₦airaland Forum

Former National Secretary of the Labour Party, Kayode Ajulo, on Wednesday said most governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are backing Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for the presidency in 2023.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ajulo said Osinbajo has performed exceedingly well within the last seven years in office to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

To Ajulo, nobody has been able to find fault in Osinbajo, adding that he should be the next President. He also called on the ruling APC to consider the vice president for the position.

According to him, if the APC is so serious in winning the 2023 presidential election, the only person seen as the best marketable candidate is Osinbajo.

“We need to distinguish the office of the Vice President and the personality of Professor Yemi Osinbajo. As it is, his running for this election is non-negotiable,” he said.

“I can say that authoritatively and I think those in the presidency are listening. He has that fundamental right of the first refusal to that ticket, particularly being the vice president of the country.

“If he can be Vice President for so long, he should be the next President. I want to believe that the leadership of the party should believe that that is the position.

“Most of the governors in APC and PDP are even supporting the aspiration of the Vice President, this is so clear.”

He also faulted a claim by APC member, Daniel Bwala, that Osinbajo will not be contesting for presidency in 2023.

With President Buhari’s tenure coming to an end next year, there has been curiosity about who will emerge as Nigeria’s President. This is even as the two major parties – the APC and the PDP – have not yet zoned the presidential slot to any geopolitical regions, although some aspirants under both parties have publicly declared their intention for the nation’s top job.

Even me can deposit more than that to his campaign. Tell us who deposited less

The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo stops by to commiserate with the parents and family of Hanifa Abubakar, the 5year old girl who was murdered by her school teacher in Kano.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKrqZzLD1cc

This video shows how Vice President Yemi Osinbajo gave a new life to internally displaced children in Borno state.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qZHjV3R9dk

VP receives Dangote, delegation from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria’s public health system is still robust and when well resourced, can achieve greater coverage, including meeting targets set in disease prevention and eradication, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this in Abuja on Tuesday when he received on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, a delegation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation led by its President, Dr Christopher Elias accompanied by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, founder of the Dangote Foundation.

According to the Vice President, “clearly we need to do a lot more, perhaps what needs to happen is increasing personnel in our public healthcare system, ramping up the numbers, so that we can achieve greater coverage and do a lot more.

“I am confident that our public health system is robust enough to deal with any situations so long as it is well resourced at the relevant times. We saw that with the response to COVID-19. So, it is really just ensuring that the system is well resourced and it works, and we will be able to deliver on those targets.”

Prof Osinbajo appreciated both the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Dangote Foundation for their support in the country’s healthcare system adding that the Federal Government looks forward to more collaboration with partners for the benefit of the Nigerian people.

In his remarks, Dr Elias commended the efforts of the Buhari administration in the area of human capital development despite the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and urged improved collaboration among stakeholders to address issues related to nutrition and immunization, among other public health challenges.

Earlier, the Health Minister, Dr. Osagie Ehanire who was also in attendance, commended the partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, emphasizing the need for stakeholders to deepen cooperation in order to build stronger resilience and confidence in public healthcare delivery in Nigeria.



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

In its quest to continue to drive insurance penetration in Nigeria, AXA Mansard, a global leader in insurance and asset management sector has opened another office in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The new office, according to Jumoke Odunlami, Chief Customer & Marketing Officer of the company is another demonstration of AXA Mansard’s commitment to drive penetration of insurance in Nigeria by bringing services closer to the people.

Odunlami noted this at the grand opening of the Ibadan office recently, explaining that growing the company’s footprint nationwide with offices and welcome centres is part of the Company’s phygital strategy. “Our vision as an organisation is to move from being a payer to a partner of our customers. We understand that to make good this promise, we must stay closer so we can always be there when our customers need us. So, in addition to our continued investment in digital and technology to serve our customers, our network of offices nationwide are designed to give our customers a personal touch”, she said.

Also, speaking during the opening event, Adeola Adebanjo, Head, Retail Solutions Division said the opening of the office and others like it nationwide will help AXA Mansard support, interact and engage with its customers better. He commented;

‘This location will bring us closer to our esteemed customers in Ibadan and its environs and beyond that, is that it will make insurance products available, accessible and contribute to driving penetration of insurance in Nigeria. Our goal is to through initiatives like this increase the confidence of our customers to take on opportunities for progress, while we take care of the uncertainties that come with life on their behalf”.

The office is open to walk in customers on weekdays between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm and creates an enabling environment for customers to interact with the company’s team of highly qualified staff.

From L-R: Olufemi Abolude, Group Head, Retail Sales, West; Jumoke Odunlami, Chief Customer & Marketing Officer; Adeola Adebanjo, Group Head, Retail Division; Ayowale Sanusi, Area Sales Manager, Retail Sales West 2; all of AXA Mansard during the grand opening of the company's new office in Ibadan recently

*Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria visits VP, commends FG, lists Buhari’s achievements


President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to ensure things are done right and he is absolutely committed to the progress of the people and the country according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

He made this declaration when he received a delegation of the Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria, (CWON) led by their President, Dame Mary Asibi Gonsum at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.

Prof Osinbajo reaffirmed the Buhari Administration’s resolve in ensuring things run smoothly in the country. He stated that “one thing that is certain is that there is a determination on the part of the president to ensure that things are done right.

“That is a genuine commitment. He has spent most of his life in public service at various levels. One thing that is evident is that if there is anyone committed to the progress of this country, he is.”

While addressing the concerns around the challenges in the country, Prof Osinbajo highlighted the role of civic and social leadership in also tackling the issues. His words: “there would be times a country is faced with challenges, it is the leadership and not just political leadership, but I mean civic and religious leaderships such as yourselves who rise in support of the country by way of prayers, encouragement, and admonition.”

The VP expressed his gratitude for the visit by the Catholic women drawn from across the country and the words of encouragement from the delegation.

The leader of the delegation Dame Mary had commended the Federal Government under the leadership of President Buhari lauding “the proactive and far-reaching policies/actions of the government as it affects the fight against corruption, terrorism/insurgency and banditry."

Responding the VP said, “I am pleased you have taken the time to come visit and encourage us because the words you spoke are words of encouragement. Very frequently, we hear criticism, it is encouragement that is often not easy to come by.”

He also commended the Catholic Church and acknowledged their role in the country. “Every one of us is aware of the social and civic role that the Catholic church plays in our nation. This is also evident in the work that you are doing as the Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria with the schools, hospitals and the various ways the civic and social lives of people in our country have improved. A lot of it is in the efforts of the Catholic Church.”

Speaking further, the President of CWON observed that “the purchase and induction of the super Tucano fighter Jets is an indication of the commitment of this administration to bring to an end, terrorism and banditry in our dear country Nigeria.”

According to her “the boost given to the economy through job creation and support to rice farmers, which has greatly reduced our dependence on imported rice besides small and medium scale industries, youth/women empowerment," is equally commendable, noting that "the MarketMoni, TraderMoni programmes of the Federal Government has also brought stability to the petty traders.

"Also worthy of mention is the distribution of gas cylinders and regulators (which will not only reduce the risk associated with the use of firewood and charcoal as a means of cooking but also desertification and other environmental hazards among many others), have impacted positively and given the electorates new lease of life."

Also in attendance was the CWON National Chaplain, Very Rev. Father Benedict, Okike, National Sister-Adviser, Rev. Sr. Shade Marypia Adesanya, other top officials and members of the organisation.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
26th January 2022

LATE OBA ADETUNJI CARING, STRAIGHTFORWARD LEADER, OSINBAJO SAYS AT OLUBADAN PALACE

VP in Ogbomosho, Ibadan delivers President's condolences, assures Nigeria will get better soon

Visits generate excitement, enthusiasm from Oyo people

The late Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, was a man that loved his people, demonstrated genuine commitment to the progress of society and lived an accomplished life, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Sunday during a condolence visit to the Palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan, where he was received by the palace chiefs and wife of the late monarch, Olori Rashidat Adetunji, among other members of the royal family.

Before he arrived Ibadan yesterday, the VP had been to Ogbomoso where he also visited with the families of the late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, and former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala.

At both Ibadan and Ogbomoso, the Vice President was met on the streets and at all his stops by enthusiastic Nigerians who trooped out to welcome and interact with him, at times with singing and drumming, always with excitement.

The Vice President, who was received on arrival at the Oyo State Government House Arcade, Ibadan, by the State Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan, extended the condolences of President Muhammadu Buhari to the late monarch’s family and people of the State.

Describing the late Olubadan as a caring and honest leader, the Vice President, who spoke in Yoruba said "it is very necessary for me to come here because our father who departed was someone who was deeply kind; he loved people and everyone.

"All through his lifetime, when we visited, even when we spoke with him during phone calls, he always showed his love and kept praying for us."

Testifying to the late paramount ruler's forthrightness, Prof. Osinbajo said "it was President Buhari who mentioned it first that when we were campaigning, Olubadan was someone who would speak his true mind with you on what he had decided to do, he wasn’t a betrayer, who would tell you one thing and do the other."

He observed that "there are different types of people; but for Olubadan, he was a straightforward leader."

Speaking about the late Oba's virtues and legacy, the VP noted that "all through his lifetime, he fulfilled all his set goals, beginning from when he was a tailor, to starting a record label and the rest of his plans."

"Even his ambition to become the Olubadan became successful; just as we know that it is God who crowns a king. For anyone to be crowned a king, it is only by God’s will, and we thank God; it aligned with His will for our father to be crowned a king.

"God willed it, and he made him a king. Besides this, our father also left an inheritance for his children, which, in this sense, are not the money, houses and cars, because all these will still perish; but the heritage I’m talking about is the good name and legacy he left behind, which all of us will continue to speak about and stay with.

"We thank God for the good name he left behind as a mark of honour and goodwill for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and all of us will benefit from it," he added.

He assured the royal family and guests present during the visit that the legacy and efforts of the late monarch for a progressive Nigeria shall be fulfilled.

"I wish to thank you all here gathered, everything our father did for Ibadan, and even, our nation, Nigeria, we know all. And we will continue to speak about them. We can't tell it all about someone who was that outstanding in his lifetime.

Giving assurance about the future of the country, the VP said "I assure you that our country, Nigeria, will be better than this. It will be a very comfortable place for all of us to live in, and we shall all be alive to eat the good of this land. We shall all see how good it will be, and it is very soon.

"It may look as if there are challenges now, but God will solve them all."

The Vice President's visit to Oyo State on Sunday generated enthusiasm and excitement among Nigerians from diverse backgrounds who thronged major streets in Ogbomoso and Ibadan to acknowledge the VP's presence as his motorcade drove through their neighbourhood. In some instances, the VP's convoy had to stop as he acknowledged the crowds who had massed on the road.

Right from his arrival at the Ogbomoso Grammar School, where his chopper landed, to the premises of the First Baptist Church, Okelerin, where the funeral service for the late Soun of Ogbomoso was held, the Vice President received a rousing welcome from a mammoth crowd who cheered and danced, with many carrying banners of different shades.

