Nicey

Osinbajo with a good heart

Is FFK not a member of APC again? I don't understand you people again o

HOW ACADEMICS CAN CONTRIBUTE IN REFORMING HEALTHCARE, TERTIARY EDUCATION, BY OSINBAJO

*VP interacts with Progressive Intellectuals Advisory Group

Professors and academics must take a keen interest, especially in issues of education and healthcare, exploring options for reform and innovation in those Human Capital Development sectors.

This was the highlight of the virtual meeting on Friday between Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN and a team of professors drawn from the six geo-political zones under the auspices of the Progressive Intellectuals Advisory Group (PIAG).

The Vice President who interacted with the dons on a number of topical national development issues urged stakeholders especially members of professional bodies to make contributions towards addressing them.

Discussing tertiary education, for instance, Prof. Osinbajo said, “given the rate of interest in tertiary education, we cannot cope with the brick-and-mortar approach, we won’t be able to cope with the numbers in the near future because there will be millions more who will not be able to get into our schools.

“One of the things I have been thinking about is how to be deliberate about online tertiary education. And how to develop it to the point where Nigeria offers the best services in the sector.

“One of the things I want us to think about is how we can develop this idea and in what ways we can put together a plan, even if it is just an outline so we can push the idea further,” the VP added.

Leader of the group and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Shehu Adamu also spoke about the need for Nigeria to strengthen the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) option to address the issue of access to university education.

Also in healthcare, the VP called on members of the group to support the Federal Government’s efforts to reform the healthcare system by contributing to ideas that will make health insurance work effectively in the country. He mentioned that a Health Reform Committee is already in place looking at the issues.

According to him, “the second thing is health care and how we can fund it. It is evident that the government
by budget alone cannot fund health care sufficiently and in the scope that is required.

“No matter what we do and how hard we pushed, we still haven’t been able to get close to our Abuja declaration threshold budget for healthcare either at the federal or at the state level. So, it is evident that we need to do something different and that is health insurance, it remains the way to aggregate or pull resources for healthcare.

“We now have a new health insurance law that makes health insurance compulsory and a few other provisions that are helpful. But I think that this is something that we have to take a good look at also.”

The Vice President then thanked the professors for their support in the race to the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, describing their backing as “one that I greatly treasure above others."

According to the VP the visiting group of professors “understands better my motivation for running and the motivation for the views I expressed.”

He assured them of his commitment to the cause of a better Nigeria and promised not to give up the struggle.

In separate remarks, Professors Nasiru Yauri, Philip Okolo, Ernest Ugbejeh and Yahaya Baba commended the VP’s dedication to the development of Nigeria and style of leadership, noting that “you (Vice President) remain deeply rooted in our hearts.”

They said their support for the VP's run for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was premised on his track record and his ideas about transforming Nigeria, describing his loss as a missed opportunity.

The group then pledged to work for the Vice President in all of his future aspirations, promising to maintain the relationship regardless of the outcome of the APC primary elections.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
11th July, 2022

To read more about the Vice President’s activities, please visit www.yemiosinbajo.ng

You're a good person. God bless you

Theh have nothing in common please

Beautiful

YOU HAVE MADE US PROUD, OSINBAJO TELLS DIASPORA BIKER, ADEYANJU

*VP receives London-Lagos rider, accompanied by colleagues

The achievements of the internationally acclaimed Nigerian biker, Mr Kunle Adeyanju has made Nigerians proud and the country is much popular on account of his feat, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Thursday when he received the biker who rode a motorbike from London to Lagos recently promoting the “End Polio” campaign, at his official residence, Aguda House, Presidential Villa.

Adeyanju was accompanied by other bikers drawn from across the country and his delegation also included Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and District Governor of Rotary Club District 9125, Mr Goddy Nnadi among other officials.

Adeyanju shared his travel experience during the visit to the VP, while speaking later, the Vice President said his stories are those “we must tell and retell. They are stories of our successes and we must continue to tell those stories and telling it in the light that will shame those who continue to tell stories that Africa is all about people who are killing each other and all that.”

“Where do you not have acts of terrorism these days, but the truth of the matter is that vast majority of our people are good people, generous people, hospitable people, as you found,” referring to the Diaspora Biker.

The VP then said “your achievements have made us all proud, we are all standing much taller on account of what you have done. And I know that this is just the beginning of the many more ways by which you will promote Nigeria and Africa.”

