₦airaland Forum

Leveraging Microsoft’s experience in the utilization of technology as an enabler for the delivery of public and social good, the Buhari administration is partnering with the tech giant to accelerate Nigeria’s certain advance towards a more digital economy in line with the Economic Sustainability Plan.

In a dual announcement today by both the Federal Government and Microsoft Corporation, no less than 5 million Nigerians would benefit from a digital upskilling programme, and locations in each of the 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria will also enjoy active internet connection and cloud services courtesy of this digital transformation plan.

The partnership with Microsoft Corporation anchored on connectivity, skilling and digital transformation followed discussions between both parties led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and Microsoft President Brad Smith earlier in the year.

For instance in January this year, the Vice President had a virtual meeting with the Microsoft Corporation President, Mr. Brad Smith, where discussions covered areas of intersection between technology and governance to enhance Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Speaking in a formal video announcement of the partnership with the tech giant, Prof. Osinbajo said “our government is committed to leveraging innovation and technology to bring better outcomes across a wide area of governance concerns. Indeed, it is with this in mind that we have sought constructive partnerships that bridge the knowledge, skills and technology gap that exist in most of our communities.”


According to the VP, “this launch is indicative of our commitment to this and will involve collaboration with various Government agencies as implementing partners, including the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Nigerian Institute of Cultural Orientation, and various other local partners. We intend that these initiatives become institutions in their own rights and make a real impact in the lives of our citizens going forward.”


On the core areas of the partnership, Prof. Osinbajo said “this partnership will focus on two pillars: Connectivity & Skilling, and Digital Transformation.”


His words: “we plan to connect under-served communities in each of the six geo-political zones with access to internet and cloud services. This project is a critical component of our objective of expanding broadband connectivity, which is by itself, a major pillar of our Economic Sustainability Plan in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.


“Working with Microsoft, we intend to upskill 5 million Nigerians through this increased internet access over the next three years in various digital skills which will increase both employability and entrepreneurship.


“The multiplier effect will bring opportunities in rural and urban areas to many young people and will help us deal with unemployment problems made worse by the pandemic.”

Using digital tools under the project, the Vice President said “we will pioneer innovative approaches in the fight against corruption, a major priority of this administration.”

Continuing, the VP said, “Leveraging Microsoft’s Technology tools which can be deployed to minimise governance risks and block loopholes, working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), we will seek to use cutting edge analytical and case management tools to plug holes in our public sector system as well as confront white-collar criminality efficiently.”


“This pillar will also serve a vital social function. by using Microsoft’s Artificial Intelligence technology and resources to preserve and promote our major languages so we can revitalize these important aspects of our culture.


“Our focus is of course the Nigerian people. With over 80 million regular internet users, there is no question that Nigerians have fully embraced technology, the internet and their various uses,” the Vice President added.


On his part, the President of Microsoft Corporation, Mr Brad Smith said the “we believe in the future of Nigeria and we are excited as a company to add to our investments. It is a country we have had the opportunity to get to know better over the last few years.”

According to Smith “in 2018 we partnered with Tek experts to create a Customer Support Centre, a center in Lagos that employs over 1,600 people. And then we had another opportunity to broaden our investment even more by creating our African Development Centre. A centre that, by the end of this year, will employ over 200 software developers and engineers, people who are creating technology and Microsoft products to serve not only the people of Nigeria but the people of the world.

“All of these is giving us the kind of confidence to want to invest even more. And one of the things that we have recognized as a company is the need to grow with communities and countries and not just buying for ourselves.”


On the new partnership with the Federal Government, Mr Smith said “we are embarking on a series of broad-based, really multifaceted investments to better serve Nigeria in three areas of internet connectivity, digital skilling and digital transformation. We will be providing digital skills to 5 million Nigerians over the next three years, and along the way, creating 27,000 new jobs during the same period."


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
3rd May 2021

I really commend the effort of the vice president by visiting google

paddyDIGITAL:
The same old meeting. Nothing different will come out of it.

Said by who?