In Ogbomoso, residents trooped out and lined the major roads in the town, displaying placards with various pro-Osinbajo inscriptions. Matters got to a head at the residence of the late former Oyo Governor, Alao-Akala, where crowds of excited residents of the ancient town had gathered ahead of the VP's arrival with singing and drumming, and the VP acknowledging the cheering.

In the same vein, Vice President Osinbajo on arrival in Ibadan received a rousing reception as his admirers gathered around the Government House Arcade, drumming and dancing to welcoming songs. Just like in Ogbomoso, residents trooped out at points on the road peaking at the entrance of the Olubadan's palace.

At some points, including at the palace of the Olubadan, the VP had to stop to acknowledge greetings from many excited residents in the city.

In both Ogbomoso and Ibadan the Vice President was accompanied by dignitaries and State Government officials. While the Governor was with the VP in Ogbomoso, his deputy received him in Ibadan. There were also members of the National Assembly, as well as Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, with the VP.

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

A reputable school in Kaduna is in need of the following teachers

1. Biology/Basic science
2. History.
3. Physically Health Education.
4. Technical Drawing.
5. French.
7. Civic Education.
8. Mathematics.
Call +234 802 372 9127 if you are interested.
The vacancies available for limited time.

Delivering a special address at the ongoing World Economic Forum, Vice President Osinbajo says African Countries need international partnerships to tackle climate change, address security concerns, promote economic prosperity, combat disease and improve governance.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnV2KqtyN28

A school in Kaduna is in need of the following teachers

1. Biology/Basic science
2. History.
3. Physically Health Education.
4. Technical Drawing.
5. French.
6. Civic Education.
7. Mathematics.
Call +234 802 372 9127 if you are interested.
The vacancies are available for a limited time.

What human capital has Tinubu developed gan an? I am sick and tired of hearing this argument.

Let's break this down. At best, Tinubu's relationship with these guys has been symbiotic in the best scenario for him.

Was it Tinubu that made Osinbajo the Professor he is, or Tinubu needed his brain to run his government?

When he got jammed up with Obasanjo, it was Osinbajo that came up with a legal solution for him and they won serially in courts.

For your information, Tinubu was against his becoming the VP. He reluctantly agreed when he had no choice.

Was it Tinubu that made Fashola Senior Advocate of Nigeria?

He only tapped into Fashola's brain to make his government look good. The benefit was mutual. The moment Fashola's profile started rising above his own as Governor, he tried to stop him from getting a second term. What they play now is a cat and mouse game. The relationship has never been the same.

Ambode was the Chief Accountant of Lagos State that came up with the plan to raise the State IGR that they are enjoying today. Now they are no longer friends. He threw him under the bus.

Fayemi was one of those eggheads that fought with NADECO during Abacha infamous days. Tinubu only occasionally supplied funding.

The moment the Northerners suggested his name as a running mate to whoever emerges as President from the North, at the early stage of forming APC, Tinubu went against him. The relationship has gone down south since then.

Mamora is a suave and an urbane gentleman and a Medical Doctor to boot. He was simply one of the best Senators of his time. The moment his profile started rising in Abuja, with the potential to overshadow the landlord of Lagos, the ticket was taken from him by Tinubu and given to his wife.

Aregbesola was the most loyal to Tinubu of all those followers; now, the relationship has gone south.

Therefore, he uses these people as tools rather than their destiny helper.

The moment their profiles started to rise, he would attempt to stop them. He thinks he is the one to determine how far destiny can carry them.

This is a guy who destroyed all the powers that made him from AD days.

I am sick and tired of the platitude.

Buhari that completely shut Tinubu out of his governance for 7 years is unlikely to hand over to him.

What about supporting a younger Osinbajo or Fashola for the position if he is altruistic in growing talents?

Ayo Turton

Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) is in Kano today to deliver the Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture. #OsinbajoInKano

https://youtube.com/shorts/cdWFsnpcbco?feature=share

Olawale Olaleye

Since his emergence as Nigeria’s number-two citizen, different accounts had been flying around on how Professor Yemi Osinbajo, actually secured the coveted vice-presidential slot, a majority of which revolved around the person of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, his former boss. Indeed, the recent revelation by Chief Bisi Akande in his book, “My Participations” was equally slanted to further pin down the narrative.

You may recall that in 2016, Professor John Paden, authored a biography, ‘Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of leadership in Nigeria’, where he dismissed speculations that Tinubu, influenced the emergence of Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate, but contended that Buhari, instead, chose Osinbajo despite a lot of pressure from Tinubu, who was interested in the position. That book raised a lot of dust and as expected, Tinubu’s soldiers went for the professor.

But, regardless of whichever version you must have read or heard, what you are about to read now is the untold story of how Professor Osinbajo, became Buhari’s running mate and eventually, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It happened that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was almost running against the deadline for the submission of names of its candidates ahead of the 2015 presidential election. There was no debate about its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, who had emerged at a convention held in Lagos in December of 2014. But the party had been held hostage on its choice for the running mate.

In the forefront of the confusion that had ensued as a result was Tinubu, who didn’t hide his desire to fill the slot. He hinged this on the understanding he allegedly had with Buhari in the early days of their proposed alliance, before the merger that eventually culminated in the formation of the APC, now boasting several other tendencies.

With a bigger house made possible by what was known as the ‘legacy parties’ and other individuals, who championed the change movement, a Muslim/Muslim ticket had become arguably impracticable.

This much was canvassed by a majority of the actors with stakes in the party, especially, with the increasing attacks from the Boko Haram terrorist group. They had considered a Muslim/Muslim ticket a very hard sell.

However, with 24 hours to deadline for submission of names, coupled with the fact that Tinubu had made a smooth choice of a running mate nearly impossible, including the fact that he was made to chair a selection committee, which failed to fly, because of his vested interest, Buhari then decided to take the bull by the horn, being the candidate.

While the underhand intrigues subsisted, Buhari had set up a team of some persons, including a former governor of Zamfara State, Abdul-Aziz Yari; former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki; incumbent Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal and his predecessor, Magatakarda Wamakko, amongst others to shortlist names of likely candidates for him, from the South.

Interestingly, it seemed there was a consensus that with the role of the Southwest, the running mate must come from the zone, reason other interested folks from other parts of the country could not fly.

The committee had completed its work and submitted a list of three names to Buhari. First on the list is a former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, followed by Senator Olorunimbe Mamora and third, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. Please, follow the trend and how Osinbajo’s name first featured in the 2015 theatrics.

Armed with the list and wary of the deadline staring him in the face, Buhari left for Tinubu’s house in Abuja, first to explain that a Muslim/Muslim ticket was not going to fly, meaning he would be unable to run with him and that in the alternative, he (Tinubu) could recommend anyone from the list to him as his preferred choice for the slot. At least, he thought it was okay to do him that honour.

Unfortunately, Tinubu didn’t receive the news well and flared up so bad that he was alleged to have engaged in war of words with Buhari, who stormed out of his house, after Tinubu had insinuated betrayal. Amongst those in Tinubu’s house at the time were Chief Bisi Akande, Rauf Aregbesola and Adams Oshiomhole. But only Oshiomhole walked Buhari to his car as he made to leave the house.

From Tinubu’s house, Buhari stopped over at the home of a former governor from the Southern part of the country and told him all that transpired, and went back home – angry and disappointed.

Getting home, he sent for Saraki and when the former Senate President got to his place, he narrated what happened and the embarrassment meted out to him, saying if Tinubu wanted a fight, he was ready and he would give it back in full dose.

But Saraki pleaded with him that it was too early and that the situation was not what they couldn’t manage well before the elections. Saraki immediately contacted a former Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and hinted him that there was fire on the mountain and that he needed to come around to join forces with him to manage the situation. Amosun left his home in Abeokuta, first for Lagos and then Abuja, and straight to Buhari’s home.

Thus, when he got there, he was intimated with all that had happened, but he was particularly worried about deadline and pleaded with Buhari to let him take it over from there. So, he left for Tinubu’s place to close the deal.

By the time he got to Tinubu’s residence, Oshiomhole had left but still with him were Baba Akande and Ogbeni Aregbesola. Typical of Amosun, who would not waste time on anything, he told Tinubu that Buhari’s mind was already made up, but that he should decide now, who he wanted as the running mate, at least, that only the individual he chose would be presented to Buhari and not give him the pleasure of choosing from a list.

Still angry and disappointed, the first person Tinubu suggested in that rage was Oshiomhole. But as if planned, there was almost a unanimous opposition from everyone in the room. Then, Aregbesola suggested Osinbajo and he (Tinubu) opposed it, saying Osinbajo was one of those, who campaigned against a Muslim/Muslim ticket and must therefore not benefit from it.

Now, let’s digress a bit. Tinubu’s anger against Osinbanjo was this. The former Lagos governor had set up a team of persons close to him to ponder the Muslim/Muslim idea and the best way to push it forward. Those on the team included Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyom, Mr. Wale Edun, Mr. Dele Alake and Dr. Dapo Thomas. The team met regularly at a private Guest House on the Island, Ikoyi to be precise.

But Osinbajo had during one of their meetings said pointedly that there was no way he would defend a Muslim/Muslim ticket in good conscience especially, with the state of security in the country. He asked on what account would he go back to his family and say he was part of such a decision? Of course, Tinubu got a feedback from the team and held it against him, even though Osinbajo didn’t mean any harm.

Therefore, at the mention of Osinbajo, he revolted almost instantly. But he needed to give a name and time was fast going before deadline. So, he asked to see the list brought by Buhari and on sighting it, he said, “Okay, let’s run with Oyinlola.” To that too, Baba Akande protested and it was back to square one.

Again, Aregbesola prevailed and contended that, like it or not, Osinbajo remained a member of Tinubu’s political family and therefore, still his best bet. After a few minutes of grumbling, he reluctantly agreed to Osinbajo. And Amosun asked him repeatedly if it was a deal and he responded in the affirmative. Final answer kind of thing! Mamora was not even to be considered as far as Tinubu was concerned. Those who know Lagos politics would understand why.

When he finally agreed to Osinbajo, Aregbesola even pleaded to be given the honour of being the person to break the news to Osinbajo. But Amosun didn’t have the patience to acquiesce to that request. For him, time was of the essence and that assignment was handled business-like. Therefore, how Baba Akande handed them a note with Osinbajo’s name and ordered them to Buhari is still a mirage. Besides, Aregbesola did not go with him.

Anyway, in the presence of all, Amosun made a call to Osinbajo to ask, where he was and that a plane would be sent to convey him now to Abuja. But, incidentally, Osinbajo replied that he was in Abuja already, because he had a case at the Supreme Court.

Great, everything seemed to be working together for good, he reckoned. Then asked him to come immediately to Ogun House in Abuja, and when he arrived, he first congratulated him saying, “You’re the next vice-president of Nigeria.”

With a confounding gaze, he conveyed him in his (Amosun’s) car and drove straight to Buhari’s house, with Kemi Adeosun, former Minister of Finance, sitting in front of the car.

