1999. He now wants the whole of the country in his pocket, and so he does not want the VP to run. Truly, these people are high on something. As I said in my last article titled ''Why they are moving against Osinbajo'', those touting the theory that the VP has betrayed Tinubu have reduced the Nigerian presidency to Tinubu's heirloom - an object that has belonged to his family for several generations, to which nobody else dares contest for. It is a poor sense of judgement for Tinubu's sole strategy to be based on accusing Osinbajo of betrayal. Nobody wins a major presidential ticket by making his sense of entitlement a national embarrassment.
Tope Fasua's misleading claim that the VP has been pushing the economy to integrate with crypto currencies is another proof of lack of depth. I wish to state that the VP was rather advocating for a better regulatory framework for the new payment systems as outright ban of crypto currency would only drive the activity underground. It is therefore notable that the CBN has recently launched the Naira e-wallet and its popularity among the investing public attests to the VP's position for a proper regulation. Similarly, the VP's support for the growth of the fintech subsector and financial inclusion has been legendary. Prof Osinbajo has been encouraging young Nigerians to keep up the pace with technology and the emerging economy; unlike Tinubu who recently complained that our ''youths are only busy tweeting on Whatsaap''.

Osinbajo is one of the most broad-minded and cosmopolitan public officials. His staff members are of different religious faiths from different parts of the country. The VP is equally sensitive to our diversity, in addition to being acutely aware that Nigeria's strength lies in welding our differences together. Adefulu's talk of the VP being biased towards RCCG members is therefore an insult to the huge Christian community in our country. Unlike Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who is planning to run on a Muslim-Muslim ticket (for this same reason, Atiku rejected him in 2006 and Buhari shunned him in 2014), Prof Osinbajo will choose a Muslim running mate who has the capacity to be president from day one. Tinubu should realize that a Muslim-Muslim ticket is insensitive to our religious pluralism and is capable of setting the country on fire.

Fasua's negative comments on the Ease of Doing Business shows how little he knows about the role of the private sector and its concerns. The EoDB is a set of activities systematically implemented by the government to create conducive environment for the growth of businesses. The initiative was first mooted and suggested by our private sector operators and supported by the World Bank. Coming from the Bullion Van economy of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Fasua is undoubtedly unaware of the workings of corporate Nigeria and what they need to thrive.
I urge Nigerians to discard all misleading statements against Prof Osinbajo. He is the right person to succeed President Buhari.

Former governor of Lagos state and All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has hit at the failures of President Muhammadu Buhari for not living up to the expectations of the Nigerian youth.

He decried the tagging of Nigerian youth as lazy since past administrations have not provided enough infrastructure to enable youth to create opportunities.

He said this at a rally organized by some APC youths in the South West at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, yesterday 16 April, that Nigerians have the right to be angry as Buhari has not lived up to their expectations.

He said “We feel your anger when you are angry. I don’t blame you. The promises of the past have failed to realize that you build a future from the onset. From the kindergarten.”

The former governor told President Buhari to stop the “lamentations of the past” as excuses for his failures.

He said, “We cannot continue with the lamentations of the past.”
“We cannot continue with excuses on NEPA failure. No. No nation can make rapid development without electricity. Give us that, and if we cannot be successful, you can abuse us. But you cannot give us erratic electricity that is undependable and then blame us again that we are lazy,” the former governor said.  

Tinubu is said to have fallen out of favour with President Buhari who was reported to be against his presidential ambition.

My incoming

Osinbajo, MKO and the lessons of history

By ETIM ETIM

For declaring to run for President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo has obviously angered certain interest groups in the country. Supporters of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu have gone into overdrive, doubling down on their malevolent campaign against the Vice President, while Farooq Kperogi has sped up the rate of release of his sinister and malicious articles against the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Vice President. But overall, overwhelming number of Nigerians have responded positively to the VP's entry into the race. The reviews have been quite rave and the feedback very encouraging. His inspiring message has resonated with many Nigerians, helped largely by the fact that Nigerians already had a positive impression of him.
Contrary to the lies being peddled by some of Tinubu's supporters, there is absolutely no pact anywhere that that remotely suggests that Tinubu would be the anointed successor to President Buhari. Similarly, there has never been any agreement or injunction barring the VP from contesting the Presidential election against the former Lagos governor or any other contestant. Nobody will ever enter into such accord in politics, anyway, although such stories usually surface at every election cycle. In Akwa Ibom State, for example, one PDP governorship aspirant has been going around bemoaning that Gov. Udom Emmanuel has reneged on the agreement he had with the governor to succeed him. Of course, nobody took him serious, and I think he had dropped the claim. Such assertions are made by desperate politicians to deceive the voters.