Nigerians need urgent solution to incessant kidnapping ,killing in the country and I'm sure there will be a solution soon

To me and my family, we are agree to vote for the most productive and hardworking man which is Prof Yemi Osinbajo and nothing will change my mind

Wow this is a good news

Many Nigerians should focus more on agriculture by engaging in mechanized farming so as to encourage more food production

Our judicial system need to be reformed

What aggravated to poverty is insecurity and lack of machinery, these two have to put in place first to encourage farmers and boost the production of food

War cant take us to anywhere but instead harm us and take us back as well

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

OSINBAJO TO POLITICAL ELITES: LET US TELL OUR COMMUNITIES THE TRUTH

VP adds: _“…every conflict is a result of elite failure to speak up._

Nigeria cannot afford a war and elites in the country should rise up, speak the truth against forces of division in order to preserve the unity of the country.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this Tuesday evening in Abuja while speaking with All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders from the South-East, particularly chieftains and members from Anambra State.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, “we cannot afford a war in this country…it is the political elite that will determine what will take place. If we keep quiet, if we say nothing and hope that things will just normalize, we may be wrong. And we may find ourselves heading for something much worse than we are seeing today.”

His words: “if the political elite does not speak up, if we don't see anything wrong in what is going on, if we allow it to continue to slide, we will endanger ourselves and endanger the future of our country.

The VP noted that “I know that every conflict is a result of elite failure, the elite failure to speak up and tell the truth to their communities, that's the cause of every one of these civil conflicts.

“So, I would urge that we speak up. I would urge that we stand for something. Sometimes it’s dangerous to stand for something. But the greater danger of course, is to keep quiet.”

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo cautioned that “the thing about the kinds of conflicts in these parts of the world is that it is usually a war without end. Everyone who thinks that they have some money stored up somewhere is wrong, you will eventually run out.

Recalling a personal experience he observed in Somalia in the 90s when he went there to work with the United Nations, the VP said he saw a Supreme Court Justice whom he had known before queuing up for food in the aftermath of civil conflicts in the country.

“Everyone who thinks they can go and hide somewhere, you won’t even find a place. In the end, everyone will suffer. Parents, children, young people, old people, will suffer.”

Speaking about the forthcoming primaries for the governorship election in Anambra State, the Vice President said a fair process or fairness of justice will be fundamental in ensuring victory for the party at the polls.

Prof. Osinbajo further noted that “to be fair and just is not the responsibility for spirits, it is the responsibility for men and women of our party, especially the leadership.”

Party chieftains present at the meeting included former Senate President, Mr Ken Nnamani; Minister of State for Mines & Steel Development, Mr Uche Ogah, Minister of State for Labour & Productivity, other party leaders and members from the South-East, and the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, among others.

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
28th April 2021.

No one does it better than Osinbajo, he's the best vice president of Nigeria

Yesterday was glorious and happiest day in the life of Sierra Leon as they celebrated her 60th independent day

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

SIERRA LEONE THANKFUL TO NIGERIA, OTHERS AT 60TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

Nigeria and some other West African countries were appreciated yesterday by the Sierra Leonean government as the country marked its 60th Independence Anniversary at a series of events in the capital city of Freetown.

Before several other West African leaders including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio mentioned how Nigeria and other countries in the subregion have been helpful in the course of the peace and development of his country.

Historically, both Nigeria and Sierra Leone have shared cherished and cordial relations at least right from colonial times. The relationship has continued and evidenced in the socio-economic, technical and security cooperation over the years, including the deployment of Nigerian troops in Sierra Leone to uphold the peace and preserve democracy.

In a show of appreciation and gratitude yesterday, President Bio honored Nigeria and the other countries that he said have stood with Sierra Leone, a nation that survived an 11-year civil conflict from 1991 to 2002.

Bio, at the celebrations in Freetown, decorated a number of West African countries through their leaders that attended the celebration.

Besides the Nigerian Vice President, others decorated with Sierra Leone's insignia of honour and dressy tokens were the Presidents of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo; Guinea, Alpha Conde; Liberia, George Weah and Gambia, Adama Barrow.

Prime Minister Nuno Gomes Nabiam of Guinea Bissau and a Special Envoy of the President of Ivory Coast were also in attendance at the event.

Speaking with the press in Freetown after the 60th Independence Anniversary event, Prof. Osinbajo said it is a worthwhile celebration, "especially considering all of what Sierra Leone has been through in the 11 years of Civil War and they have emerged from that terrible experience, much stronger, a united country and developing everyday economically and socially."

According to the VP "it is a very happy event and we are all extremely proud of what the Sierra Leoneans have been able to do.

"We were very warmly hosted by President Bio and all the members of his cabinet and the good people of Sierra Leone. It has been a very exciting, warm and joyful event."

On arrival yesterday morning at the Lungi Airport in Freetown, Vice President Osinbajo was received by his Sierra Leonean counterpart, the VP, Dr. Mohamed Jalloh. Prof. Osinbajo returned to Abuja last night.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
28th April 2021


Nigeria and some other West African countries were appreciated yesterday by the Sierra Leonean government as the country marked its 60th Independence Anniversary at a series of events in the capital city of Freetown.