Getting to the candidate’s residence, Amosun asked Osinbajo to wait downstairs, while he went upstairs to see the president and told Buhari: “I have him sir,” and Buhari asked: “Who?” and he replied: “Your running mate”.

The APC candidate then came downstairs, where he first met with Osinbajo for the first time as introduced to him by Amosun and immediately, ushered them to a sitting area in the kitchen, where his nomination form was filled in a hurry.

Osinbajo, filling his form in Buhari’s dinning area, was guided by Mrs. Adeosun, Amosun and Sarki Abba, one of Buhari’s domestic staff, to hasten up the process. Buhari, too, was there watching them complete the process.

This is why for those, who know the story, how Osinbajo later turned out to be Amosun’s enemy remains a mystery to them. But with this insider picture of how Osinbajo ‘walked from Lagos to Abuja’, readers can now decide by themselves, the person, who actually made Osinbajo the vice president. To do this, however, five centres must be factored into account.

The first is the team set up by Buhari, which included him amongst the three potential candidates. The second is Aregbesola, who consistently mentioned him until it was approved. The third is Tinubu, who reluctantly agreed to his choice, without which they probably would have been unable to move on.

The fourth was Amosun, who had to run a major and serious race from Abeokuta to Lagos and Abuja to make sure that phase in the life of APC was closed. The fifth and most important is Buhari himself. He could have rejected him if he wanted to. After all, he was going to be working with him and definitely should have a say in the choice of his partner.

But if you asked this writer, no one person made Osinbajo vice president. The coming together of everyone as designed by God did the job. Therefore, no one person can claim the glory. This, in a nutshell, is the story of Osinbajo’s journey to the seat of power, Abuja.

All the additions and facts deliberately mutilated by Baba Akande are curious. But, it is understandable. Above all, if you are in doubt, many names are mentioned here as witnesses to the journey, you can check with them all.

VP OSINBAJO OFF TO ACCRA, REPRESENTING NIGERIA AT ECOWAS EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT ON MALI*
 

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, departs Abuja for Accra, Ghana this morning to represent President Muhammadu Buhari at an Extraordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to discuss the political situation in the Republic of Mali. 
 
Today’s meeting which is expected to be attended by leaders across the region, follows previous meetings and efforts by the leaders to resolve the situations in Mali and Guinea.
 
In 2021, Prof. Osinbajo participated in meetings of leaders across the sub-region on the issues exploring solutions.

On September 8, the VP participated in a virtual summit of the regional body where sanctions were imposed on the military junta in Guinea, and on the 16th of the same month, attended another ECOWAS summit where further sanctions on individuals and groups fueling the crisis in Guinea and Mali were discussed.
 
Later in November 2021, Prof. Osinbajo again joined other leaders in Accra for the 3rd Extraordinary Summit of leaders across the sub-region to review decisions and the political situations in Mali and Guinea.
 
In compliance with the decisions of the leaders, ECOWAS mediator, former President Goodluck Jonathan traveled on January 5th, 2022 to Mali to meet with authorities in the country over the timetable for democratic transition. Indeed Dr. Jonathan briefed President Buhari on the matter recently.
 
Prof. Osinbajo who is accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, is expected back in Abuja today.
 
 

*Laolu Akande*

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

*January 9, 2022.*

Well-meaning Nigerians want Osinbajo

A report by an online newspaper that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his intention to run for President in 2023 on New Year’s Day, is “fake news,” according to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity in the Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande.
When Quest Times reached out to Osinbajo’s spokesperson Akande, he said: “This is pure, fake news.”
Akande added that “Mr. President and the VP did not meet on New Year’s Day.”
When pressed Akande added that the media should stick with what he had said on the 2023 presidency. “If there is an update, I will ensure the media is made aware, please ignore the lies and many are going to still come.”

https://thequesttimes.com/osinbajo-did-not-meet-president-buhari-on-2023-presidency-spokesperson-clarifies/

By: Gabriel Garuba Irene

Fellow Nigerians, I greet you very specially at this auspicious period of mixed-feelings. I align myself with the common and very popular saying in the Nigerian social media space that life is not balanced. This itself will explain why everyone will never accept a common submission whatsoever. Even when there is a cornucopia of what is yearned for, discerning opinions abound. Life is, has not, and will never be balanced. Not even in Nigeria.

Even in the imbalance of life, one man has, in his little way and opportunity bridged the linking gap to strike a seeming balance. An effort that could be engineered with stronger authority – a fate that rests solely in the hands of God. Posterity has a role to play in it.

One of the areas we have been very unfair as a people is the ability to recall people’s positive antecedents. Even when we do, political affiliation does not permit us to say this in the open. This is a moral decadence on the side of the political elites - attitudinal behaviour that can only be subdued by a few individuals in our present society.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stands a better chance of becoming the next Nigerian President, looking at various odds in the political circle. Some reasons are based on performance, some are based on his political zoning arrangement, previous antecedents, religion, professional and academic status, and the bound of history.

Before you read further, I enjoin you to get a cup of water, avoid distraction, read with an open mind, raise questions from it. This article will have it's part two, based on questions raised. We go!

In 1999, the Southern part of Nigeria, precisely South West, produced the President of the country, while the Northern region had the Vice President. After President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure of 1999 to 2007, late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (North) took over in 2007. His sudden death on May 5, 2010 paved way for another Southerner to occupy the most exulted national position. Late President Yar’Adua’s death tampered with the honourable agreement of South-North and North-South Presidency. President Goodluck Jonathan (Southerner), being sworn in as the President of Nigeria in 2010, contested in 2011 and won. Jonathan, haven sworn in as Nigerian President in 2011, there was an automatic alteration in the honourable arrangement in the scheme of representation. This, probably not solely, was a major reason former President Jonathan lost to another Northerner – President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Nigeria’s constitution can only allow eight maximum of years in office for the office of the President. So, after President Buhari’s eight years in office, the Southern region has an opportunity to produce the next President. An alteration of this gentleman arrangement under President Jonathan was one of the major reasons he could not be elected in 2019, due to a major force from the North, clamoring that Yar’Adua’s tenure (invariably Northern turn) was not complete.

After Buhari/Osinbajo’s regime, power shifts automatically to the South. This odd favors the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, looking at the zoning pattern of his political party - the All Progressives Congress. Any attempt to have a northern Presidency after President Buhari may repeat the recent history of Jonathan’s enthusiasm.

Professor Osinbajo’s performance as Vice President of Nigeria, from 2019 till date is debatably an achievement that may not be beaten in the nearest future. As Acting President between May 7 and August 13, 2017 when the President was on medical vacation, VP Osinbajo’s effort within this period was lauded beyond party, ethno-religious lines.

As Acting President, Professor Osinbajo made some remarkable impacts. For instance, he instructed the head of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to reform the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and ordered an independent investigation after persistent complaints and reports that bordered on allegations of human rights violations.

We can also recall that the Vice President, while on Acting capacity transmitted a letter to the National Assembly seeking the confirmation of Ibrahim Magu as substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on July 14, 2016. But the Senate, under former Senate President Bukola Saraki, however rejected Magu’s nomination.

Similarly, it should be recalled that it was while Osinbajo was the Acting President in February 2017 that a letter, seeking the confirmation of then acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Samuel Onnoghen, was transmitted to the Senate.
One of the most notable footprints of the Vice President in acting capacity was the sack of the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Lawal Daura, following the invasion of the National Assembly by operatives of the service. This happened in August, 2018.

Under him as Acting President, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo commissioned quite a number of projects. For instance, Acting President Osinbajo commissioned the Calabar Monorail, the Calabar International Convention Centre, and the Cross-River Garment Factory. On same visit, he thereafter visited the Calabar Rice City located at the Ayade Industrial Park, and also inspected the Calabar Pharmaceutical both of which were still under construction.

On July 18, 2017, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo was in Zamfara to also commission several State government’s projects. Same groundbreaking commissioning of Lagos-Ibadan rail transport project in March, 2017.

All of these were done within 103 days of President Buhari’s absence. Tremendous moves that have raised a very high standard for any Acting President in the future. On this, his performance within the above duration, viz a viz his political party’s zoning arrangement between South and North, there is a possibility of him clinching the party’s Presidential ticket, and probably with a 60% possibility of becoming Nigeria’s next President.

One peculiar phenomenon has undoubtedly swayed the voting pattern of Nigerians since 1999 - this is religion. While checking the Vice President’s performance both as Acting President and Vice President, also looking at the zonal equation, one other factor is the religious practice. Most Nigerians have keyed into the rotation of major offices between the two major religions in the country – Islam and Christianity. With this, one would squarely believe that after the regime of President Muhammadu Buhari – a Muslim, a Christian southerner is the possible next President. With this, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stands tall to clinch.

Apart from being a Christain the VP belongs to a very popular Christian denomination that can determine or pull a very huge vote when nominated. He is not just a member of the church; he is a senior Pastor. It could be said, although debatable, that the huge support from this denomination is due to their representation in the person of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. They remain a force.

Outside his religious denomination, the entire Christian community may decide to vote for a Christian Southerner, knowing that the outgoing President is a Northern Muslim. Overlooking these permutations is a pestilent move for any political party as we journey towards 2023.

Another factor that produces possibility for His Excellency, the Vice President of Nigeria is his professional career. Some people argue that Nigeria needs a seasoned professional as the next president. The Vice President may be backed by seasoned professionals and his associates in various strata. It should be made clear that the Vice President enjoys a robust and extensive relationship with the opposition parties. He is being admired and respected across party lines. His call for project commissioning across the country and across party divide is a testament of the love and likeness he enjoys from the people of Nigeria.

It is a huge omission if the President’s ability to suggest and support who replaces him in 2023 is swayed. As it stands, the Vice President enjoys a warm company of his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari. This, the President has severally stated in some of his public comments. In his message to the Vice President on his 64th birthday, the President described his deputy as “reliable and dedicated deputy who is not only admirably competent, but also exudes confidence and passion in the performance of his job; a cool-headed gentleman who puts the interest of Nigeria above other narrow consideration”.

The President continued by saying, “Vice President Osinbajo is an incredibly patient politician who demonstrates remarkable intellectual and mental energy in the discharge of his duties. I’m proud to have selected him as my running mate, and he has given a good account of himself since our journey began in 2015”. How best can we describe endorsement? This is an unprecedented statement that is very rare in a master-subordinate relationship in Nigeria.

In August 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) inaugurated the tripartite committee of the APC. Making His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo the head of the committee also displays the level of the Vice President’s acceptability in his party. Osinbajo maintains a very cordial and robust relationship with his party heads. His relationship with the caretaker committee of his party is a worrying partnership to a few who also aspire for same position. Nevertheless, the Vice President is a liberal, welcoming, down-to-earth individual whose loyalty to his nation and political party is unwinking.

