₦airaland Forum

THOUGH CHALLENGES PERSIST, PROMISE OF GOD FOR A GREAT NIGERIA WILL BE FULFILLED, SAYS OSINBAJO

VP: I see the greatness of Nigeria like my own face


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 epicenter 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 Pharoah 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."

The solar power Naija will help so many communities

I am not surprised with Obaseki lies because he has been doing it for long

In fact,I don't espect such statements from a rulling governor, na wa for Obaseki

FarahAideed:
Who believes the lying Buhari govt

How do you mean?

baseb:
Over to obaseki. Show proof(s)

Lie lie governor, mtchewwww

nedu666:
They have to deny it because foreign creditors and bond holders are now looking at them with 6 eyes.

Do you have a substantial evidence of your rubbish and if not remain silent � for ever

I was surprised to even heard such rumour from one of the Nigerian governors , anyway he's an educated illiterate, so disregard the information

Yemi osinbajo is always in the progress of nigeria ��

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has pledged the support of the federal government for positive initiatives from all stakeholders in the Nigeria project

He stated this last Tuesday when he received in audience the new Executive Committee of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) branch of University of Lagos Alumni Association led by its Chairman, Aliu Akoshile.

Osinbajo, who said he felt greatly honoured by the visit, noted that alumni associations can play significant roles in supporting the federal government in its drive for socio-economic development of the country.

Reacting to issues raised by Akoshile, Osinbajo disclosed that the federal government was planning independent power plants for some universities in Nigeria to mitigate their recurrent expenses on power consumption in order to free the funds for other infrastructures
The vice president also reiterated the commitment of the federal government to reviewing the disparity in the pension being paid civil servants who retired decades ago and the recent ones.

He said the review may lead to some forms of harmonisation that would ensure justice and equity for all retirees who have given their best services to the country.

Osinbajo, who congratulated the new executive committee of the branch on it election, said he was proud to be a member of the FCT branch.
Earlier in his speech, the branch Chairman, Akoshile said Osinbajo, as the vice president, is holding the highest political office any alumnus has attained in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic since 1999.

He said members of the FCT branch of the association, who are being inspired by his sense of loyalty and impeccable record of public service, would continue to offer support where necessary to ensure he succeeds in the onerous tasks of governance.

The chairman lamented the huge recurrent expenditure being incurred by universities, noting that the University of Lagos for instance was spending about N85 million monthly on electricity alone whereas the fund could have been used to provide other basic infrastructures on campus.
Akoshile, who also urged the federal government to ensure parity or judicious harmonisation of pensions payable to retired civil servants, said the pioneer Chairman of FCT branch, Mr. James Bassey, 76, is being paid N15,000 monthly pension as a retired federal director.

But why are you guys attaching Osinbajo to Pantami issue, you had better leave Osinbajo if you don't want God to deal with you

NengiWIDEtoto:
Punanni, buhari and osinbade are all terrorists.

Just like your mumu fada

Osinbajo is a Kind of leader Nigerians need to pilot us ,he has shown a lot of commitment to the masses irrespective of the ethnic group, thank you sir for what you are doing

NyamiriSlayer:
May God destroy this man for this shit wey come out from his fvcking mouth, this bastard should shut his fvcking mouth if there is no any sensible thing to talk about
Mr v.p what about those killed by these oloriburuku people

You are one of the lazy youths referred to by the president because you only read the headline to vomit your useless comment

holycup:
Osinbajo is a cow,


Terrorist sympathizer.

If Osinbajo is a cow then your father is a donkey ,useless being attacking the best vice president of Nigeria

I pity those young guys who allowed to be used by Boko Haram to perpetrate evil ,anyway there is no excuse for killing masses and either young or old you will face the action of being used illegally

ProfAmaben:
Fraudsters

How do you mean? I believe you can read and understand to check all the project because you claimed they are fraudsters

bluediamond1239:
no one in the south east

Read and check well sir

honestly speaking, Buhari/osinbajo remains the best Nigeria administrator ,check few of their project here

In fact, deaf and dump know that the best Administration we have so far is BUHARI/OSINBAJO

OSINBAJO WANTS US-AFRICA RELATIONS BASED ON FAIRNESS, PARTNERSHIP THAT BRINGS ABOUT ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

A reviewed partnership between Africa and the United States should be one that helps to improve human security, to avert pandemics, or indeed to tackle the crises caused by climate change, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

According to the VP, “so, I think that a resetting of the US policy agenda with Africa should promote a partnership that brings about economic prosperity, increases security, combats disease, improves governance and mitigates the effects of climate change.