Before several other West African leaders including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio mentioned how Nigeria and other countries in the subregion have been helpful in the course of the peace and development of his country.

Historically, both Nigeria and Sierra Leone have shared cherished and cordial relations at least right from colonial times. The relationship has continued and evidenced in the socio-economic, technical and security cooperation over the years, including the deployment of Nigerian troops in Sierra Leone to uphold the peace and preserve democracy.

In a show of appreciation and gratitude yesterday, President Bio honored Nigeria and the other countries that he said have stood with Sierra Leone, a nation that survived an 11-year civil conflict from 1991 to 2002.

Bio, at the celebrations in Freetown, decorated a number of West African countries through their leaders that attended the celebration.

Besides the Nigerian Vice President, others decorated with Sierra Leone's insignia of honour and dressy tokens were the Presidents of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo; Guinea, Alpha Conde; Liberia, George Weah and Gambia, Adama Barrow.

Prime Minister Nuno Gomes Nabiam of Guinea Bissau and a Special Envoy of the President of Ivory Coast were also in attendance at the event.

Speaking with the press in Freetown after the 60th Independence Anniversary event, Prof. Osinbajo said it is a worthwhile celebration, "especially considering all of what Sierra Leone has been through in the 11 years of Civil War and they have emerged from that terrible experience, much stronger, a united country and developing everyday economically and socially."

According to the VP "it is a very happy event and we are all extremely proud of what the Sierra Leoneans have been able to do.

"We were very warmly hosted by President Bio and all the members of his cabinet and the good people of Sierra Leone. It has been a very exciting, warm and joyful event."

On arrival yesterday morning at the Lungi Airport in Freetown, Vice President Osinbajo was received by his Sierra Leonean counterpart, the VP, Dr. Mohamed Jalloh. Prof. Osinbajo returned to Abuja last night.

Laolu Akande,
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
28th April 2021.

Anyone that's praying for civil war should trace the Immediate causes of the war in 1966 included ethno-religious violence and anti-Igbo pogroms in Northern Nigeria, a military coup, a counter-coup and persecution of Igbo living in Northern Nigeria,and such person won't like to be war

we believe in you and your capability

SMEs are the backbone of economy, and when we put them together, they make up 90 per cent of all companies globally, employ 70 per cent of workers globally and make up half of the world’s economy.

The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has underscored the need for a comprehensive reform to strengthen intellectual rights in areas of registration, protection, enhancement and enforcement in Nigeria.
Osinbajo noted that a weak Intellectual Property Protection regime hinders Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), innovation, research and development and technology transfer which negatively impact entrepreneurs and consumers.

The Vice President disclosed this on Monday at a virtual discussion on “Innovation, IP and SMEs: Opportunities and Challenges for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Driving Nigeria’s Economic Recovery.”
The event was organised by the Sub-sahara office of World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to commemorate World Intellectual Property (IP) day being marked on April 26 annually.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the IP Day is marked to appreciate ingenuity and creativity behind every SMEs including innovations, patents, inventions, trademarks, copyrights and their impact on humanity.

In a key note address, Osinbajo, represented by Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, regretted that over the years, Nigeria had become a target destination and transit route for counterfeit and pirated goods.

He added that foreign and local traders had flooded the market with sub-standard products and illegally imitated products of established brands.

In this regard, he disclosed that the Trademark and Patents Registry of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has commenced digitisation and automation of trademarks and patents to create a database and automate application processing.

He said that the digitisation would ultimately offer adequate protection for holders of trademark and patent rights and foster the confidence of businesses across various sectors and strengthen consumer assurance.

Osinbajo further noted that the Nigerian Copyrights Commission, after the execution of the memorandum of understanding with WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center on Alternative Dispute Resolution in 2020, enabled SMEs to adopt an alternate system for dispute resolution.

According to him, the resolution which is in diverse fields of intellectual property, including copyright, instead of resorting to court litigation will ensure that disputes are resolved amicably without the cost of legal proceedings.

He also expressed dissatisfaction that in the last 10 years, Nigeria had been ranked among the top 10 countries where piracy was most prevalent with the average rate hovering between 80 per cent and 90 per cent.

This, he attributed to low public awareness about which Intellectual Property rights were protected under the law and ineffective mechanisms for the protection and enforcement of such rights.

The Vice President also noted lack of coordination among various agencies of government involved in the development and protection of Intellectual Property Rights and Inadequate sanctions for infringements.

