₦airaland Forum

Osinbajo said as for the exchange rate, we need to move our rates to as reflective of the market as possible and that is the only way to improve supply.
and we can’t get new dollars into the system, where the exchange rate is artificially low.

This issue is nationwide and we pray to God to alleviate it

All this is nationwide but we are praying to God to sustain us expecially in Nigeria

You are just talking in rubbish ,what concern Osinbajo or Buhari about your nonsense talk ,it is the work of party to decide whom to be a president and not Osinbajo or Buhari

I beg make I hear word joor, una don start again bah

Supporters of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, under the aegis of the Progressives Consolidation Group, have received the approval of the All Progressives Congress to canvass support for his emergence as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 presidential election.

The approval was contained in a letter titled, ‘Letter of Recognition as a Support Group,’ dated October 4, 2021, and signed by the Director of Administration of the APC, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman.

The letter, which was addressed to the PCG, read in part, “We write to inform you that the National Chairman, His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni, has approved your recognition as a support group of the party.”

Addressing reporters on the recognition, the head of the Progressive Civil Society Group, one of the sub-groups in the PCG, Mr Bala Gide, said with this development, the PCG had been given the rare privilege of becoming the first to be so recognised.

Gide said, “While we laud President Muhammadu Buhari’s forthright leadership and its populist direction which we expect an Osinbajo presidency to energetically sustain after 2023, we also applaud the focused forthrightness of the APC leadership ably led by Governor Buni.

“We deeply appreciate the widening mobilisation and deepening support that PCG and all associated groups working towards an Osinbajo presidency, all our grassroots and national leaders, as well as current governors, federal and state lawmakers along with various labour and professional groups will have further significant roles to play post-2023.
It also promised that members would conduct themselves with decorum and respect all other aspirants who may wish to fly the APC flag in the presidential race.

https://punchng.com/2023-apc-endorses-pro-osinbajo-support-group/

This guy called Sowore is demented

The door is opened to all and everybody is entity to contest so let the OP rest

let's vote for someone who has the vast knowlege and knows what Nigeria is facing

Majority carried the vote, with me and my family na Osinbajo i go vote for

what's all this nah,make una wait for them to declare their interest nah

This is definitely true and what we need now is to preach about the unity, harmony among all the tribes , secession cant lead us anywhere

The challenges we are facing right now is just a matter of time and soon we will overcome and the unity should be our watchword

Either they visited him in UK or not both are communicating daily

By Oluwafemi Popoola

Dr Reuben Abati, a former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has joined the league of other past students of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to celebrate him in commemoration of his 40 years of teaching anniversary.

Some of Prof. Osinbajo’s law students, many of whom are today’s distinguished scholars and legal practitioners, in a five-minute video circulated on various social media, had applauded the Vice President, saying he’s a brilliant, fantastic and excellent teacher “who would enter the class without a piece of paper and yet leave you completely satisfied.”

Among some of the former students of the VP who spoke in the viral video are Onike Ikepo Braithwaite, Justice John Iyang Okoro, Adekunle Adediji, Bassey Ekwere, Pat Akem-Vingir, Gbolahan Adeniran, Mrs Toyin Odunsanya, Mrs Remi Ladega, Hon. Iduma Igariway, a member of the house of representatives, Bimbo Akeredolu SAN, and Chiedu Ugbo.

However, Abati, on Wednesday, speaking on Arise T.V, as one of the hosts on the programme with the topic ‘Celebrating Osinbajo as a Teacher,’ praised the former law teacher who started teaching in 1981 at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), at only 24 years of age.

Prof Osinbajo was a lecturer and then Senior Lecturer of Law at UNILAG, Professor of Law and Head of Department of Public Law at the same university. He also taught Law at the Lagos State University.
Abati, a Nigerian journalist, politician, television anchor and newspaper columnist spoke glowingly of Osinbajo’s teaching dexterity and intelligence, describing him as “highly cerebral, very dutiful and diligent.”

According to Abati: “I was also privileged to have been in his class. He taught me the most part at the University of Lagos. But in those days, we had at the Law Faculty, Lagos State University, along Ojoo. Teachers from the Faculty of Law at the University of Lagos and he, used to come in those days to teach us Law of Evidence and Law of Equity.”