“Africa is in many ways the last frontier for economic development and it has the potential to be a global growth pole.”

Continuing, he noted that “the reality however is that Africa still bears a disproportionate burden of communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and meningitis, to mention but a few.

“The United States has helped to improve health care outcomes in Africa including through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDs Relief (PEPFAR).

“I think that the same spirit of collaboration with regard to making COVID-19 vaccines available to African countries is now called for. This is not a time for vaccine nationalism and export bans but it is a time of working together towards universal vaccination against the disease.”

BELOW IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE VP’S REMARKS

REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, VICE PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE 2021 JOHNS HOPKINS AFRICAN STUDIES PROGRAMME CONFERENCE ON THE THEME “AFRICA-US REENGAGEMENT: A NEW FOREIGN POLICY AGENDA”

I am honoured to have the opportunity to say a few words On the topic- Africa-US Re-engagement: A New Foreign Policy Agenda at this year’s Johns Hopkins African Studies Programme Conference. I really like to thank the African Studies Programme and Prof. Chiedo Nwankwo, particularly for this kind invitation.

The timing of this conversation is auspicious for a number of reasons. First President Biden’s speech in February to African leaders at the AU summit signaled a new and more robust partnership, to quote him, “in solidarity, support, and mutual respect”.

Second, at the top of the new administration’s foreign policy agenda are two topics of crucial importance to African States – COVID-19 pandemic, the fallouts and what to do going forward, and Climate Change.

Third, are the positive signals from the US Congress. The Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, George Meeks in his first public statement called for a new Africa Policy which he said would be his top priority.

Fourthly and more broadly, is a view expressed by many who have given the matter some thought, that the 21st century will be the African century.

In other words, for good or ill, the fate of Africa will impact the rest of the world in this century because of its increasing share of humanity and because of its indispensable contribution to managing the global commons, be it to improve human security, to avert pandemics, or indeed to tackle the crises caused by climate change.

Let me expatiate on this. It is estimated for instance that Africa will account for 25% of global population by 2050 up from about 17% today, which is an 8% increase.

Indeed, my own country Nigeria is projected to be the third most populous country in the world by that date (2050) after India and China. If this increasing share of the global population is reflected in economic productivity and increased material well-being, then it surely augurs well for the world.

If, however, it brings about increased poverty and misery, then Africa could become a hotbed of restive youth that are vulnerable to the negative promptings of maniacal populists and religious radicals. And also for the other global concerns such as climate change, distractions such as worsening poverty, violent extremism, and dysfunctional governance, can only worsen matters.

So, I think that a resetting of the US policy agenda with Africa should promote a partnership that brings about economic prosperity, increases security, combats disease, improves governance, and mitigates the effects of climate change.

Africa is in many ways the last frontier for economic development and it has the potential to be a global growth pole.

Indeed, as other parts of the world are looking inwards, Africa is moving confidently to integrate its economies through the African Union Agenda 2063 as well as the recent establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.

As Asian countries move to produce more sophisticated goods and services and as labour becomes more expensive there, Africa has a good chance to become the new factory of the world. This would require investment in machinery, skills, and technologies to improve productivity and increase returns.

So, I think the United States is well placed to lead trade and investment ties with Africa. And it has a good leg in with The African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA). The legislation, which removed all tariffs on 6,400 products available for export to the US, saw some African countries benefiting considerably.

South Africa’s auto exports to the US under AGOA have created thousands of jobs in that country and in the auto supply value chain in neighbouring countries. Export of garments from other countries, such as Ethiopia, Mauritius, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Kenya, have also created large numbers of jobs.