“All these largely make holders of registered Intellectual Property rights vulnerable to infringements,” he noted.

He called for purposeful collaboration between the ministry, government agencies and private sector organisations to develop policy frameworks toward addressing Intellectual Property rights infringements in Nigeria.

Soeaking, WIPO Director-General, Daren Tang, highlighted the critical importance of connecting SMEs with intellectual property for businesses and communities to thrive.

“SMEs are the unsung heroes of the economy. IP tools can help them translate their ideas into products and services. Let’s work together to raise greater awareness of IP and help our local businesses take their ideas to market.

“SMEs are the backbone of economy, and when we put them together, they make up 90 per cent of all companies globally, employ 70 per cent of workers globally and make up half of the world’s economy,’’ Tang said.
Ms Victoria Akai, Director-General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called on stakeholders to support Chambers of Commerce to expand education of their members on intellectual property protection and registration.

Akai, represented by Director, ACCI Policy Centre, Mr Olawale Rasheed, urged government, local and international agencies to partner with chambers of Commerce and Industry all over Nigeria to increase awareness on the importance of intellectual property protection.

While listing what the Chamber was doing on IP education for SMEs, the director said continuous education and enlightenment of SMEs should be taken alongside resolution of challenges of patent and trademark registration.

According to her, registration and access issues hamper SMEs’ efforts to take advantage of opportunities available in intellectual property protection.

“We call for closer link between innovators and chambers of commerce as well as stronger ties between research Institutions and SMEs through ACCI, Trademark and Patent offices should open liaison offices with Chamber of Commerce and Industry.’’ Akai said.

FatherOfJesus:
This man foolish sha

You mean your biological fada who refused to train you well

No matter the challenges we are facing today ,we will overcome soon and Nigeria will prevail

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says he is confident Nigeria will become an oasis of peace, security and prosperity in Africa and beyond.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said the vice president spoke at the ongoing 108th Annual Convention of the Nigerian Baptist Convention in Lagos.

The theme of the conference is “Moving Forward: Finishing the Race with Joy.”

Osinbajo said though Nigeria was going through storms and adversity, the country would overcome its challenges and realise its aspirations because of the promises of God regarding the outstanding greatness ahead of the country.

“There is a promise of God for this nation, that this nation will prosper, that this nation will be the epicentre of the astounding economic and scientific developments of the 21st Century.

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Revd Dr Supo Ayokunle, has applauded the humility and sense of dedication of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, to the attainment of a greater Nigeria.

According to the CAN president, through the exemplary dedication to the service of humanity, humility and the godly disposition to leadership of Osinbajo, Nigeria will find solutions to its challenges.

Ayokunle, who is also the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, stated this at the 108th annual convention of the church held at its Conference Centre along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway over the weekend.

The Vice-President attended the joint evening worship programme of the ongoing annual convention of the Baptist congregation in Nigeria.

While praying for the Vice-President and other persons in positions of authority, the CAN President said the church was aware that “you have on your shoulders, very intimidating assignments at this trying time, I have never seen a time so trying in the history of this
country than this one.”

“Evil men are just rising everywhere. Up till now, we don’t know who really offended them. They are just rising in the spirit of wickedness, killing, maiming, vandalizing and troubling the entire nation.

“I pray for everyone in leadership here, I pray for the Vice President of this country, may you finish well in Jesus name. Thank you Lord because you continue to put your honour on him. And through him, Nigeria shall find solutions to all its challenges,” Dr Ayokunle added.

Extolling the exemplary qualities of Osinbajo in his message themed ‘Moving Forward: Finishing the Race with Joy’, the CAN President said many leaders of faith across Nigeria were fascinated by Osinbajo’s disposition to leadership and were learning from it.

According to him, “Though his Excellency is a Vice President to all of us, but by humility, whenever he sees me, he still calls me ‘My President’. To me, that is more than humility. It is a way of identifying with the body of Christ in Nigeria.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/osinbajos-leadership-style-fascinates-faith-leaders-says-can-president/

Our dynamic and hardworking vice president will represent well

President Muhammadu Buhari would be represented by his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, at Sierra Leone’s 60th Independence Day celebration taking place today in the country’s capital, Freetown.


Prof. Osinbajo would be joining several other heads of State and Governments from Africa and beyond who are expected at the event.

Historically, both Nigeria and Sierra Leone have shared cherished and cordial relations at least right from colonial times. The relationship has continued and evidenced in the socio-economic, technical and security cooperation over the years.