“And if you take those two courses, you will see how very tough they could be particularly you will be required to master sections of the ‘Evidence.’ This teacher, Professor Osinbajo, would just come in wearing his sharp suit and he would just be going up and down and will be quoting every section.

“So, I can confirm what those other persons who have sat in his class before have said in that video, highly cerebral, very dutiful, diligent and of course you will be praying let one just pass the course as soft as it is.

“You will be encouraged by his own example, his mastery of it. Apart from ‘Evidence and Equity,’ he is the author of one of the most authoritative books on media law.

“To speak generally now, first, congratulations to Prof Osinbajo, 40 years of teaching other people, grooming them.

“If I have issues with my remembering the ‘Evidence and the Law of Equity,’ don’t blame him, you blame me (laughs), it means I was a poor student (laughs).

“Generally, teachers we used to say their rewards are in heaven, but I think we should change that. A teacher’s reward should be here on earth,” Abati concluded.

https://thedailyleaks.com/dont-blame-osinbajo-if-i-forgot-his-teachings-blame-me-reuben-abati-ex-president-jonathans-aide/

Adequate rest is very much important in human's life

Recent research has revealed that people perform better at work and in life if we practice strategic renewal. If you’re rundown you’re more susceptible to getting sick and miss days from work.

You need to get more sleep during the week, scheduling daytime workouts, eat healthy foods, and enjoy rest and relaxation away from the office with your team members whenever possible.

These simple changes in behavior are guaranteed to improve your attitude about work your performance at work—and maybe even your beach volleyball skills.

Humans aren’t designed to run on high level without having a period of rest and relaxation. You need a time for renewal. It allows you to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body.

That’s why Cydcor’s R&R Cancun 2015 is such an important event. It celebrates your accomplishments and reminds us all that we need to take a moment to stop and smell the frangipani.

Here are some of the specific benefits of rest and relaxation whether you’re on the beach or in your own backyard:

Restores your energy: You need to recharge you batteries in order perform at peak effectiveness throughout the day. Rest and relaxation is part of your work cycle and taking advantage of it whenever possible will improve your productivity.

Repairs your body: Our bodies repair themselves from daily wear and tear when we rest. Rest and relaxation reduces stress and improves overall health. You’ll be able to easily work a full day.

Improves your focus: An active mind gets tired just like an active body. Including time to quiet your thoughts and letting your mind rest is part of the healing process. You’ll improve your ability to concentrate and problem solve at work.

Improves your mood: Relaxation makes you feel happier. When you choose to think about things that make you feel good, you’ll discover that you actually feel more positive about the challenges you face at work. You’ll begin to see obstacles as opportunities.

Increases your creativity: Too much stress and activity often disconnect you from your creative potential. Rest and relaxation will allow you to regenerate as an individual and as a team. Your ability to create and innovate as a team member and as a cohesive group will be improved when you return to work

This will help Nigeria in bringing energy access to scores of million Nigerians and lift 100m out of poverty,also it will create more opportunities and provide job for our young graduates

Osinbajo is making wave all over ,your hardworking and steadfastness has pave way for you to become a president come 2023

Thank God for safe trip and I pray the meeting will be successful.Amen

You guys are funny, how many times will you publish your fake, rubbish news on the Alpha beta that you guys have already apologized that he was not involved in it

Below is the full speech made by the president at the budget presentation.
Delivered By:
His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
At the Joint Session of the National Assembly, Abuja

Thursday, October 7, 2021

PROTOCOLS

1. It is my great pleasure to be here once again to present the 2022 Federal Budget Proposals to this distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly.

2. Distinguished and Honourable leaders, and members of the National Assembly, let me start by commending you for the expeditious consideration and passage of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2021. This further underscores your commitment to our collective efforts to contain the COVID-19 Pandemic and address the various security challenges facing our country.

3. I will also take this opportunity to thank you for the quick consideration and approval of the 2022-2024 Medium-term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper. Our hope is that National Assembly will continue to partner with the Executive by ensuring that deliberations on the 2022 Budget are completed before the end of this year so that the Appropriation Act can come into effect by the first of January 2022.

4. The 2022 Budget will be the last full year budget to be implemented by this administration. We designed it to build on the achievements of previous budgets and to deliver on our goals and aspirations as will be reflected in our soon-to-be launched National Development Plan of 2021 to 2025.

5. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, in normal times, I make use of this opportunity to provide an overview of global and domestic developments in the current year, a summary of our achievements, and our plans for the next fiscal year.

6. However, these are exceptional times. The grim realities of COVID-19 and its lethal variants are still upon us. From President to Pauper, the virus does not discriminate.

7. This is why our country still maintains its COVID -19 guidelines and protocols in place to protect its citizens and stop the spread of this disease.

8. Over the past few days, we have consulted with the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 and the leadership of the National Assembly on how best to present the 2022 budget proposal keeping in mind the deep-rooted traditions in place and the guidelines for safe mass gatherings.

9. We ultimately decided that the most responsible and respectful approach was to hold a shorter than usual gathering while allowing the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to provide fuller details of our proposals in a smaller event.

10. I am sure many of you will be relieved as my last budget speech in October 2020 lasted over fifty minutes.

11. Still, over the next few minutes, I will provide key highlights of our 2021 performance as well as our proposals for 2022.

PERFORMANCE OF THE 2021 BUDGET

12. The 2021 ‘Budget of Economic Recovery and Resilience’ is based on a benchmark oil price of 40 US Dollars per barrel, oil production of 1.6m b/d, and exchange rate of 379 Naira to US Dollar. Furthermore, a Supplementary budget of 982.73 billion Naira was recently enacted to address exigent issues in the Security and Health sectors.

13. Based on the 2021 Fiscal Framework, total revenue of 8.12 trillion Naira was projected to fund aggregate federal expenditure of 14.57 trillion Naira (inclusive of the supplementary budget). The projected fiscal deficit of 6.45 trillion Naira, or 4.52 percent of GDP, is expected to be financed mainly by domestic and external borrowings.
14. By July 2021, Nigeria’s daily oil production averaged one 1.70million barrels (inclusive of condensates) and the market price of Bonny Light crude averaged 68.53 US Dollars per barrel.
15. Accordingly, actual revenues were 34 percent below target as of July 2021, mainly due to the underperformance of oil and gas revenue sources. Federal Government’s retained revenues (excluding Government Owned Enterprises) amounted to 2.61 trillion Naira against the proportionate target of 3.95 trillion Naira for the period.

16. The Federal Government’s share of Oil revenue totalled 570.23 billion Naira as of July 2021, which was 51 percent below target, while non-oil tax revenues totalled 964.13 billion Naira. The poor performance of oil revenue relative to the budget was largely due to the shortfall in production as well as significant cost recovery by NNPC to cover the shortfall between its cost of importing petrol and the pump price.

17. The National Assembly will recall that in March 2020 the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency announced that the price of petrol would henceforth be determined by market forces.

18. However, as the combination of rising crude oil prices and exchange rate combined to push the price above the hitherto regulated price of 145 Naira per litre, opposition against the policy of price deregulation hardened on the part of Labour Unions in particular.

19. Government had to suspend further upward price adjustments while engaging Labour on the subject. This petrol subsidy significantly eroded revenues that should have been available to fund the budget.

20. On a positive note, we surpassed the non-oil taxes target by eleven (11) percent in aggregate. The sustained improvement in non-oil taxes indicates that some of our revenue reforms are yielding positive results. We expect further improvement in revenue collections later in the year as more corporate entities file their tax returns and we accelerate the implementation of our revenue reforms.

Improving Revenue Generation and Administration

21. We have stepped up implementation of the strengthened framework for performance management of government owned enterprises (GOEs), with a view to improve their operational efficiencies, revenue generation and accountability. The 50% cost-to-income ratio imposed on the GOEs in the Finance Act 2020 has contributed significantly to rationalizing wasteful expenditures by several GOEs and enhanced the level of operating surpluses to be transferred to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF). I solicit the cooperation of the National Assembly in enforcing the cost-to-income ratio and other prudential guidelines during your consideration of the budget proposals of the GOEs, which I am also laying before you today.

22. On the expenditure side, as at end of July 2021, a total of six point seven-nine (6.79) trillion Naira had been spent as against the pro-rated expenditure of seven point nine-one (7.91) trillion Naira. Accordingly, a deficit of four point one-seven (4.17) trillion Naira was recorded as at end of July 2021. The deficit was financed through domestic borrowing.