But AGOA’s challenges aside from the small number of countries that have benefited are the changing dynamics of trade within Africa itself since it was passed 20years ago. So, for example, the EU has signed several EPAs with several countries with implications for tariff disparities that may need to be reviewed in order to create a level playing field. Also, the African Continental Free Trade Agreements are set to kick in and AGOA must now be implemented consistent with the AFCTA. AGOA expires in 2025. But I believe that a new and improved AGOA that takes these challenges into account can be negotiated before then.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the need to coordinate actions to prevent and tackle pandemics while also building up public health infrastructure in developed and developing countries alike.

The reality however is that Africa still bears a disproportionate burden of communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and meningitis, to mention but a few.

The United States has helped to improve health care outcomes in Africa including through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDs Relief (PEPFAR).

I think that the same spirit of collaboration with regard to making COVID-19 vaccines available to African countries is now called for. This is not a time for vaccine nationalism and export bans but it is a time of working together towards universal vaccination against the disease.

I believe the US can lead in that effort to ensure that all countries and their peoples can access vaccines irrespective of the resources available to them. Quite frankly we have seen some support. The US has rejoined COVAX, the WHO, all of these have been very helpful in creating the right environment for cooperation towards increasing vaccine availability and solving some of the problems associated with the difficulty in getting the vaccines.

All too often people outside the continent tend to see Africa as conflict-ridden continent beset by insurgencies and wild-eyed terrorists. There has undoubtedly been increased restiveness in certain parts of Africa which are driven or aided by poverty, alienation, environmental degradation, and poor governance.

In truth though, the troubles in the main area due to encroachment of globally known terror groups or their franchises in several parts of Africa.

The US has had a counterterrorism presence in about 15 African countries – in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa combatting jihadist terrorist groups, operating largely in the Sahel, especially the sub-Saharan Sahel region and the area further southwest around Lake Chad, Nigeria (especially northern Nigeria), Somalia, and also Mozambique.

US-Africa Command (Africom) has been a very active force in all of the activities of the US in this region. So, while it is evident that the threat of violent extremist organizations is growing, it will appear that US policy (United States Africa Command) has since 2020 shifted from a strategy of degrading violent extremist organizations in West Africa to simply containing their spread. But the escalation of the attacks and the synergies being created amongst these extremist groups calls for a review of that position. It may be the moment for a more robust intervention along the lines of US-backed operations in clearing terrorists and insurgents in the Middle East.

It may be the moment for a more robust intervention along the lines of US-backed operations in clearing terrorists and insurgents in the Middle East. I think that we have a moment now where on account of the escalation of insurgencies especially in the West African regions, for a more robust US intervention and I think that this is something that the US foreign policy along with African partners should take a second look at.

A key tenet of US foreign policy has been to uphold values and principles such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and public accountability. These issues resonate very strongly with ordinary Africans who believe that improved governance is crucial in ensuring that their votes count, their rights are protected and that state resources are used for the common good.

United States engagement with Africa, I think, should naturally take these matters on board. However, I must say that it should not take the shape of finger-wagging but rather a balanced and joint endeavor to achieve these objectives. To paraphrase President Biden, One based on mutual respect.

Whatever the case, there should be no rush to judgment but an effort to hear the other side and I think we should create more opportunities to hear the other side. Not through, lobbying, firms, and that sort of thing but more direct government types of meetings and interactions that enable both governments better understand what their point of view are and I think we have a perfect opportunity for doing so now.

This does not imply, in my view, turning a blind eye to gross infractions of international law and human rights. It does require, in my view a broader and more nuanced perspective of issues as well as an understanding of local dynamics before taking a stand.

As I said earlier, climate change including the risk of a perfect storm of population pressure, environmental degradation, and pandemics pose a serious threat to African development in particular and the world in general.

It seems to be that the United States and Africa must work together to tackle climate change and moderate global warming including through an energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies.

African countries have made commitments in this regard towards implementing the Paris Climate Change Agreement targets and we are working hard towards achieving them. However, commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 has led to a growing trend among development finance institutions to withdraw from fossil fuel investment, including the World Bank’s decision to cease funding for upstream oil and gas developments and the new restrictions on financing downstream gas developments which is currently being considered and implemented by some European Union countries. The United Kingdom and the United States have also been considering the defunding of gas projects.