Speaking specifically about Nigeria, the VP noted that “there is a lot in our country that we must be extremely proud of. We must tell our own story just as Kunle has said. Our story is worth hearing and we must tell our story first to ourselves because we need to get our self-esteem back as a people.

“We must tell our stories to ourselves and we must understand who we are and what our strengths are. We are resilient, strong, innovative, and creative. In this country, just in about 5 to 6 years, 7 tech companies have become Unicorns (i.e. companies worth over a billion dollars), in this same country and all started by young Nigerians.”

Commending the Bikers’ community in the country, Prof. Osinbajo said “the work that you are doing all over the country, promoting unity is important. The truth of the matter about unity is that the average Nigerian does not ask questions about where you come from, Nigerians are united wherever you find them.

“Go to the markets, go anywhere, you find that Nigerians relate to each other as Nigerians. I have been all over this country, those who promote ethnicity, promote religious superiority are people who want to advance their personal interests.”

“I think that those of you who have a message of unity to preach must continue to do so. This country is strong and this country is the way it is only because of the very many parts that we are, we are 200 million strong from everywhere. And all of us have capacity and all of us have everything that it takes to excel,” the Vice President added.

Addressing the Bikers’ community drawn from across the country who came to the villa with Adeyanju, the VP noted that “we must stay together, we must stay united and I think that anybody that has seen how you have come from different parts of the country to celebrate Kunle Adeyanju, all of you have together, demonstrated the essence of who we are as Nigerians.

“We are a proud people, we are people who believe in excellence, we celebrate excellence, we want to excel in everywhere, and everywhere we are, we excel.”

On efforts to maintain Nigeria’s polio status, the Vice President said the Federal Government working with the States under the auspices of the National Economic Council will remain vigilant and not loss focus on the issue.

According to him, “what we have done at the National Economic Council which is a meeting of the Governors of the 36 States Governors which I have the privilege of chairing every month, is that we have made it one of the very central public health issues which means that every year, sometimes twice a year, we have a committee which deals with polio alone with the World Health Organisation and several other organizations, including local organizations which come and give a report of the status of the drive against polio in the country. It keeps us well informed.”

Earlier in his remarks, Mr Adeyanju spoke about his 12,000 kilometers adventure turned charity ride from London to Lagos, explaining his focus and experience.

Adeyanju said he flew Nigeria’s flag proudly and found out that the story of Africa, including Nigeria, has not been correctly told in the international media, hence his decision to write a book about his experience riding from Europe to Africa.

He explained that his lifted fist signature while on the journey was copied from the Vice President indicative of Africa’s resilience and strength even in the face of adversity.

Another highpoint of the visit was the presentation of the bikers’ regalia to the Vice President and some of the symbolic exercises demonstrated by the bikers.

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

To read more about the Vice President's activities, please visit www.yemiosinbajo.ng/

Thank you sir

Prof, thank you for representing us

EXPECTATIONS HIGH FOR NEW ECOWAS LEADERSHIP, SAYS OSINBAJO, AS REGIONAL BODY COMMENDS NIGERIA'S CONTRIBUTIONS

*President Buhari’s leadership in COVID-19 fight lauded

As President Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau assumes chairmanship of the West African regional body, ECOWAS, alongside a newly composed Commission, there are high expectations regarding the output of the body and the leaders must work harder to resolve lingering issues in the region, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this yesterday while speaking with journalists at the end of the 61st Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Accra, Ghana.

“President Nana Akufo-Addo did an excellent job in a very challenging period in the history of ECOWAS and many of the challenges remain.

“So, we expect that the new leadership will take over and work as hard and perhaps much harder to resolve some of the issues. There are even additional challenges today - economic challenges, especially with the Russian-Ukraine crisis, and economic problems. Other issues are the coups that have taken place in the region in the past couple of years and we are still trying to resolve some of those issues," the VP noted.

Continuing he stated that “ the new leadership under President Sissoco Embaló must step up efforts and address those very many responsibilities that the region faces today."

Prof. Osinbajo however also added that besides the challenges, the region is witnessing appreciable progress in the ECOWAS common currency policy, noting there are things “we should be happy about.”

“Also, there is progress being made on the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor, some of the issues around the movement of goods and services on that corridor. These are some of the very important decisions that were taken and I think progress is being made,” Prof. Osinbajo noted.

Earlier at the opening session of the summit chaired by President Akufo-Addo, the efforts and commitment of Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari in containing the COVID-19 pandemic and in addressing other challenges across the region were appreciated by the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.