23. Despite our revenue challenges, we have consistently met our debt service commitments. We are also up to date on the payment of staff salaries, statutory transfers, and overhead costs. As at (4th of October 2021, a total of 1.732 trillion Naira had been released for capital expenditure.

24. I am pleased to inform you that we expect to fund MDAs’ capital budget fully by the end of the fiscal year 2021.

25. Capital releases thus far have been prioritised in favour of critical ongoing infrastructural projects in the power, roads, rail, agriculture, health and education sectors.

26. We have made progress on the railway projects connecting different parts of the country. I am glad to report that the Lagos-Ibadan Line is now completed and operational. The Abuja-Kaduna Line is running efficiently. The Itakpe-Ajaokuta rail Line was finally completed and commissioned over thirty (30) years after its initiation.

27. Arrangements are underway to complete the Ibadan-Kano Line. Also, work will soon commence on the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Line and Calabar-Lagos Coastal Line, which will connect the Southern and Eastern States to themselves and to the North.

28. Progress is also being made on several power generation, transmission, and distribution projects, as well as off-grid solutions, all aimed towards achieving the national goal of optimizing power supply by 2025.

29. I am again happy to report that we continue to make visible progress in our strategic road construction projects like the Lagos – Ibadan expressway, Apapa – Oworonsoki expressway, Abuja – Kano expressway, East-West Road and the second Niger bridge. We hope to commission most of these projects before the end of our tenure in 2023.

30. The Pandemic revealed the urgent need to strengthen our health system. Towards this end, we constructed 52 Molecular labs, 520 bed intensive care units, 52 Isolation centres and provision of Personal Protective equipment across 52 Federal Medical Centres and Teaching Hospitals.

31. We continue to push our expenditure rationalization initiatives which we commenced in 2016. For example, on personnel costs, the number of MDAs captured on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System increased from 459 in 2017 to 711 to date.

32. The recent passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, and consequent incorporation of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation should also result in rationalisation of expenditure, as well as increased investments and improved output in the oil and gas industry.

33. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, you will agree with me that a lot has been accomplished over the last year but there is still much to be done. I will now proceed with a review of the 2022 Budget proposal.

THEME AND PRIORITIES OF THE 2022 BUDGET

34. The allocations to MDAs were guided by the strategic objectives of the National Development Plan of 2021 to 2025, which are:

a. Diversifying the economy, with robust MSME growth;

b. Investing in critical infrastructure;

c. Strengthening security and ensuring good governance;

d. Enabling a vibrant, educated and healthy populace;

e. Reducing poverty; and

f. Minimizing regional, economic and social disparities.

35. The 2022 Appropriation therefore is a Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability.

36. Defence and internal security will continue to be our top priority. We remain firmly committed to the security of life, property and investment nationwide. We will continue to ensure that our gallant men and women in the armed forces, police and paramilitary units are properly equipped, remunerated and well-motivated.

37. The 2022 budget is also the first in our history, where MDAs were clearly advised on gender responsive budgeting. These are part of critical steps in our efforts to distribute resources fairly and reach vulnerable groups of our society.

PARAMETERS AND FISCAL ASSUMPTIONS

38. Distinguished Members of the National Assembly, the 2022 to 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper sets out the parameters for the 2022 Budget as follows:

a. Conservative oil price benchmark of 57 US Dollars per barrel;

b. Daily oil production estimate of 1.88 million barrels (inclusive of Condensates of 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day);

c. Exchange rate of four 410.15 per US Dollar; and

d. Projected GDP growth rate of 4.2 percent and 13 percent inflation rate.

2022 REVENUE ESTIMATES

39. Based on these fiscal assumptions and parameters, total federally-collectible revenue is estimated at 17.70 trillion Naira in 2022.

40. Total federally distributable revenue is estimated at 12.72 trillion Naira in 2022 while total revenue available to fund the 2022 Federal Budget is estimated at 10.13 trillion Naira. This includes Grants and Aid of 63.38 billion Naira, as well as the revenues of 63 Government-Owned Enterprises.

41. Oil revenue is projected at 3.16 trillion, Non-oil taxes are estimated at 2.13 trillion Naira and FGN Independent revenues are projected to be 1.82 trillion Naira.