While this may be well-intentioned, this move does not take into account the principles of the common but differentiated responsibility and leaving no one behind which are enshrined into global treaties around sustainable development and climate action. These are principles we all agreed to and that we all accepted.

I think that the move to defund gas projects disregards the importance of gas as a means to urgently address energy poverty in a technologically and economically viable manner.

Furthermore, increasing the use of gas which is a cleaner fossil fuel in power generation, gives African countries the opportunity to phase out more polluting fuels such as coal, diesel, and heavy fuel oil (HFO), while bringing on board more renewables.

The United States should lend its weight to stopping this manifestly unfair trend that can undermine the sense of collective responsibility we all have towards mitigating climate change.

What is required is a just transition to zero emissions, and that expression is becoming increasingly popular, in our view, is one where the developed economies meet the commitment made at Cop 15 in Copenhagen, of 100 billion US dollars yearly to assist developing economies to transit to zero emissions.

US – Africa relations need not be uni-dimensional. The United States is a global leader in economic and military terms as well as through its contributions to the norms that shape the global order.

I think that the US could work with Africa either under the auspices of the African Union or indeed through individual countries like Nigeria to build a better world. Africa should not be seen or used as a pawn in great power games nor as an arena in the contest to secure strategic minerals and natural resources but rather as a partner in building a more secure, more peaceful, and prosperous world.

Indeed, rather than view every interaction with Africa from a competitive lens, I think that the US can work with other countries to support Africa in its efforts to meet our infrastructural needs. Infrastructure in the form of power stations, ports, rail networks, and roads, will spur growth and reduce the time and costs of doing business.

The fiscal constraints of African countries mean that there is scope for private capital to fund, operate and own some of these things. Given their technical know-how and financial resources, US companies should engage actively in the provision of infrastructure in Africa and we do expect that the US International Development Finance Corporation may support such efforts and so cooperation and partnerships rather than competition with other global actors, I believe can complement these efforts.

I also believe that the United States could work with partners including the G20, to establish an international economic system that works for Africa and other developing countries. It is a very encouraging sign in this regard that the US has signaled support for the $650 billion increase in Special Drawing Rights at the IMF, which will go a long way in providing much liquidity in African countries given the fiscal strains caused by last year’s economic downturn.

Similarly, the recent initiative of the United States to ensure that businesses are taxed where they make their sales is a major step forward in bringing about a fairer international tax regime. To be effective, however, it should apply not just to a few multinational companies but should be truly global in nature otherwise African countries may be excluded from getting their fair share of such taxes.

Thank you all very much for listening.

https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/vps-keynote-address-at-the-2021-johns-hopkins-african-studies-programme-conference/

Vice president Yemi Osinbajo represented well and performed excellently while the president was away

No matter your religion, we can coexist peacefully. Professor Yemi Osinbajo is not on a #ChristianizationAgenda. Religion is a choice and a fundamental human right

Dr Balkisu Saidu

Before the permeation of social media, I was one of those who believed in and re-echoed the popular saying that “the only way to win with a toxic person is not to play.” To this end, I found silence to be a very potent tool in dealing with some extremely wicked and deliberate acts of provocation exhibited through concoction and spread of falsehoods and apparently implausible stories.

I have since realised that, in this day and age of fake news and cyber propaganda, it is important that lies and misinformation, no matter the motive of the initiator, are countered and records set straight. Amongst the recipients of the falsehood could be some innocent consumers who will benefit from having true facts presented. Allowing fake news to linger may create the impression that there could be some element of truth in what was propagated.
It is for the foregoing reasons that when the write up credited to one Dr Musbau Akinbode titled “Osinbajo’s Stealth Christianization Agenda”, which has been circulating of recent in the social media, was brought to my attention, I opted to respond. Although no date was ascribed to the write up, it appears to be a rehash of several baseless allegations made in the past against the Vice President, many of whom have been debunked with apologies issued by unsuspecting media houses misled into publishing some of the concocted stories.

The new twist in Dr Akinbode’s write up is the allegation that the Vice President is implementing a “Christianization” agenda and in that wise none of the appointments made by the Vice President from persons of Yoruba extraction were given to Yoruba Muslims. This allegation reminded me of a similar baseless claim made in 2017 by one Dr. Ismaila Farouk, which Akinbode referred to, alleging that the selection of personal staff of the Vice President was skewed in favour of “his Yoruba ethnic group.”