The Vice President’s role in the emergence of Amoteku – the Southwest security group, is an encouraging step which stood well in the minds of the region’s political elites vis-à-vis her traditional leaders. The respected Ogun born Pastor, Senior Lawyer and Politician cares about his people and Nigeria in general. The security and general wellbeing of every Nigerian stand firm as a top priority in his agenda.

Professor Yemi Osinbajo enjoys the followership of the masses, also known as ‘street’. Little wonder he’s being called ‘Star Boy’. His engagement with the common man during the Trader Moni poverty alleviation programme is a testament of his popularity.

These are parameters of acceptability. These are odds that tilt. Although there are few other persons that come into this equation, but the advantages of Osinbajo and his level of acceptability nationwide exceed what other people portend. 2023 elections seem far by the average man, while politicians see it as tomorrow. Only God makes kings, only God determines who governs through the electorates. Irrespective of our efforts to attain power, God’s decision is utmost and supreme. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

VP highlights efforts by Administration to reduce poverty, provide jobs_

When the Buhari administration set out the Social Investment Programmes, which is now regarded as the largest of its kind in the continent, one of the objectives was to accelerate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals in the country.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, made the disclosure today at the official launch of the ‘Review of Baseline Report and Realignment of the National Statistical System with SDGs, 2020,’ which held at the Statehouse Banquet Hall, Abuja.

He added that the Federal Government's national development objective is also in line with SDGs, and the Buhari administration will continue to ramp up efforts in reducing poverty, providing jobs for Nigerians, creating wealth and addressing climate change issues.

Prof. Osinbajo noted that Nigeria’s objective of achieving sustainable national development is consistent with the SDGs goals, "to engender an economically sustainable, socially inclusive and environmentally resilient world.

"For Nigeria, and indeed Africa as a whole, the achievement of the SDGs is crucial to the task of ending poverty, hunger, and disease, and safeguarding our environment."

Indeed according to the United Nations, in its report on “How the UN is supporting The Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria”, it noted that “since the adoption of the SDGs in September 2015, Nigeria has continued to demonstrate its commitment to achieving the global goals through leadership and ownership of the implementation process.”

The Vice President then emphasized FG’s commitment, noting that today’s “ceremony marks the culmination of a process which began in 2016 for monitoring and evaluating the progress made in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria.”

Prof. Osinbajo further noted that with the launch, Nigeria will be able to further track its progress annually on the SDGs. He observed that the implementation of the Federal Government’s social protection programmes was central to its vision for sustainable national development and achieving the SDGs.

"This is why in May 2019, Mr. President made a public commitment to lifting approximately 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within a 10-year period. This is a national development priority, which again follows on the establishment of our social protection programmes, the largest Social Investment Programmes (SIPs) on the continent – and which by itself, is an attempt to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs across the country, " the Vice President affirmed.

He described the SIPs as “a multi-pronged approach to wealth creation, human capacity development and poverty alleviation," stressing for instance that “the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) component of the programme reaches approximately 8.9 million poor and vulnerable households and 37.7 million individuals across the country.”

Highlighting the impact of the Social Investment Programmes, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) has provided about 2.4 million loans to petty traders and small entrepreneurs worth N38billion across the country,

Also the administration’s youth employment and skills enhancement initiative, N-Power Programme, “is designed to employ 1 million youths between the ages of 18-35 and further equip them with skills for the job market over a two-year period.”

The Vice President noted that "as a successor plan for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Nigeria SDGs Indicator-Baseline Report (2016) reinforced the need to strengthen our national statistical system to enable effective tracking and monitoring of the SDGs that we all committed to."

On the Report on the ‘Review of Baseline and Realignment of the National Statistical System with SDGs, 2020’ itself, the VP highlighted that “One of the areas of marked improvement in this document is the increased range of reporting – from the 126 indicators recorded in the 2016 Baseline Report - to the 141 indicators in the current 2020 Report.”

Just as the Report also observed, Prof. Osinbajo emphasized that ensuring the SDGs by integrating them into plans and policies, was the approach taken by the Buhari administration in the implementation of its development plans.

These include the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (2017 – 2020), the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPGRS), the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), and more recently, the National Development Plan 2021-2025, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council in November.

The Vice President commended the efforts of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, and the Statistician-General, Dr. Simon Harry who also made presentations at the event.

He praised Orelope-Adefulire for her “passion and commitment to the enormous task of meeting our SDG commitments”, and the Statistician-General “for your leadership in this important process.”

The VP observed that “the Nigeria SDGs Implementation Plan (2020-2030) offers a coherent pathway for achieving the expected outcomes in the next decade.”

He then presented the report and later inspected 19 ambulances presented by the Nigerian SDGs Office to support the healthcare delivery system at the sub-national level.

Laolu Akande,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,
Office of the Vice President.
21st December 2021

I love this part
However, while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the book launch, Tinubu said that he would have been nailed for the offence he did not commit if Osinbajo was not available to defend him.

Group under auspices of Kaduna Polytechnic Stakeholders Forum has condemned alleged attempt by the Executive Secretary of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje to unduely meddle with the affairs of Kaduna Polytechnic.
According to the group of concerned stakeholders, the several responses by Professor Bugaje has confirmed the suspicion that he is out to destabilise the institution.
The group in a Statement jointly signed by Malam Musa Muhammad and Mr. Joseph Kazachan its leaders,with the title:STILL ON PROFESSOR IDRIS BUGAJE’S UNDUE INTERFERENCE IN THE AFFAIRS OF KADUNA POLYTECHNIC .”In the responses, he not only failed to absolve himself of the blame for an attempt to disrupt the process of governance in the institution that has been put on him by this Forum and other well-meaning individuals and groups, but has also extended his baseless allegations of impropriety to the top officials of the Federal Ministry of Education.
“The other features of the responses were the unsuccessful attempt to explain the controversial circumstances of his exit from both the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa and the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology [NARICT] Zaria as well as a desperation to ridicule the current Acting Rector, Dr Suleiman Umar. What was most apparent in his statements was the fact that the more he tried to either makes cases for himself or ridicule others, the clearer the weaknesses or even baselessness of his arguments appeared.”
Read Full Statement -: KADUNA POLYTECHNIC STAKEHOLDERS FORUM
STILL ON PROFESSOR IDRIS BUGAJE’S UNDUE INTERFERENCE IN THE AFFAIRS OF KADUNA POLYTECHNIC
Obviously, the several responses of the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Mohammed, in the affairs of the Kaduna Polytechnic has further confirmed the suspicion that he is only out to destabilise the institution.
In the responses, he not only failed to absolve himself of the blame for an attempt to disrupt the process of governance in the institution that has been put on him by this Forum and other well-meaning individuals and groups, but has also extended his baseless allegations of impropriety to the top officials of the Federal Ministry of Education.
The other features of the responses were the unsuccessful attempt to explain the controversial circumstances of his exit from both the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa and the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology [NARICT] Zaria as well as a desperation to ridicule the current Acting Rector, Dr Suleiman Umar. What was most apparent in his statements was the fact that the more he tried to either makes cases for himself or ridicule others, the clearer the weaknesses or even baselessness of his arguments appeared.
This Forum has noticed that Professor Bugaje has already become extremely restless as evident in his incessant attacks on the Polytechnic Management, Governing Council, Staff and Students Unions as well as the Federal Ministry of Education which he accused of complicity in the alleged perpetration of illegality. While he accused the Registrar of the Polytechnic for sponsoring this Forum, he also alleged that that the Chairman and Members of the Governing Council and even the top officials of the Federal Ministry of Education were beneficiaries of financial inducement.
However, this Forum wishes to address the issues contained in Professor Bugaje’s responses as follows:
- As the name implies, the Kaduna Polytechnic Stakeholders Forum is made up of credible individuals who, in one way or another, have a genuine stake in the institution and have therefore considered it a collective responsibility for us to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the clear attempt of the NBTE ES to cause derailment of the administrative process in the Polytechnic. In fact, the Forum has never consulted with any member of the Polytechnic Management or Governing Council before it embarked on its mission and can therefore not be said to have been a sponsored group.
– Contrary to his claim, the role or function of the NBTE stops at the regulation of the academic programmes of Polytechnics and not intervention or interference in the administrative processes of the institutions.
– The Acting Rector, Dr Suleiman Umar, whom the Professor Bugaje described as a just Chief Lecturer is a renowned academic who has unblemished record as one of the long-serving staff of the Polytechnic and whose capacity for delivery came out quite clearly when, as the Director of Planning, he ensured the accreditation of the academic programmes and, as the Deputy Rector, strengthened the administrative machinery of the institution,
– Moreover, having attained the position of a Chief Lecturer, Dr Umar is qualified for appointment as Acting or even Substantive Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic. In section 8(2)(i) of the Federal Polytechnics (Amendment) Act 2019 which specifies the category of person to be considered for appointment as Rector, it is stated that “qualifications of the persons who may apply for the post shall be a Chief Lecturer in the Polytechnic sector with at least five years experience on that position among other criteria.”
– Apart from being fully qualified for the post or even more qualified than Bugaje who had never been a Chief Lecturer, Dr. Umar also played unrivalled role in the stabilisation of the Polytechnic especially during the tenure of Bugaje as a result of which he was given the nickname-Stabiliser. As we mentioned in our earlier statement, the Present Acting Rector in collaboration with many other key staff of the polytechnic tremendously helped towards the sustenance of peace and stability in the institution at the time.
– Professor Bugaje’s assertion that he never sought renewal of term at Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa appears completely baseless in the face of the fact that, as contained in a White Paper on the report of the Visitation Panel on the institution and which we quoted in our last statement, the government at the time decided that “the second tenure of Dr. I. M Bugaje should not be renewed.” The contents of the White Paper have shown that the decision was taken on the basis of the confirmation of some serious allegations against him, one of which was existence of “strained relationship between Dr Bugaje and the immediate community.”
– His revelation that he served as the Director General of NARICT, Zaria for five years instead of the four years allowed by law indicated a clear case of illegality. This Forum not only wants to know wether he was illegally granted one year extension or he deliberately overstayed but also challenges him to explain the reason for the refusal of the government to renew his term.
Finally, we wish to re-iterate our call on President Muhammadu Buhari who is the Visitor to the Kaduna Polytechnic and on whose behalf the Governing Council under our respected elder Senator Mohammed Mohammed has taken the decision to re-appoint Dr. Suleiman Umar as the Acting Rector to urgently restrain Professor Idris Mohammed Bugaje from further interference in the administration of the institution.
Our Forum is fully convinced that the decision was taken in good faith and in full compliance with certain clear provisions of the Polytechnic Act particularly section 5, sub-section one which provides that the Governing Council “shall also have the power to do anything which in its opinion is calculated to facilitate the carrying out of the activities of the polytechnic and promotes its best interest.”
Signed:
Malam Musa Muhammad

Mr. Joseph Kazachan

https://tgnews.com.ng/2021/12/16/stakeholders-forum-flays-alleged-attempts-by-nbte-boss-to-destabilize-kadpoly/

Olawale Olaleye

Since his emergence as Nigeria’s number-two citizen, different accounts had been flying around on how Professor Yemi Osinbajo, actually secured the coveted vice-presidential slot, a majority of which revolved around the person of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, his former boss. Indeed, the recent revelation by Chief Bisi Akande in his book, “My Participations” was equally slanted to further pin down the narrative.