PLANNED 2022 EXPENDITURE

42. A total expenditure of sixteen point three-nine (16.39) trillion Naira is proposed for the Federal Government in 2022. The proposed expenditure comprises:

a. Statutory Transfers of 768.28 billion Naira;

b. Non-debt Recurrent Costs of 6.83 trillion;

c. Personnel Costs of 4.11 trillion Naira;

d. Pensions, Gratuities and Retirees’ Benefits 577.0 billion Naira;

e. Overheads of 792.39 billion Naira;

f. Capital Expenditure of 5.35 trillion Naira, including the capital component of Statutory Transfers;

g. Debt Service of 3.61 trillion Naira; and

h. Sinking Fund of 292.71 billion Naira to retire certain maturing bonds.

Fiscal Balance

43. We expect the total fiscal operations of the Federal Government to result in a deficit of 6.26 trillion Naira. This represents 3.39 percent of estimated GDP, slightly above the 3 percent threshold set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. Countries around the world have to of necessity over-shoot their fiscal thresholds for the economies to survive and thrive

44. We need to exceed this threshold considering our collective desire to continue tackling the existential security

45. We plan to finance the deficit mainly by new borrowings totalling 5.01 trillion Naira, 90.73 billion Naira from Privatization Proceeds and 1.16 trillion Naira drawdowns on loans secured for specific development projects.

46. Some have expressed concern over our resort to borrowing to finance our fiscal gaps. They are right to be concerned. However, we believe that the debt level of the Federal Government is still within sustainable limits. Borrowings are to specific strategic projects and can be verified publicly.

47. As you are aware, we have witnessed two economic recessions within the period of this Administration. In both cases, we had to spend our way out of recession, which necessitated a resort to growing the public debt. It is unlikely that our recovery from each of the two recessions would have grown as fast without the sustained government expenditure funded by debt.

48. Our target over the medium term is to grow our Revenue-to-GDP ratio from about 8 percent currently to 15 percent by 2025. At that level of revenues, the Debt-Service-to-Revenue ratio will cease to be worrying. Put simply, we do not have a debt sustainability problem, but a revenue challenge which we are determined to tackle to ensure our debts remain sustainable.

49. Very importantly, we have endeavoured to use the loans to finance critical development projects and programmes aimed at improving our economic environment and ensuring effective delivery of public services to our people. We focused on;

a. the completion of major road and rail projects;

b. the effective implementation of Power sector projects;

c. the provision of potable water;

d. construction of irrigation infrastructure and dams across the country; and

e. critical health projects such as the strengthening of national emergency medical services and ambulance system, procurement of vaccines, polio eradication and upgrading Primary Health Care Centres across the six geopolitical zones.

Innovations in Infrastructure Financing

50. In 2022, Government will further strengthen the frameworks for concessions and public private partnerships (PPPs). Capital projects that are good candidates for PPP by their nature will be developed for private sector participation.

51. We will also explore available opportunities in the existing ecosystem of green finance including the implementation of our Sovereign Green Bond Programme and leveraging debt-for-climate swap mechanisms.

Enhancing Revenue Mobilisation

52. Our strategies to improve revenue mobilisation will be sustained in 2022 with the goal of achieving the following objectives:

a. Enhance tax and excise revenues through policy reforms and tax administration measures;

b. Review the policy effectiveness of tax waivers and concessions;

c. Boost customs revenue through the e-Customs and Single Window initiatives; and

d. Safeguard revenues from the oil and gas sector.

53. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, I commend you for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021. It is my hope that the implementation of the law will boost confidence in our economy and attract substantial investments in the sector.

Finance Bill 2022
54. In line with our plan to accompany annual budgets with Finance Bills, partly to support the realization of fiscal projections, current tax and fiscal laws are being reviewed to produce a draft Finance Bill 2022.

55. It is our intention that once ongoing consultations are completed, the Finance Bill would be submitted to the National Assembly to be considered alongside the 2022 Appropriation Bill.

CONCLUSION

56. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, this speech would be incomplete without commending the immense, patriotic, and collaborative support of the National Assembly in the effort to deliver socio-economic development and democracy dividends for our people.

57. I wish to assure you of the strong commitment of the Executive to strengthen the relationship with the National Assembly.