Acknowledging Nigeria’s contributions, President Akufo-Addo said "let me address on behalf of all of us, our thanks to our esteemed colleague, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who in his capacity as champion in the coordination of the fight against the COVID-19, has spared no effort in this endeavour."

President Akufo-Addo then recognized Nigeria’s leadership role in addressing other challenges across the region, especially the menace of coups, terrorism, and deteriorating humanitarian situations.

His words: “Indeed, following the failed coup d’etat of 1st February 2022 in Guinea Bissau and our emergency summit of 3rd February 2022, we decided to deploy an ECOWAS Standby Force to support the stability of the country and President Sissoco Embalo’s elected government.

"That deployment of 609 security personnel, composed of 150 Nigerian troops and 140 Nigerian police personnel, 150 Senegalese troops, 100 Ghanaian troops and 59 troops from Cote d’Ivoire, with a force headquarters of 80 officers drawn from across the region, under the overall command of a Nigerian general and force commander has now been completed."

While condemning the menace of terrorism in parts of the region, the chairman said “these terrorist attacks are now not only focusing on the Sahel, but also expanding to the coastal states in our region.” He also affirmed that ECOWAS remains committed to the restoration of democratic order in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.

Among decisions reached at the end of the meeting was the lifting of financial and economic sanctions against Mali with the expectations for improved progress in the country’s transition to democratic rule.

A newly composed ECOWAS Commission is also now in place with the emergence of Gambia's Omar Alieu Touray who was introduced yesterday to the meeting of The Authority of Heads of State & Government of ECOWAS. He replaced Mr. Jean-Claude Kassi Brou of Cote d’Ivoire

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
4th July 2022

To read more about the Vice President's activities, please visit www.yemiosinbajo.ng/

Thank you for representing us sir

Nigeria shall prevail

The star boy himself will surely deliver

OSINBAJO TO REPRESENT NIGERIA AT 61ST ORDINARY SESSION OF ECOWAS HEADS OF STATE & GOVERNMENT IN GHANA

*VP representing President Buhari at regional summit & $42m Abidjan – Lagos Corridor Highway Project meeting

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, departs Lagos this afternoon for Accra, Ghana to represent Nigeria at the 61st Ordinary Session of the Authority of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government holding tomorrow.

Prof. Osinbajo, standing in for President Muhammadu Buhari at the summit, will join other leaders to deliberate and take decisions on the political, security and humanitarian issues among others regarding the sub-region at the regular ECOWAS summit.

The meeting will also review the situations in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso, particularly towards restoring democratic rule. West African leaders have since 2020 held several sessions, including emergency meetings, dedicated to finding lasting solutions to the resurgence of coups in some of the countries in the sub-region.

At the summit tomorrow, the Mediation and Security Council of ECOWAS will update leaders on political developments in the region and in the sahel region.

The Council will also provide updates on the issues of insecurity, challenges relating to youth unemployment and the impact of diseases and pandemics on social tensions in the region.

Only recently on 4th June, 2022 in Accra, Ghana, President Buhari joined other ECOWAS leaders to deliberate on the situation in the sub-region, urging more attention to be paid to the victims of unconstitutional change of government

On the sidelines of the summit, the VP will also attend a meeting of the five West African countries involved with "The Abidjan – Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project," a flagship project of the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). It connects the capitals of five West African states (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria) and stretches for approximately 1,028 km.

A release from ECOWAS Commission says the objective of this $42million project is "to promote cross-border trade, integrate economies within the ECOWAS area, reduce transport costs, stimulate inter-regional trade and strengthen regional integration in West Africa."

The Vice President who will be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada and some other members of the Federal Executive Council is expected back in Abuja later on Sunday.

'Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
2nd July, 2022

To read more about the Vice President's activities, please visit

Safe trip sir

Tinubu is a very bad leader and does not have forgiving heart

Our power sector needs to get better

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

*NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PRIVATISATION APPROVES NELMCO BOARD, FAST-TRACKS CONCESSION OF ZUNGERU POWER PLANT*

_*Council also receives Performance Report on Discos, forwarded to NERC_

The National Council on Privatisation, NCP, has approved the board composition and proposed governance framework for the sustainable management and payment of post-privatisation liabilities of the power sector transferred to the Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO) Board.

The Council also approved fast tracking of the work plan for the concession of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant (ZHPP).