You may recall that in 2016, Professor John Paden, authored a biography, ‘Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of leadership in Nigeria’, where he dismissed speculations that Tinubu, influenced the emergence of Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate, but contended that Buhari, instead, chose Osinbajo despite a lot of pressure from Tinubu, who was interested in the position. That book raised a lot of dust and as expected, Tinubu’s soldiers went for the professor.

But, regardless of whichever version you must have read or heard, what you are about to read now is the untold story of how Professor Osinbajo, became Buhari’s running mate and eventually, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It happened that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was almost running against the deadline for the submission of names of its candidates ahead of the 2015 presidential election. There was no debate about its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, who had emerged at a convention held in Lagos in December of 2014. But the party had been held hostage on its choice for the running mate.

In the forefront of the confusion that had ensued as a result was Tinubu, who didn’t hide his desire to fill the slot. He hinged this on the understanding he allegedly had with Buhari in the early days of their proposed alliance, before the merger that eventually culminated in the formation of the APC, now boasting several other tendencies.

With a bigger house made possible by what was known as the ‘legacy parties’ and other individuals, who championed the change movement, a Muslim/Muslim ticket had become arguably impracticable.

This much was canvassed by a majority of the actors with stakes in the party, especially, with the increasing attacks from the Boko Haram terrorist group. They had considered a Muslim/Muslim ticket a very hard sell.

However, with 24 hours to deadline for submission of names, coupled with the fact that Tinubu had made a smooth choice of a running mate nearly impossible, including the fact that he was made to chair a selection committee, which failed to fly, because of his vested interest, Buhari then decided to take the bull by the horn, being the candidate.

While the underhand intrigues subsisted, Buhari had set up a team of some persons, including a former governor of Zamfara State, Abdul-Aziz Yari; former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki; incumbent Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal and his predecessor, Magatakarda Wamakko, amongst others to shortlist names of likely candidates for him, from the South.

Interestingly, it seemed there was a consensus that with the role of the Southwest, the running mate must come from the zone, reason other interested folks from other parts of the country could not fly.

The committee had completed its work and submitted a list of three names to Buhari. First on the list is a former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, followed by Senator Olorunimbe Mamora and third, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. Please, follow the trend and how Osinbajo’s name first featured in the 2015 theatrics.

Armed with the list and wary of the deadline staring him in the face, Buhari left for Tinubu’s house in Abuja, first to explain that a Muslim/Muslim ticket was not going to fly, meaning he would be unable to run with him and that in the alternative, he (Tinubu) could recommend anyone from the list to him as his preferred choice for the slot. At least, he thought it was okay to do him that honour.

Unfortunately, Tinubu didn’t receive the news well and flared up so bad that he was alleged to have engaged in war of words with Buhari, who stormed out of his house, after Tinubu had insinuated betrayal. Amongst those in Tinubu’s house at the time were Chief Bisi Akande, Rauf Aregbesola and Adams Oshiomhole. But only Oshiomhole walked Buhari to his car as he made to leave the house.

From Tinubu’s house, Buhari stopped over at the home of a former governor from the Southern part of the country and told him all that transpired, and went back home – angry and disappointed.

Getting home, he sent for Saraki and when the former Senate President got to his place, he narrated what happened and the embarrassment meted out to him, saying if Tinubu wanted a fight, he was ready and he would give it back in full dose.

But Saraki pleaded with him that it was too early and that the situation was not what they couldn’t manage well before the elections. Saraki immediately contacted a former Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and hinted him that there was fire on the mountain and that he needed to come around to join forces with him to manage the situation. Amosun left his home in Abeokuta, first for Lagos and then Abuja, and straight to Buhari’s home.

Thus, when he got there, he was intimated with all that had happened, but he was particularly worried about deadline and pleaded with Buhari to let him take it over from there. So, he left for Tinubu’s place to close the deal.

By the time he got to Tinubu’s residence, Oshiomhole had left but still with him were Baba Akande and Ogbeni Aregbesola. Typical of Amosun, who would not waste time on anything, he told Tinubu that Buhari’s mind was already made up, but that he should decide now, who he wanted as the running mate, at least, that only the individual he chose would be presented to Buhari and not give him the pleasure of choosing from a list.

Still angry and disappointed, the first person Tinubu suggested in that rage was Oshiomhole. But as if planned, there was almost a unanimous opposition from everyone in the room. Then, Aregbesola suggested Osinbajo and he (Tinubu) opposed it, saying Osinbajo was one of those, who campaigned against a Muslim/Muslim ticket and must therefore not benefit from it.

Now, let’s digress a bit. Tinubu’s anger against Osinbanjo was this. The former Lagos governor had set up a team of persons close to him to ponder the Muslim/Muslim idea and the best way to push it forward. Those on the team included Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyom, Mr. Wale Edun, Mr. Dele Alake and Mr. Dapo Thomas. The team met regularly at a private Guest House on the Island, Ikoyi to be precise.

But Osinbajo had during one of their meetings said pointedly that there was no way he would defend a Muslim/Muslim ticket in good conscience especially, with the state of security in the country. He asked on what account would he go back to his family and say he was part of such a decision? Of course, Tinubu got a feedback from the team and held it against him, even though Osinbajo didn’t mean any harm.

Therefore, at the mention of Osinbajo, he revolted almost instantly. But he needed to give a name and time was fast going before deadline. So, he asked to see the list brought by Buhari and on sighting it, he said, “Okay, let’s run with Oyinlola.” To that too, Baba Akande protested and it was back to square one.

Again, Aregbesola prevailed and contended that, like it or not, Osinbajo remained a member of Tinubu’s political family and therefore, still his best bet. After a few minutes of grumbling, he reluctantly agreed to Osinbajo. And Amosun asked him repeatedly if it was a deal and he responded in the affirmative. Final answer kind of thing! Mamora was not even to be considered as far as Tinubu was concerned. Those who know Lagos politics would understand why.

When he finally agreed to Osinbajo, Aregbesola even pleaded to be given the honour of being the person to break the news to Osinbajo. But Amosun didn’t have the patience to acquiesce to that request. For him, time was of the essence and that assignment was handled business-like. Therefore, how Baba Akande handed them a note with Osinbajo’s name and ordered them to Buhari is still a mirage. Besides, Aregbesola did not go with him.

Anyway, in the presence of all, Amosun made a call to Osinbajo to ask, where he was and that a plane would be sent to convey him now to Abuja. But, incidentally, Osinbajo replied that he was in Abuja already, because he had a case at the Supreme Court.

Great, everything seemed to be working together for good, he reckoned. Then asked him to come immediately to Ogun House in Abuja, and when he arrived, he first congratulated him saying, “You’re the next vice-president of Nigeria.”

With a confounding gaze, he conveyed him in his (Amosun’s) car and drove straight to Buhari’s house, with Kemi Adeosun, former Minister of Finance, sitting in front of the car.

Getting to the candidate’s residence, Amosun asked Osinbajo to wait downstairs, while he went upstairs to see the president and told Buhari: “I have him sir,” and Buhari asked: “Who?” and he replied: “Your running mate”.

The APC candidate then came downstairs, where he first met with Osinbajo for the first time as introduced to him by Amosun and immediately, ushered them to a sitting area in the kitchen, where his nomination form was filled in a hurry.

Osinbajo, filling his form in Buhari’s dinning area, was guided by Mrs. Adeosun, Amosun and Sarki Abba, one of Buhari’s domestic staff, to hasten up the process. Buhari, too, was there watching them complete the process.

This is why for those, who know the story, how Osinbajo later turned out to be Amosun’s enemy remains a mystery to them. But with this insider picture of how Osinbajo ‘walked from Lagos to Abuja’, readers can now decide by themselves, the person, who actually made Osinbajo the vice president. To do this, however, five centres must be factored into account.

The first is the team set up by Buhari, which included him amongst the three potential candidates. The second is Aregbesola, who consistently mentioned him until it was approved. The third is Tinubu, who reluctantly agreed to his choice, without which they probably would have been unable o move on.

The fourth was Amosun, who had to run a major and serious race from Abeokuta to Lagos and Abuja to make sure that phase in the life of APC was closed. The fifth and most important is Buhari himself. He could have rejected him if he wanted to. After all, he was going to be working with him and definitely should have a say in the choice of his partner.

But if you asked this writer, no one person made Osinbajo vice president. The coming together of everyone as designed by God did the job. Therefore, no one person can claim the glory. This, in a nutshell, is the story of Osinbajo’s journey to the seat of power, Abuja.

All the additions and facts deliberately mutilated by Baba Akande are curious. But, it is understandable. Above all, if you are in doubt, many names are mentioned here as witnesses to the journey, you can check with them all.

DISTURBING NEWS: Katsina State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Rabe Nasir, reportedly assassinated earlier today Thursday by Unknown Gunmen suspected to be terror bandits in his residence in GRA, Katsina metropolis.

LIQUIFIED PETROLEUM GAS SHOULD BE TRANSITION FUEL IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES – OSINBAJO SAYS AT GLOBAL FORUM IN DUBAI*

_*LPG now designated fuel of choice in Nigeria as 20-million Cylinder Injection Scheme set-up_

_*Nigeria presents a unique LPG investment destination, VP adds_


"The world should not have to choose between energy poverty and climate change as this can be addressed with both natural gas and Liquified Petroleum Gas as transition fuels alongside other renewable sources."

This was the kernel of the lead keynote address delivered this morning by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where the World Liquified Petroleum Gas Association,  (WLPGA) is holding its week-long forum.

The  association's 2021 LPG Week brings together over 2,000 delegates from 72 countries, including major LPG companies, senior public sector officials, industry experts and other relevant stakeholders.

Speaking on the theme “Energizing Tomorrow” at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Prof. Osinbajo noted that it was “worrying that a growing number of wealthy nations have banned or restricted public investment in fossil fuels, including natural gas.”

“Such policies often do not distinguish between different kinds of fossil fuels, nor do they consider the vital role some of these fuels play in powering the growth of developing economies, especially in sub-Saharan Africa,” he stated.

“As development finance institutions try to balance climate concerns against the need to spur equitable development and increase energy security, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union have all taken aggressive steps to limit fossil fuel investments in developing and emerging economies.

“The World Bank and other multilateral development banks are being urged by some shareholders to do the same. The African Development Bank, for instance, is increasingly unable to support large natural gas projects in the face of European shareholder pressure.”

While he acknowledged that all countries have a part to play in the fight against climate change, Prof. Osinbajo emphasized that “a global transition away from carbon- based fuels must account for the economic differences between countries and allow for multiple pathways to net-zero emissions.”