Those fuelling the orchestrated and surreptitious narrative immediately backtracked when confronted with facts and a long list of Northerners, from tribes other than Yoruba, working in the office at the time including, among others, Mrs. Maryam Uwais (Special Adviser on Social Investment, from Kano State); Ambassador Abdullahi Gwary (Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs, from Yobe State); my humble self (Senior Special Assistant on Legal, Research and Compliance Matters, from Sokoto State); Mr. Ismaeel Ahmed (Senior Special Assistant on Social Investment, from Kano State); Mr. Bege Bala (Special Assistant, BPE, from Kaduna State); Abdurahman Baffa Yola (Special Assistant on Political Matters); Mrs. Susan Chagwa (Special Assistant on Household and Social Events, from Adamawa State), etc.

Certainly, some of the listed allegations made by Dr Akinbode are objectionably and glaringly malicious and even laughable, unlikely to be believed by any discerning follower of the rise and actions of the Vice President. For example, the Office of the Vice President is like a mini-Nigeria. The level of diversity accomplished in the office reflects all segments of the society – geo-political, ethnic, religious, gender and youth representation.

It is therefore inconceivable for anyone to suggest marginalisation or, as Dr Akinbode puts it, “Christianization” in appointments and religious bigotry. To the specific point of appointment of Yoruba Muslims, Dr Akinbode may wish to know that, even amongst his personal staff, no less than ten Yoruba Muslims were appointed to work for the Vice President including his next in command and the highest-ranking officer in the Vice President’s office, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. AbdurRahman Adeola Ipaye. Other Yoruba Muslims who work, at various times, in the office include Distinguished Senator Babafemi Ojudu (Special Adviser on Political Matters); Dr Mariam Masha (Senior Special Assistant on Internally Displaced Persons); Ms Lanre Shasore (Senior Special Assistant on Planning and Coordination); Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbemi (Special Assistant on Political Matters); Yusuf Ali (Special Assistant on Power); Mr Mohammed Brimah (Special Assistant on Job Creation); Mr Mukhtar Tijani (Special Assistant on Power); Ms. Lolade Abiola; and Mr. Akanni Rahman
A leader known to suspend meetings to enable Muslim participants perform prayers; known to rescue Muslim orphans and provide them with shelter and educational opportunities that safeguard and promote their religious practices; known to host Breaking of Ramadan Fast (Iftar) with Religious Leaders and Muslim communities from across the country; known to timeously intervene in the resolution of thorny inter-religious issues with potential for escalation can certainly not be said to be promoting any particular religion.

Also, the allegation of “Christianization” in the appointment of some named individuals to various positions in Government is indicative of a complete lack of understanding of how Government appointments are made or a deliberate attempt to distort facts and mislead unsuspecting public. Save for Mr. Kayode Pitan, who was appointed by the Vice President as the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry to take over from Mr. Waheed Olagunju, who was serving in acting capacity, all the other persons named by Dr Akinbode were appointed by the President in the exercise of his constitutional powers.

The calibre of the persons is not in question. In terms of accomplishments, these are pacesetters in their respective industries. For example, Mr. Ben Akabueze, the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation served more than two terms as Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos State and was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NAL Bank Plc. (now Sterling Bank Plc.). He has also served as Special Adviser to the President on National Planning.

Mr Alex Okoh, the Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, an Alumnus of Harvard Business School and former Managing Partner, Ashford & McGuire Consulting Ltd.; is a quintessential Banker and Financial Advisor who as the Managing Director/CEO of NNB International Bank led the transformation of the bank from a comatose state into a leading commercial bank in Nigeria. He has worked with various banks within and outside Nigeria including Nigeria International Bank Limited (Citibank); United Bank for Africa Plc.; Citibank New York; Fidelity Bank London; Swiss Banking Corporation, Zurich; and Grindlays Bank, Zimbabwe. His first tenure recorded tremendous transformation of the Bureau leading to his reappointment by the President.