These were among the highlights of the meeting of the Council yesterday, its third in 2022, at the Presidential Villa, presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

The composition of the NELMCO board include the Minister of Finance, as Chairman; while members will comprise the Minister of Power; Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE); Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO); Managing Director, NELMCO; and all its Executive Directors. It was also resolved that two key members from the private sector be included in the board.

Also at the meeting, the Council noted that the key objectives of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant concession include leveraging private sector access to finance and reduce reliance on government budgetary allocation to fund the China EXIM Bank loan; and leveraging efficiencies and better facility management (maintenance) culture of the private sector for the long-term preservation of the asset.

The Council had, in its December 2020 meeting, approved the concession of the ZHPP.

Similarly, the Council was briefed on the performance assessment report of the nine Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs), which has been forwarded to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the sector regulator, for further review and action.

At the meeting, the Council noted that a thorough performance assessment revealed that most of the set performance targets were not met by the 9 DISCOs.

The meeting had in attendance council members including Federal Ministers, and representatives of Federal Ministries such as the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu; Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex Okoh; heads of MDAs and other senior government officials.

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

Dust ni Kan ko, yepe ni......Abeg go Sidon somewhere

We love you sir

Loyal VP

Leave Osinbajo out of una campaign o

Osinbajo is not defecting at all. Stop spreading what is not realistic

Wonders shall never end.......Orisirisi

Nigeria can do so many things

Say no to drug abuse

NIGERIA IS WINNING WAR AGAINST DRUG ABUSE, SAYS OSINBAJO

*UN International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Drug Trafficking holds at Presidential Villa

*VP hails NDLEA Chairman's dynamic leadership

Nigeria is winning the war, and the days of the scourge of drug abuse and dependency in the country are numbered, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Monday in Abuja on the occasion of the 2022 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking themed “Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crises.”

The Vice President's optimism is premised on the renewed vigour of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the commitment of the Federal Government and the support of development partners.

“We are winning this war. The days of the scourge of drug abuse and dependency are clearly numbered, but it will involve even greater investment in focus and determination for the long haul," according to the Vice President.

He continued: “the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) especially in the last two years under the dynamic leadership of General Buba Marwa, the NDLEA Chairman, has been fiercer and sharper in its determination to stamp out drug abuse and trafficking in the country. His vision and strong resolve have given the war against drug trafficking and abuse new energy, purpose and clearer direction.


“I am glad to hear that in 2021, about 8,000 drug users were counselled and rehabilitated by the NDLEA, and in the first half of this year alone, over 11,000 drug users have been counselled and treated. We must maintain a multi-dimensional and holistic approach to tackling drug abuse.”

Speaking on the approach that ensures the realization of the objective, Prof. Osinbajo said “the new normal offers us opportunities for increased innovation in tackling this menace, through technology-based monitoring systems for promptly detecting and addressing drug market changes; and also accelerating mobile outreach programmes, remote consultation, and treatment for those who suffer from drug use disorders and are without the appropriate care.

The VP noted that "as much as the Federal Government through its agencies and the state governments would lead the charge with decisive policy initiatives, these strides must be complemented by changes at the family and community level. The kind of change we seek regarding drug abuse cannot happen without the collaboration of families, faith-based organizations and community leadership at the local levels.”

Prof. Osinbajo then noted that a society free of drug criminals is achievable by “relentlessly breaking illicit drug supply chains and distribution networks; discouraging drug use through intensive outreach and sensitization; and also promptly prosecuting traffickers.”

He added that "we must intensify rehabilitation of drug addicts, because what we are faced with is indeed a public health crisis — a crisis that is taking lives, destroying families and shattering communities."

Saying communities everywhere must rise to this challenge, the VP emphasized that "we must spearhead massive value reorientation across the country, reassessing cultural factors and systems that support drug abuse and trafficking.”


Earlier in his remarks, the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the agency has over the past few years focused on the treatment approach of the drug war.

He said the NDLEA has set up a helpline and a website will soon be unveiled to scale up the drug war in the country.

Goodwill messages were presented by representatives of government agencies and development partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Nigerian Armed Forces. The event which was also attended by school children also witnessed the launch of the NDLEA Branded Drug Testing Kits and the presentation of prizes to the winners of an inter-secondary school quiz competition by the Vice President.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
27th June 2022

Say no to drug abuse

Osinbajo is not interested in all this una useless talk

Tinubu for example

I'm Osinbajonated