The VP, who was accompanied to the event by Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, the Nigerian Ambassador to the UAE, Mohammed Rimi, among others, submitted that it should not be necessary to have to choose between energy-poverty nexus and climate change since both can be properly addressed simultaneously.

Noting that there were still close to 600 million Africans without access to electricity, Prof. Osinbajo observed that, “for developing countries, unlike the rest of the world, the transition to net zero emissions poses two... existential problems.”

Explaining the imperative for the global community to balance concerted efforts at addressing global climate crisis with energy-poverty issue in developing economies, VP Osinbajo said, “aside from the climate crisis, we have the problem of lifting millions out of extreme poverty. And access to energy is a huge part of that.”

“For the few with access to electricity, it is either unreliable due to lack of generating capacity and infrastructure, or unaffordable due to high prices. But a more important aspect of that problem is the 2.6 billion people globally without access to clean cooking solutions, including over 900 million in Africa.”

Continuing, he said, “in fact, this energy-poverty nexus has distinct gender characteristics. A report from the World Health Organization revealed that about 4.3 million people die annually from inefficient cooking practices using polluting stoves paired with solid fuels like charcoal and kerosene… So, clearly there is an urgent need to transition from these fatally hazardous fuels to cleaner energy,” he stated.

Citing Nigeria’s efforts at balancing energy security with environmental sustainability, Prof. Osinbajo stated further that the Federal Government has developed an Energy Transition Plan “which shows that achieving net-zero by 2060 will require investments of about $410 billion, above business as usual, and that natural gas will play a critical role in addressing the clean cooking challenge, as well providing grid stability to integrate renewables at scale.”

According to him, “Nigeria has also developed an integrated energy plan with a clean cooking model which shows the clean cooking opportunities across technologies such as electric- cooking and LPG.

“This model shows that there is an opportunity to transition at least five million households to LPG solutions, which will cut emissions by 30% compared to business as usual, reduce other pollutants by 90% or more and avoid 6.9 billion kilogrammes of forest loss from biomass collection.”

The VP added that "LPG remains an ideal fuel to support the journey to renewables, as it is easily stored, does not degrade over time, requires no heating or complex filtration to keep the fuel in a usable condition, and does not constantly boil off."

He said that for a gas-rich country like Nigeria with over 206 TCF of proven reserves and an additional 600 TCF scope to be proven, "it is evident that what makes the most sense from the point of view of balancing energy security with environmental sustainability is the use of LPG at least as a transition fuel."

Citing Nigeria as an example, Prof. Osinbajo said, “for countries such as my own, that is rich in natural resources but still energy poor - from the point of view of access, the transition must not come at the expense of affordable and reliable energy for people, cities, and industry. On the contrary, it must be inclusive, equitable, and just—which means preserving the right to sustainable development and poverty eradication as enshrined in global treaties such as the Paris accord.

The Vice President then made reference to Nigeria’s Energy Transition, observing that the plan is tied to adopting and domesticating all forms of cleaner energy.

“These cleaner energy systems include solar for electricity, waste to energy, wind energy, hydro power and natural gas.  which aims to adopt and domesticate all forms of cleaner energy sources from household use to commercial use,” he stated.

Buttressing his points, the Vice President highlighted other proactive policies and plans of the Federal Government put in place since 2017.

He mentioned particularly the implementation of Nigeria’s Domestic LPG expansion initiatives, including the LPG policy as part of its National Gas Policy; the National Gas Flare Commercialization Programme; as well as specific provisions in the new Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 that elevates LPG as the fuel of choice compared to other competing fuels.

“And we have established a 20 million Cylinder Injection Scheme; 5 -10 million of these are to be introduced in pilot States next year. We have also established an LPG Energy Fund in the order of $50 million, in its first phase, in partnership with AFREXIMBANK," the Vice President disclosed.

He also listed the mandated conversion of 58,000 Telecommunications cell sites from diesel to LPG due to identified emissions from the industry and an Autogas conversion scheme and capacity building in the 12 pilot States.

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo explained that the FG has “consummated a collaboration with the EU through a study on CO2 savings based on the National LPG Expansion Implementation Programme for Clean Cooking. Also in the last three years, several LPG coastal terminals have been opened in Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar, with the latest one opening in Warri later this month.

"We also have a waiver of import duty on machineries, equipment and spare parts for the establishment of LPG plants for 10 years (subject to renewal) and a 5 - Year Tax holiday for investors in the LPG value Chain.”

While the Vice President stated the desire of the Federal Government to support investors, he noted that Nigeria’s “interventions would result in significant reduction in the rate of deforestation and create millions of direct and indirect employment opportunities for Nigerians.”

Aside from being an effective transition fuel, the VP asserted that "LPG is set to be part of the destination as it is being used as a precursor for green hydrogen with zero emission," adding that "an eventual move to bio-LPG will allow countries like Nigeria to keep existing infrastructure in place, capitalize on already existing supply and distribution chains and reach net-zero at far lower cost.

He said, “this also helps to overcome the concern of stranded assets. Consumers will not have to re-invest in expensive electrical solutions if their gas appliances can be re- purposed for zero carbon LPG.

“Our target is 5,000,000MT, and this requires at least USD$6 billion for the required LPG infrastructure roll-out to meet our target. From inland and coastal terminals to cylinder filling plants, bobtails, semi-trailers, valves and regulators, Nigeria presents a unique LPG investment destination for setting up manufacturing facilities and support services for the expanded LPG value chain in the National LPG Expansion."

Vice President Osinbajo was later conducted round the exhibition stands put up by different participants at the WLPGA Week.

Other speakers at the grand opening of the WLPGA week included the UAE Minister of Energy & Infrastructure, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouel; the Deputy Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency, Ms. Gauri Singh; and the CEO of the WLPGA, Mr. James Rockall.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity)
Office of the Vice President
7th December, 2021

VP OSINBAJO TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT 2021 GLOBAL FORUM ON LIQUIFIED PETROLEUM GAS IN DUBAI THIS WEEK

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, departs Abuja early today to participate at the World Liquified Petroleum Gas Association forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he will be delivering the keynote address.

World leaders, top government ministers from several countries and Chief Executives of major multinational corporations in the Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) sectors around the globe will be attending the week-long 2021 World LPG Week from Sunday through Thursday this week under the auspices of the Paris-based World LPG Association.

Prof. Osinbajo will be speaking on Tuesday at the forum, which is attracting over 2,000 delegates from 72 countries, on the theme of the LPG Week - “Energising Tomorrow.”

The World LGP Week, which first held in Amsterdam in 2019, is an annual event bringing together major LPG companies, senior public sector officials, industry experts and other relevant stakeholders.

This year’s LPG Week, which will hold at the Dubai World Trade Centre, creates the opportunity for global stakeholders to engage with the activities lined up, including a global exhibition, technology conference, the LPG Development Summit, among others.

The World LPG Association was established in 1987 and granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, ECOSOC, in 1989. WLPGA is the umbrella association which globally coordinates the LPG industry.

Vice President Osinbajo is expected back in Abuja on Thursday.

Laolu Akande,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,
Office of the Vice President.
6th December, 2021

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, a member of the AXA Group and global leader in insurance and asset management, has recorded N48.78 billion Gross Written Premium, up 24 per cent from N39.46 billion in September 2020.

According to the company, Net Premium Income of N27.13 billion, up 14 per cent from N23.75bn in September 2020.

Investment and Other Income of N3.25 billion, down 50 per cent fromN6.56 billion in September 2020.

Operating Expenses of N6.26 billion, up 6 per cent from N5.92 billion in September 2020, while profit before Tax of N5.00bn, down29% from N7.06bn recorded in September 2020 and profit after Tax of N3.81bn, dip33 per cent from N5.67bn in September 2020.

Speaking about the results, the Chief Financial Officer of the company, Mrs Ngozi Ola-Israel, said. “The business remained resilient through the third quarter delivering ₦48.78bn in revenues, growing 24 per cent YoY from ₦39.46 billion and ₦8.39 billion in underwriting profit, growing 20 per cent YoY from ₦7.01bn. The decline of 29 per cent and 33% respectively in the PBT and PAT is driven by fair value losses in the current year compared to fair value gains in the previous year and gain on disposal of a subsidiary in the previous year which did not re-occur this year.

The fundamentals of the business remain strong, and we remain committed to continuous improvement in our technical and operational performance as we approach the end of the year.”

Also speaking on the development of the financials at the end of September 2021, the Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance, Mr Kunle Ahmed, said“We thank our customers and partners for their continued faith in our security and service delivery, they are responsible for the GWP growth recorded in the third quarter despite the challenging economic terrain. The increase in our claims paid further emphasizes our financial strength and capacity to protect businesses in a very challenging economy.. As we wrap up the year 2021, we will continue to improve our distribution channels, refine our service delivery and horn our underwriting and technical capabilities for the ultimate benefit of our customers”

VP presides as NEC meeting endorses Finance Bill 2022

With more room to redefine the exchange for international competitiveness and the largest concentration of young people in the primary market, Nigeria is in a better position to advance its capital markets locally and globally.

This was the view expressed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, in his keynote speech today in Abuja at the first Capital Market Conference of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group.

Later in the day, the VP presided over a virtual meeting of the National Economic Council where the Council composed of all State Governors, FCT Minister, Central Bank Governor, and Federal Government officials endorsed a memo on the Finance Bill for 2022.

Highlights of the bill was presented to the Council by the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed who explained that the proposed bill is intended to be passed alongside next year's budget.

According to the Minister, some of the proposed legislative changes cover domestic revenue mobilization, closing tax loopholes, public financial management and tax administration reforms as well as international taxation issues. She added that some of the principles of the proposed Finance Bill 2022 are to ensure fiscal equity, avoid double taxation, and support businesses especially MSMEs.

Members of the Council endorsed the Bill subject to a few observations to be made.

Meanwhile, while speaking on the NGX Conference theme: "The Future Ready Capital Market: Innovating for Nigeria’s Sustainable Recovery," the Vice President stated that, “every smart investor must be looking now at how to be a part of the miracle of the Nigerian Unicorns, the about five or six indigenous Nigerian companies (driven by young Nigerians) that became billion-dollar enterprises since 2015 in the midst of two recessions.”

The Vice President, who emphasized the digital transformation of the markets, highlighted the many opportunities this move would provide for the capital markets, which includes bringing in more young investors.

He advised the adoption of technology "to bring in a new crop of young investors, many of who use their smartphones primarily for engaging with commerce and banking activities today. And you have commendably begun the journey to the digital transformation of the market, following the highly successful example of the banks and, of course, the telcos."

The VP added, “today, the huge retail outlets already created by the telcos with well over a hundred million subscribers, the wide reach of banks, especially with the numerous financial inclusion initiatives, make this probably the most auspicious moment for digitizing the capital market to bring in the millions of new young retail investors.”

The VP also noted the efforts of the NGX Technology Board to attract tech companies he referred to as ‘the present and future tech unicorns’ to the market as a viable option for raising capital.