The anxiety in Tinubu's camp arises from his deep sense of entitlement to the Presidency, perhaps because he's pocketed Lagos State in the last 22 years, feeding off the treasury unchecked. He actually believes that he now deserves the whole country.
Having helped Buhari win in 2015, Tinubu certainly feels that the Presidency should be his for the asking, and for that he cronies and followers are relentlessly attacking the VP for daring to run. But Yemi Osinbajo is not Tinubu's son; he's not signed any pact with Tinubu and he's not tied to Tinubu's apron strings. Even if Tinubu nominated Osinbajo to be VP (a recent account however disputes this story, emphasizing that Asiwaju did not even support the nomination because Osinbajo was against Asiwaju being picked by the Buhari as running mate), the VP has the right to pursue his dreams, just like any one of us. That there has never been any pact between Tinubu and the VP over the presidency means that Prof Osinbajo could not be accused of being treacherous for making his intentions known to Nigerians.

Tinubu's camp is also fond of insinuating that the Osinbajo candidacy might offend certain Yoruba traditions because the professor had once served as a commissioner under Tinubu. This is quite irritating, to say the least. Osinbajo has not been under any bondage or peonage to Tinubu since he left Lagos State government in 2007. In the same vein, the Presidency is not akin to some kind of Yoruba chieftaincy stool in which the contenders to the throne have to be subjected to some tribal traditions and convention. Osinbajo is now a national figure whose profile has burst through tribal and ethnic lines in the last seven years. I insist that the VP should be treated with utmost respect, dignity and courtesy by his South West people in general and Tinubu's supporters in particular. A little bit of history is important here. By the time it was clear that Chief MKO Abiola had won the June 12 1993 election, he had already emerged as a towering national personality. Beating his rival, Othman Tofa in his home state of Kano was a huge electoral accomplishment for MKO and to many Nigerians, it signified the beginning of the end of tribal politics in the country. But after the unfortunate annulment of that election by the IBB junta, many activists and politicians began to insert ethnic and tribal sentiments into the popular uprising that had erupted against IBB.. Steadily, ethnic jingoists took over the mass protests and soon, the MKO brand was badly affected and the essence of the protests was defeated.
Similarly, the consistent attempts by Tinubu loyalists to denigrate the Vice President and call him names is an ill wind that blows no one any good. It should be clear that Tinubu will never triumph by dragging down Prof Osinbajo. It is therefore in the interest of the South West region if Tinubu could call his supporters to order and ask them to desist from insulting and abusing the Vice President.

Let me conclude with a line or two on Farooq Kperoqi. It is obviously that this man is on a mission of relentless, but malicious and nasty personal vendetta against the VP. The reaons are not clear to anybody I have talked to. He churns out wrong and misleading statistics to back up his sinister campaign. I know for sure that, contrary to Kperogi's falsehood, Prof Osinbajo did not nominate Okechukwu Enelamah as Minister in 2015. He was nominated by the Obi of Onistsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Anichebe, when the late Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, had sought the monarch's assistance in filling the Abia State slot of the Ministerial position. As a candidate Gen. Buhari endured endless media attacks in the build up to the 2015 elections. If that did not scare Buhari out of the race, and did not prevent his victory, Kperogi and his ilk will never succeed. Nigerians are wise enough to see through vile and baseless agenda of hate.

This video in Yoruba exposes how former Governor of Lagos state Bola Ahmed Tinubu betrayed all the people that helped him become governor of Lagos state.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4aKrPr2MZM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aKZJjmHb5c

The Mummuric prof is mentally unstable, he need help

There is something fascinating about the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and his quick adaptation to dynamism and the current realities. It may be unusual, but he sets the pace each and everytime he makes a move.

This time it is a date with destiny, a courageous moment with a convincing power; that staying true to a long term dream of a better Nigeria where the numerical strength of the young generation can be transformed into development, wealth and stay as a unifier amidst the current situation.

Maybe we ain't used to virtual means of communication, but the pandemic has taught us in many ways to cut cost, especially with how Prof. Osinbajo effectively used the virtual meetings to reduce the stress of the members of the National Economic Council. He scored a first, proving that no matter what the situation may be: We move!


Many dust has been raised by people who where waiting for a glamorous declaration where billions of naira will be squandered. A declaration where public funds will be used to service some individuals. A declaration that will cause traffic and inconvenience commuters on a Monday morning.

But it is not business as usual; a new sheriff is coming. A new dawn is coming.

Just few hours after his declaration, approximately a million people have watched the the videos, a message well delivered, across all his social media platforms.

Welcome to a new dispensation, many miles away from the stone age.

Osinbajo didn’t declare, you called him a coward. He declared, you said he backstabbed Tinubu. Well, Osinbajo heed to the calls of well meaning Nigerians. Reno is sick though.