58. Nigeria is currently emerging from a very difficult economic challenge. We must continue to cooperate and ensure that our actions are aimed at accelerating the pace of economic recovery so that we can achieve economic prosperity and deliver on our promises to the Nigerian people.

59. The fiscal year 2022 is very crucial in our efforts to ensure that critical projects are completed, put to use and improve the general living conditions of our people.

60. It is with great pleasure therefore, that I lay before this distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly, the 2022 Budget Proposals of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

61. I thank you most sincerely for your attention.

62. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Whoelse can represent us If not Osinbajo

You are always representing well so I trust you to also deliver your quota in London as well

Congratulations

YorubaKinging:
The end is near

Do not believe the white devils

They have been deceiving the world for so long

But a great deception is coming

Aliens and UFO

Mr Thomas

Wow this great

Fahdiga:
For the Fulanis only

So na only Fulani dey go school, you be mumu

Teacher plays a key role in pupils life

Level playing field important for political participation, says VP

Adds: The quality of contributions is not necessarily defined by age

No doubt Nigeria’s problems are surmountable, but the solutions require the coming together of like minds especially the best hands because “our generational challenges have generational solutions”, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this in Abuja on Monday evening at the public presentation of a book titled ‘Politics that Works – What Schools and Seminars won’t Teach You about Winning Elections’, co-authored by Sen. Babafemi Ojudu and Mr. Alex James.

According to the Vice President, “our generational challenges have the generational solutions, let’s just face the issues and solve them, whether we are in government or planning to get into government.

“We mustn’t give up and we mustn’t keep looking back. The challenges of today are meant for those of us who are here and alive today. And they are meant to be solved by young people, and as I always say, there is no better time to be alive. This is the best time in Nigeria to be young. Those who are young today have the best opportunity ever.”

“I think this country needs the best minds. If you look at the variety of talents that we have, we have everything that it takes for a great country but it is the coming together of like minds, coming together of people who agree on the same things, old or young.

“I don’t think we should divide ourselves along these lines because this country can be great but we need that coming together of the best minds whether male or female,” the VP added.

"For me, my central concern is how do we get the very best people to work in the interest of this country, how do we get the best people to project the image of the country?”

Speaking further, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “my view is that we must continue to work at it, we must continue to make the sacrifice that is required to be able to get our views across and we must continue to organize to do so. We can’t give up, we can’t say things are so difficult, it is so difficult to enter the space. If we keep at it, one day, we will get the right result, we will get the right mix.

“Every country deserves excellent leadership; it deserves the best it can get. But excellent leadership doesn’t come by accident. It doesn’t come by lack of effort; you just have to keep making the effort.”

Emphasizing the need for a level-pIaying field for all aspiring politicians, the VP said “I am very strongly of the view that everyone must be invited to the party. The important thing is that we have, as well as possible, a level playing field.”

His words: “the problem also with liberal politics is money. Who has the resources? Because resources will to a large extent determine who can play the game. So, there are barriers.

“I think what is important is to see how we can remove those barriers as much as possible so there is a level playing field. What I have experienced serving in the position as Vice President in the past few years and having the opportunity to bring on board young people, some elderly people in relative terms, is that the quality of the contributions is not necessarily defined by age.”

The VP clarified the impression that a level playing field should be defined by age. He noted that “…we must focus our minds, a little more on what people bring to the table. I don’t engage on the basis of age.”

Making the point about experience, Prof. Osinbajo opined that “there is a place for preparation, a place for getting ready. There is no point saying that I have become Minister of Finance at the age of 25 because I am a smart kid. It takes more than that.”

Said the VP: “I don’t agree that a special assistant or special adviser is not a somewhat serious position. Every special assistant or special adviser that I have, take very important decisions. And they take those very important decisions on their own.

“The truth is that, the way governments are set up, everybody there can play a very serious role. It depends on how very serious you are. My experience is that there is such a variety of talents, some are old, some are young, male or female. I really will like us to zero in on the real needs of our nation.”

Other dignitaries present at the event include former Governors of Edo, Adams Oshiomhole; Osun, Rauf Aregbesola; Zamfara, Ahmed Yerima; Kano, Ibrahim Shekarau, and former Senate Leader, Sen. Ndoma Egba, among others.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
5th October, 2021

This is a message to the youths,let's participate in politics and read to function in our community