Prof. Osinbajo stated that technology will also give “more investors the opportunity to benefit from the phenomenal growth of these companies.”

However, he observed that “we must work gingerly to ensure that where policy may be involved, we enhance and not encumber the ability of these companies to raise capital quickly and efficiently. This, of course, will call for mirroring successful global best practices."

Prof. Osinbajo, who noted that this was probably the most exciting time in the history of capital markets in Nigeria, added that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) also offered exciting new prospects for cross-border listings, activity, and the formation of long-term capital.

“Your brand campaign, 'the Stock of which Africa is made of' which was well commended by Mr. President is not only imaginative but bold and focused. I think of importance now is that the NGX must work with government AfCFTA negotiators, especially as the process progresses to setting the rules in the service sector," he submitted.

Urging the NGX to see itself as a critical player in the AfCFTA negotiations, the VP added that “we are at a point where we are looking at negotiating Service Rules, we have looked at Rules of Origin already, so this is the time to come into play to get the best deals possible from all our partners all across Africa.”

He further stated that with the successful completion of its demutualization process, “which fully commercializes the functions of the exchange as a corporate entity and importantly, separates the regulatory function to prevent conflicts of interest, the NGX can now focus on its core function of exploring new opportunities, leveraging strategic partnerships and transacting business to deliver profit.”

According to the VP, while its primary market not only has the largest concentration of young people, the NGX is “now positioned to reverse the trend of declining IPOs in capital markets worldwide, with offerings that are more business-oriented and less constrained exchange such as you have now.

“We also now have a greater room for redefining the exchange for international competitiveness. This is especially so as is currently being done, reviewing the governance framework and, of course, the profit orientation of the exchange means that investors can look forward to seeing more fast-growing companies listed on the exchange.”

On how the Federal Government is supporting the capital markets to become globally competitive, the Vice President stated government’s efforts in the AfCFTA negotiations, as well as policies to improve the economic environment, including the recent passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, and incorporation of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

He added that "next year, the Federal Government will further strengthen the frameworks for concessions and public-private partnerships (PPPs) especially as they relate to infrastructure."

Prof. Osinbajo also pointed out that the Government-backed N15trillion Infrastructure Fund being set up in partnership with the private sector will further help to bridge infrastructure gaps.

The VP observed that despite a significant withdrawal of foreign investors and domestic institutional participation in 2021, “the NGX in 2020 was the highest performing exchange with a return of 50% on the All-Share Index, when compared with 98 other exchanges tracked globally by Bloomberg.”

Prof. Osinbajo added that one of the ways to fast-track the return of foreign and domestic institutional participation is through effective collaboration between government agencies, regulators, and the Exchange.

Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to a partnership with the NGX, the VP observed that, “we need the capital markets for the economy and the capital markets need a thriving economy for its own growth.

“This government has shown its commitment to working with the NGX, in many ways, including the President's signing of the demutualization bill into law in 2018. So, the point of a reassuring business environment for foreign and local investors is not lost on us as a government.

“I believe that all government agencies, and regulators in our financial system such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, the SEC, PENCOM among other key stakeholders, realize that we must work with the NGX to ensure that the excessive risk premium within the market is abated and foreign investors are reassured of a transparent foreign exchange mechanism and other regulations that will enable them to channel their resources in and take their resources out with the least possible constraint.”

On climate finance, capital markets, and the benefits for Nigeria, the VP said the Federal Government and the NGX have taken the initiative of issuing the first African Sovereign Green Bond and the first Climate Bonds Certified Sovereign bond.

“We became only the fourth nation in the world to issue one. The value of Nigeria's green bonds market has now hit $136 million within three years with four issuances recorded since the debut issuance by the Federal Government in 2017. And it continues to grow,” he said.

Prof. Osinbajo further highlighted the Federal Government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan 2021-2025 and collaboration with the private sector in its implementation.

"The Plan envisages that the economy will grow from about 3% this year rising to 6.33% in 2025. The key, of course, is the implementation of the Plan, which is expected to be supported by a range of measures of fiscal, monetary, and trade measures," according to the VP.

In his opening address, the Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Limited, Mr. A.B. Mahmoud, SAN, thanked the Vice President for honouring their invitation, while noting that the Conference is in line with the government’s economic growth plans.

The Conference also featured remarks by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Right Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila; Senator Ibikunle Amosun - who represented the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan; Conference chairman, and Chairman, BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu; and goodwill messages (via Zoom video) from His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II; and the Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Lamido Yuguda.

The event also had in attendance the Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Ahmed; and the host of the Conference, the CEO, Nigerian Exchange Limited, Mr. Temi Popoola, among others.

‘Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
30th November 2021

VP says collaboration key to success, highlights digital & creative sectors as future drivers of economy

*20,000 paid Jubilee Fellowships for graduates start January

*AfDB $600million Digital & Creativity funding also expected next year

As the Federal Government continues building a more resilient and competitive economy, the private sector's strong partnership has been restated, especially to drive the success of Nigeria’s new National Development Plan.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this on Friday at the 2021 Presidential Policy Dialogue of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

While highlighting the importance of the private sector in driving Nigeria’s economy on the path of sustainable growth and job creation, Prof. Osinbajo noted that "the private sector on which so much depends and so well represented here, will rise up to help Nigeria achieve these noble objectives by working closely with Government.”

He disclosed that the collaboration of both government and the private sector "must promote productivity and value addition and move away from the despair of managing limited resources to producing and creating more in a competitive and sustainable manner."

The Vice President further said through the new National Development Plan, the Federal Government is placing particular focus on job creation, value addition, and promoting a business-friendly environment.

Explaining how the collaboration would be implemented, the VP stated that the Plan “envisages an investment commitment of N348trillion over the plan period of which it is expected that Government at all levels will come up with about N49.7trillion or about 14%, while the private sector is expected to invest N298 trillion or about 86%.”

In addition, the Federal Government has continued to take deliberate steps to encourage the private sector in improving the country’s business environment, by enabling more speedy transactions and removing bureaucratic obstacles.

“For instance, the very first Executive Order issued by this Government, EO 001 was on promoting transparency and efficiency in the business environment. Executive Order 003 promoting support for local content in public procurement had a similar objective in mind," Prof. Osinbajo recalled.

He then stated that when fully implemented, the National Development Plan’s strategy of becoming a value-adding economy will help create many jobs.

According to him “the strategic objectives of the Medium-Term Plan include establishing a strong foundation for a diversified economy, investing in critical infrastructure, enabling human capital development and improving governance and strengthening security. The implementation of the Plan is expected to be supported by a range of measures of fiscal, monetary, and trade measures, including reformation of subsidy regimes and a better functioning foreign exchange market.

“In terms of strategic direction, increasing productivity is the cornerstone. In practical terms, this means focusing on value addition as the guiding principle for all sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, digital services, tourism, hospitality, sports, and entertainment. In agriculture, for example, equal attention is given to primary production as well as other aspects of the value chain such as storage, transportation, processing, marketing, and exports.”

Prof. Osinbajo added that Government worked closely with the private sector to ensure Nigeria benefits greatly from the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreements.

In the same vein, he noted that the private sector “must contribute to the articulation of the National Trade Strategy, provide support to our negotiators in AfCFTA processes while taking full advantage of the opportunities provided by this free trade area.”

He added, “this government has always emphasised that the private sector has a key role to play in our efforts to build a more resilient and competitive economy. Private companies are engaged in design, construction, logistics and financial components of national infrastructural projects just as we are fully conscious that good infrastructure is vital to enable the private sector to be efficient and competitive.

“As things stand, negotiations on the Rules of Origin which are very important for boosting local production are at about 87.65% complete with outstanding work of about 10% on textiles and 2% relating to automobiles. In services, 41 countries have made offers but which are still to be verified. The Phase 2 negotiations on Investment, Intellectual Property, Competition are at early stages while talks on Women and Youth in Trade and Digital Trade are yet to start.”

The VP also highlighted the infrastructure development drive of the Buhari administration, including the Abuja-Kaduna railway, Lagos-Ibadan railway, and other major projects nearing completion such as the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abuja-Kano Expressway, and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline.

Prof. Osinbajo stated that the country’s infrastructure will improve further when InfraCo, the N15 trillion infrastructure fund being set up in partnership with the private sector, fully takes off.

Speaking further on the Government’s proactive steps in mitigating the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19, the Vice President noted the far-reaching impact of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) which helped Nigeria exit recession faster than most countries at the height of the global pandemic.

He also stated how the ESP helped in saving and creating jobs, with millions of Nigerians as beneficiaries of ESP components such as the MSMEs Survival Fund.

His words: “the resulting Economic Sustainability Plan emphasized rapid health interventions, keeping businesses going, creating and protecting jobs, boosting local production and providing social protection for the most vulnerable sections of society.

“The ESP also included a suite of macroeconomic policies including fiscal grants, tax breaks, regulatory forbearance to banks as well as reduced interest and moratorium on CBN intervention facilities amongst other things.

“These interventions paid off as we had a very short recession and we are now seeing a rebound in economic activity with GDP growth of 5.01% in the second quarter of this year and 4.03% in the third quarter."

The VP also stated the Federal Government’s interventions in reducing the country’s youth unemployment gap through job initiatives.

These include the N-Power scheme (where up to 1.5 million young Nigerians were recruited over two cohorts), and the Jubilee Fellows Programme - in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, the European Union, and other partners - a one-year work placement scheme for 20,000 young Nigerians set to kick-off in January 2022.

The Vice President observed that “while this was a scratch on the surface as well over two million young people enter into the workforce every year, there is no doubt that the Nigeria private sector has to thrive in order to create the number and kinds of jobs that we need but it is also important for the Nigerian youth to acquire the skills and knowledge of the workplace.”

This is a major reason why Government is ramping up its efforts to prepare Nigeria’s economy for the future by diversifying the economy, as well as creating a more enabling environment for the digital and creative sectors to thrive, the VP added.

“For instance, the Big Six Technology Companies Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft and now Tesla, account for up to half of the value of the NASDAQ 100 and had nearly $1trillion in revenues in 2019. By contrast, Nigerian GDP in 2019 was just about $450billion. What this shows is that as a nation, we have to embrace technology and learn to use it for our own developmental purposes.

“This is one of the reasons why the Advisory Group on Technology and Creativity which brings together public and private stakeholders articulated the need to strengthen the ecosystem of support to the digital and creative sectors.

“This resulted in the conceptualization of the $600million investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises programme (i-DICE) with the African Development Bank which we hope will become operational early in 2022," he noted.

The Vice President added that even as the country adopts measures to cope with the fall-out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it also has “to factor in the need to mitigate and adapt to climate change and the relentless march of the digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
27th November 2021

In line with company’s strategy to deepen insurance penetration in the country, AXA Mansard Insurance plc, a member of the AXA Group and global leader in insurance and asset management, has announced the launch of its new Personal Insurance product called ‘No Yawa’.