Before the appointment by Mr. President of Mr Okey Enelamah as the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment in 2015, the Harvard University graduate, Baker Scholar and Loeb Fellow has had a tremendous successful career in investment banking and with Arthur Anderson (now KPMG Professional Services), New York and London offices of Goldman Sachs, Zephyr Management. He also founded and served as CEO of the African Capital Alliance (ACA).
Clearly, even on the appointment of Mr Pitan, the author is not questioning the qualification of Mr Pitan, imaginably considering his robust academic training (including at American Graduate School of International Management, Arizona, USA; London Business School; and Haggai Institute, Singapore) as well as his decades of corporate and banking experience.

These appointments were based purely on merit. The only problem with the appointments, according to the author, was their religion. Save Dr Akinbode is suggesting that persons being considered for appointments into Government positions must denounce their religions, it is unclear why the religious leanings of the appointees should be in issue. Recall that similar allegations were made against appointments of equally deserving and competent Muslims with claims of “Islamisation” being bandied around. Such divisive rhetoric and adverse language are dangerous to Nigeria’s unified harmonious existence and should be resisted and rejected by all.

The Osinbajo I know has been nothing but absolutely and uncompromisingly loyal to his principal, earning him several public and private commendations and additional responsibilities from the President, including the management of the Economic Sustainability Plan, credited with facilitating the “unexpected exit” of Nigeria from one of the worst recession cycles to hit several nations of the world. The man, Osinbajo, seeks no accolades. It is therefore not every action taken by him in support of persons facing challenges that will end up on the pages of newspapers. Just because Dr Akinbode is unaware of these interventions should not be a basis for dehumanising the Vice President.

Additionally, it is evil and reprehensible to drag the person of Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo into whatever malicious campaign the author is mounting against the Vice President. This is a humble and compassionate woman, who has conducted her humanitarian and philanthropic activities in a well-guided and detached manner away from any Government activities. It is unacceptable to have persons of integrity be subjected to such ridiculous acts of scathing and baseless attacks. Clearly, the purpose of this is to cause annoyance, hatred, and ill will against the family of the Vice President. Luckily, Nigerians can see through these malicious, baseless, smear campaigns, mounted by dishonest and shady individuals.

While the main preoccupation of the Vice President is the discharge of the mandate resoundingly given to their ticket under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, may I remind Dr Akinbode that power is not in the hands of any individual to give or take, but in the hands of Almighty Allah; and He bestows it upon whom He wills. Please refer to the Holy Qur’an, Chapter 3 (Surah Al-Imran), Verse 26.

I sure hope and pray that a time will come when Dr Akinbode and his likes will realise that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is as authentic as he presents – he is a humane, compassionate, detribalised patriotic Nigerian, who is committed to the service of Nigeria and Nigerians in a fair, honest, transparent and accountable manner. And, while we spare time to respond to these and similar unfounded allegations, the Vice President never allows mischief-makers and peddlers of fake news to distract him from his main preoccupation: service to Nigeria.

*The author, Balkisu Saidu,* is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legal, Research and Compliance Matters, Office of the Vice President. She writes from Abuja.

The special-agro industrial processing scheme will enable Nigeria to achieve sustainability and increased trade.

I believe no one does it better than Osinbajo but what he needs now is to make sure that Nigeria is okay first

Hahaha, how could someone think in this manner that he was trying to Christianise others while he has gross of Muslims working with him

The only and reputable leader I know is Professor Yemi Osinbajo

This is good because the agro-processing centres will be provided with basic infrastructure such as water, electricity and roads as well as facilities for skills training. Small-holder farmers in the catchment areas will be linked to markets across the value chain.

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, says internet access and broadband penetration will become existential in the nearest future and will determine Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.
The vice president said the recognition of the importance of internet access and broadband penetration, among others, was the driving force behind Federal Government’s initiative on broadband connectivity for all.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said the vice president virtually inaugurated the Ogun State Digital Economy Empowerment Project.

“Making digital technology available to all our citizens and businesses is the most farsighted action any government can take today.
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Home » News » Broadband crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth – Osinbajo
Broadband crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth – Osinbajo
ON APRIL 16, 20211:28 AMIN NEWS
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, says internet access and broadband penetration will become existential in the nearest future and will determine Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.