The Vice President who leaves Abuja this morning would be accompanied by the Foreign Affairs Minister of State, Ambassador Zubairu Dada among others and he is expected back in Abuja later today.

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

This is a laudable achievement for Buhari/Osinbajo government

The will and the promises of God for our dear nation shall come to pass

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday said “there is a promise of God” for Nigeria and that the country will become “an oasis of peace, security and prosperity such as has never been seen before on this continent and beyond.”

He made the comment while speaking at the 108th annual convention of the Nigerian Baptist Convention in Ogun State.

Prof. Osinbajo added that Nigeria “will be the epicentre of the astounding economic and scientific developments of the 21st Century,” according to a statement signed by his spokesman Laolu Akande.

However, he noted that “today the clouds are overcast, the promise seems impossible, as it was with the children of Israel after leaving Egypt on the way to the promised land…”

The Vice President’s comments comes as the country continues to battle several security challenges, including but not limited to an insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, secessionist agitations in the South-East and Fulani-Herdsmen crises across the Middle-Belt and several South-West States

In a rousing message seeking to rally Nigerians and people of faith to see beyond the vicissitudes of the season in the country, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, says he knows Nigeria will become an oasis of peace, security and prosperity in Africa and beyond.

Though Nigeria is going through storms and adversity, the country will overcome its challenges and realize its aspirations, because of the promises of God regarding the outstanding greatness ahead of the country.

This was the message the Vice President delivered today at the ongoing 108th annual convention of the Nigerian Baptist Convention themed “Moving Forward: Finishing the Race with Joy” holding at the church’s conference Centre along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, “there is a promise of God for this nation, that this nation will prosper, that this nation will be the epicentre of the astounding economic and scientific developments of the 21st Century, that we will create here in Nigeria an oasis of peace, security and prosperity such as has never been seen before on this continent and beyond.”

“This is the promise of God. But today the clouds are overcast, the promise seems impossible, as it was with the children of Israel after leaving Egypt on the way to the promised land…”

Continuing the VP declared that “the journey to the promise of God for Nigeria is going through storms and adversity, but the end will be better than the beginning; weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning.

“I am completely convinced that nobody, no group, no ideology, can defeat the promise of God for the greatness of Nigeria. I see it clearly; I know it like my own face.”

Urging Nigerians not to be dissuaded by the present challenges, Prof. Osinbajo said, “I urge you men and women of God not to allow the adversities of the moment to shape your utterances or perception.”

“We must not sound like the children of Israel fearful before Goliath, petrified and complaining at the Red Sea as Pharaoh and his hostile hosts approached.

“We are the light of this world, we are the voice of God in a confused and discouraged world, we must speak the things that God has promised as though they are because they will come to pass.

“The clouds cannot deny the existence of the sun, they may cover it for a while, but they must give way to the glorious brightness of sunshine,” the Vice President assured.

While commending the outgoing National President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention who is also the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Supo Ayokunle, Prof. Osinbajo said, “from his humble days leading the small flock in Ibadan to the headship of the Baptist Convention, superintending over the affairs of 13,654 churches and 8,000,637 members, and then suddenly being propelled to the rocky and difficult intersection between politics and religion as the 6th President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, the umbrella body of Nigeria’s millions of Christians, the man we celebrate today has seen it all; adversity, tribulation, enemies from within and without.”

He added: “the days of criticisms, fair and unfair, of battles spiritual and physical, of long nights of travailing in the place of prayer. And the many times when he could have said I have had enough.”

The Vice President then observed that the life and times of the CAN President “must be a parable to our Nation, it’s leaders and people, that there is a promise of God for this nation.”

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
25th April, 2021

Last week was full of hardworking and series of activities, hoping for more this new week

A look at some of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo's official activities for last week.

*19th April*
VP Osinbajo gave a keynote address at the 2021 Johns Hopkins African Studies Programme Conference on the theme “Africa-US Reengagement: A New Foreign Policy Agenda.

ln the words of VP Osinbajo “Africa is in many ways the last frontier for economic development and it has the potential to be a global growth pole."

*21st April*
VP Osinbajo Partook in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House Abuja.

*22 April*
Vice President Osinbajo presided over the 4th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting of the year at the State House, Abuja.

ln order to address the rising agitation in certain parts of the country, states were directed to hold consultations and dialogues on the issues identified, with the aim of reporting back by the next Council meeting.

The council further debunked the ludicrous allegation that N60 billion was printed to shore up allocations for the month of March.

ln attendance were State Governors, Ministers, and the Central Bank Governor.