‘No Yawa’ is a retail product that covers accidental death, medical expenses and disability (permanent total, partial disability, total temporary).
The product provides a 24-hour coverage for any accident suffered by the policyholder irrespective of his location- whether at home, office or social gatherings.

“Yawa” is a colloquial name for ‘trouble’ in pidgin. This resonates across all socio-economic classes, denoting a plan that covers any kind of trouble – injury and accident that threatens ability and life.

Speaking about the product, the Chief Actuary, Mr Jolaolu Fakoya stated, “Our aim is to give our customers the confidence to achieve their dreams without fears or worries. Regardless of the kind of injury suffered, ‘No Yawa’ provides the coverage to ensure that our customers recover without the hassles of its financial burden.”

Convenience being one of AXA Mansard’s focus points, the company has made it possible to make premium payments through a range of approved channels both physical and online such as:
• any of AXA Mansard’s branches or welcomes centres.
• The company’s digital platforms - AXA Mansard website (www.axamansard.com) and Mobile Application- MyAXAPlus.
• The company phone line- 0700 AXAMANSARD (0700 292 626 7273). Existing customers of AXA Mansard can contact their relationship managers.

In his closing remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Kunle Ahmed stated that “Even with the best precautions, accidents are a reality of life. At AXA Mansard, we care about people and what matters to them; this has driven us to develop this product to alleviate some of the financial burden arising from accidents. We will continue to listen, research and develop innovative products that add value to our people.

AXA Mansard is registered as a composite company with the National Insurance Commission of Nigeria (NAICOM). The Company offers life and non-life insurance products and services to individuals and institutions across Nigeria whilst also offering asset/investment management services, health insurance solutions and pension fund administration through its three subsidiaries - AXA Mansard Investments Limited, AXA Mansard Health Limited and AXA Mansard Pensions Limited respectively. The parent company was listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange in November 2009.

Outgoing UN Resident Coordinator to President, VP: I am impressed with your leadership*_

_**Retired Generals tasked with defence & armed forces reform visit VP for counsel*_


For those fortunate enough to be elected to lead the people, engaging with them is not only an important concern but an aspiration.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN said this yesterday during a farewell courtesy call at the Presidential Villa by the outgoing United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon.

Before that, members of a Presidential Defence Reform Committee had interacted on Wednesday with the Vice President, briefing him on the progress so far made by the Committee which has now reached the implementation stage in the reform process.

The Committee including its Chairman, retired Major-General A.J Kazir who led the delegation is composed of several former military chiefs including retired Lt. Generals C.I Obiakor, L.O Adeosun, A.F.K Akale, retired Major-Generals L.P Ngubane, A.T Jibrin, S. Wali, retired Brigadier-Generals J.N Temlong, retired Rear Admiral J.A Ajani, and Group Captain S.G Shehu, among others.

In his meeting with the outgoing UN top official in Nigeria, Prof. Osinbajo stated that “constant engagement on issues of justice, peace, security, and social contract cannot be let to fall through the cracks, these are critical issues.

“You cannot avoid engaging with the people (there is need to engage) in such a way that you are trusted, and on an ongoing basis, people (should) see that you are committed enough to their concerns.

“People must feel that government is committed to their welfare, security and especially on issues of healthcare and education of their children. So, a social compact is crucial. As a matter of fact, it is both a current concern and aspiration for those of us who have been fortunate to be elected into positions in government and in the politics of our country.”

The UN Resident Coordinator had raised with the VP the issue of the importance of a social contract between the people and their government while recounting his experience during his more than five years stay in Nigeria, adding that maintaining peace and security is crucial.

Prof. Osinbajo also commended the support and partnership of development partners particularly under the auspices of the United Nations system, coordinated by Mr Kallon over the years, noting that “we certainly enjoyed the work that you did as UN Resident Coordinator for Nigeria for the past few years”.

Recalling some of the efforts of Mr Kallon, Prof. Osinbajo said “practically, on every occasion where we have had to look at serious issues, you have been available which I think is very important.

“We found that you were very hands-on, you were everywhere, you attended major meetings that we have had and you were all over the country.

“Your being available and ready to engage is really commendable and very helpful for us as a government. It also gave you a clear insight to what the issues are and it made your presentations to the UN system clearer and more nuanced.”

On his part, Mr Kallon thanked the President and the Vice President for the support he enjoyed during his tenure as Coordinator of the UN in Nigeria, especially in addressing some of the concerns around humanitarian assistance.

He praised Nigeria’s COVID-19 response dubbing it a miracle, and commended the Vice President’s personal commitment and leadership of the economic recovery initiative, noting that “I am really impressed with your leadership in addressing the impact of COVID-19 in Nigeria.”

Mr Kallon said Nigeria’s efforts remain a model as to how a well-coordinated national response can deliver positive results and urged government to explore opportunities in the country as well as creatively manage the risks therein.

“While the government continues exploring the vast opportunities in this country, it is also critical that this great nation manages its risks in a sustainable way to ensure peace security, and stability,” the UN Resident Coordinator added.

At the previous interaction with the Defence Reform Committee, the Vice President observed that "the choice of Committee members is wise and informed, because your experience is what is required. You are clearly the ones who can tell us this is what to do."

According to the Committee Chairman, rtd. General Kazir, " the purpose of our visit is to appraise you of the work we have done so far and seek your counsel for a seamless implementation."

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
November 25, 2021

VP, Alaafin headline launch of International Centre For Yoruba Arts And Culture in Ibadan_

_*Alaroye Publisher explains mission of the forthcoming Center_

The work of centers such as the International Centre For Yoruba Arts and Culture could become a base for how culture can help in building a more inclusive, fairer, and more just society, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo, who was speaking this afternoon at the launch of the Centre in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, added that the Centre could strengthen the bonds of unity within an ethnically diverse nation such as Nigeria.

“The work of this Centre should also offer a base and sanctuary which reflects how Yoruba culture can contribute to the tools of nation-building,” the VP stated.

Reflecting on President Muhammadu Buhari’s observation in 2018 that the rest of Nigeria could learn from the accommodating nature of Yorubas in South West regardless of religion, ethnicity, and politics, Prof. Osinbajo asked, “how can the rest of the nation learn as President Buhari observed, from the way Yorubas manage within their families to accommodate diverse faiths and beliefs?

“At a more reflective level, we will through this repository and the traditions embedded in the artworks and cultural artefacts, imbibe the triumphs, challenges, inventions, and spiritual heritage of the Yoruba people.

"And how here at home, Yoruba culture also had to adapt to the onslaught of colonialism in Nigeria by the British and in Benin and Togo by the French. In 'Death and the King’s Horseman', a classic play by Professor Wole Soyinka, we see forces at work that tried to adapt cultural practices with tragic consequences.”

Highlighting the Omoluabi philosophy of the Yoruba people, which is used to describe a person of integrity, trust and honour, the VP observed that, “in a nation dogged by the abdication of high values especially in leadership, perhaps the Centre might take on the task of formalizing the pedagogy on the concept of Omoluabi for teaching in our schools. Omoluabi, the true moral quintessence of the Yoruba race - the virtuous man, or the man or woman of character.

“Perhaps scholars here will distill the heart of the Omoluwabi ethos, and reveal the attributes of trustworthiness, reliability, honesty, and forthrightness for coming generations of Nigerians. Perhaps the world needs to know that the Omoluabi is one whose word to brother and stranger alike is reliable, who believes in the equality of all men regardless of race or belief, and that all deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness. One who believes that the commonwealth is not to be stolen or personalized, but it is for the good of all."

In the same vein, the Vice President noted that “culture is not just about the past, and it is neither static nor immutable, it is constantly creating and recreating;” and “progress is not merely determined by fidelity to tradition, but by our capacity for invention and reinvention.”

Prof. Osinbajo further said Nigeria could further leverage its diversity to harness strength and raise development capital.

As the VP observed, a continuously changing global landscape and the Fourth Industrial Revolution have made it more vital to adapt to technological innovation changing at lightning speed.

According to him “the future of mankind is at an inflexion point with COVID-19 and climate change already disrupting life as we know it. To cope well, we must draw strength from our cultural capital - the wealth of tangible and intangible knowledge that emanates from a society’s core and enables it to cope with change.

“One of the tasks of scholars, enthusiasts, and citizens interested in understanding the Yoruba heritage is to use culture as a tool for helping us discern our place in the world and to rekindle our visionary capabilities. This intent is inherent in the design and work of this Centre.”

On the potential impact of the International Centre For Yoruba Arts and Culture, Prof. Osinbajo observed that “the World Centre will therefore serve not just as a place of memory, but as a place that inspires us and fires our collective imagination, even within the dynamic contexts of advances in technology, ideas and thought.”

Beyond being a place for the study of Yoruba arts and culture, he also stated that the Centre could join the advocacy for the return of artefacts to their original homes, while also becoming a destination point for many Africans in Diaspora to trace their origins to the Yorubas.

Equally, the Centre should also promote closer links between the Yoruba people in the homeland and their kin in the diaspora, he added.

The VP commended the visioners of the Centre, particularly Mr. Alao Adedayo, who is also the Publisher of Alaroye Newspapers, for the boldness and ambition of their enterprise, as well as the enormous self-sacrifice and patriotism that it entailed.

“You have initiated a place that will give context and depth to our understanding of our past, our place and role in the present, and hopefully our preparation for the future. A place that will help tell a fuller, deeper and richer story of a proud, creative, and colorful people, but also of the rich tapestry of cultures, races, ethnicities, and faiths of which they are a part,” he added.

Also at the event, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III praised the idea of the Center while highlighting the pride of place that Yoruba people hold in Nigeria and around the world. Referring to a recent speech by the VP detailing how young Nigerians are making global waves in technology and innovation, the Alaafin said such exploits by many young Yoruba youths show the high esteem of the Yoruba people.

The Alaafin, who spoke in Yoruba, also called for the preservation of Yoruba customs and traditions.

“Considering the rate at which things move these days, it will be disastrous allowing our traditions go into oblivion in the face of permissiveness. Languages often hold the record of a people’s history, including their songs, stories, praise, poetry and ancient traditions, " the prominent Yoruba monarch said.

He also observed that with the gradual extinction of a language, humanity could lose access to local understanding of plants, animals, and ecosystems, some of which have important medicinal value, and many of which remain undocumented by science.

In his remarks, Mr. Alao Adedayo, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Centre and Publisher of Alaroye Newspaper, said, the centre was set up to preserve in one place, the culture, tradition, language of a people, adding that it will also promote the idea of Yoruba people coming together to achieve things and help in nation building.

Alao also emphasised that the centre would be to serve as a one-stop shop, offering old, new, recreated and reconstructed materials for researchers, lecturers, students, authors, journalists, historians and members of the public interested in Yoruba history, arts and culture as a tool for nation building, national cohesiveness and mutual understanding.

Others speakers at the event which attracted different groups from the Southwest States, Kwara and beyond were the deputy governors of Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan; Ogun State, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; and Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, among other dignitaries also attended and spoke at the ceremony.

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
*23rd November, 2021*