The vice president said the recognition of the importance of internet access and broadband penetration, among others, was the driving force behind Federal Government’s initiative on broadband connectivity for all.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said the vice president virtually inaugurated the Ogun State Digital Economy Empowerment Project.

“Making digital technology available to all our citizens and businesses is the most farsighted action any government can take today.


“Indeed, access to broadband and other technology tools have become compulsory for any community that seeks meaningful growth, prosperity, and security for its people.

“We must press on in our quest to democratise access to the internet.

“We are pursuing this cause because we recognise that internet access and broadband penetration will become existential in a few short years and will determine our competitiveness in the global economy,” said Osinbajo.
He said that the Federal Government was committed to ensuring broadband connectivity for all by 2023.

The vice president said the ambition on broadband was enshrined in Economic Sustainability Plan.

Osinbajo said as part of the national commitment to make broadband connectivity available to all, in 2017, the state governors under the auspices of the National Economic Council (NEC) agreed to harmonise right of way charges.

“The charges payable by telecommunications companies and related public utility infrastructure on local governments, states and federal highways to encourage co-location of fiber optic cables.
In another demonstration of Government’s commitment in this regard, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy launched the National Broadband Plan.

“The plan is designed to deliver data download speeds across Nigeria of a minimum 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90 per cent of the population by 2025 at affordable prices.
“Many States have already complied with the right of way policy and have reduced the rates to as low as N140 per meter, while some States have completely removed the charges,” the Vice President said.

He commended the Ogun state government for taking leadership in digital technology in Nigeria.

Osinbajo said by bringing last mile broadband access to homes, businesses, and offices in the state, the government was opening up the state, residents and businesses digitally not just to Nigeria but to the entire universe.
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Home » News » Broadband crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth – Osinbajo
Broadband crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth – Osinbajo
ON APRIL 16, 20211:28 AMIN NEWS
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, says internet access and broadband penetration will become existential in the nearest future and will determine Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.


The vice president said the recognition of the importance of internet access and broadband penetration, among others, was the driving force behind Federal Government’s initiative on broadband connectivity for all.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said the vice president virtually inaugurated the Ogun State Digital Economy Empowerment Project.

“Making digital technology available to all our citizens and businesses is the most farsighted action any government can take today.


“Indeed, access to broadband and other technology tools have become compulsory for any community that seeks meaningful growth, prosperity, and security for its people.

“We must press on in our quest to democratise access to the internet.

“We are pursuing this cause because we recognise that internet access and broadband penetration will become existential in a few short years and will determine our competitiveness in the global economy,” said Osinbajo.


He said that the Federal Government was committed to ensuring broadband connectivity for all by 2023.

The vice president said the ambition on broadband was enshrined in Economic Sustainability Plan.

Osinbajo said as part of the national commitment to make broadband connectivity available to all, in 2017, the state governors under the auspices of the National Economic Council (NEC) agreed to harmonise right of way charges.

“The charges payable by telecommunications companies and related public utility infrastructure on local governments, states and federal highways to encourage co-location of fiber optic cables.


“In another demonstration of Government’s commitment in this regard, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy launched the National Broadband Plan.

“The plan is designed to deliver data download speeds across Nigeria of a minimum 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90 per cent of the population by 2025 at affordable prices.

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“The plan gives special attention to unserved and underserved areas in the distribution of telecom services.


“Many States have already complied with the right of way policy and have reduced the rates to as low as N140 per meter, while some States have completely removed the charges,” the Vice President said.

He commended the Ogun state government for taking leadership in digital technology in Nigeria.

Osinbajo said by bringing last mile broadband access to homes, businesses, and offices in the state, the government was opening up the state, residents and businesses digitally not just to Nigeria but to the entire universe.


He said improving access to broadband would provide an opportunity for young Nigerian innovators to take on their peers from across the world on a more level playing field.

The Ogun Digital Economy Empowerment Project is an initiative of the state government in collaboration with 21st Century Technologies aimed at providing digital infrastructure to enhance broadband connectivity across the state.

Aside Gov. Dapo Abiodun, and state dignitaries, former governor of the state, Mr Gbenga Daniel, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, among others were at the inauguration.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/04/broadband-crucial-for-nigerias-economic-growth-osinbajo/