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GLOBAL NET-ZERO EMISSIONS TARGET: WE’RE WINNING ARGUMENT FOR GAS AS TRANSITION FUEL - OSINBAJO

Once more, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is restating the need to designate gas as a transition fuel in the global net-zero emissions target by 2060 even as he observes that Africa is now winning that argument.

Prof Osinbajo spoke while receiving a delegation of Executive Directors of the African Development Bank, AfDB, led by the Dean of the Board, Mrs Mmakgoshi Lekhethe, earlier today at the Presidential Villa.

“We know what the issues are, we know there is no way we are going to do away with gas. The European Union, fortunately, agrees that gas should be regarded as a transition fuel as well as nuclear power.

“I think that we are winning the argument in some ways in that respect, and it might also be the time to focus on what to do in terms of finance,” according to the VP.

While delving into the issue of climate finance, Prof Osinbajo informed the delegation of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and the cost implications, disclosing that transitioning to net-zero would be in the order of “$400billion leading up to 2060.”

He went on further to say that “we simply have to think more seriously about innovation in climate finance and look at the various options.”

He said AfDB has some very interesting options, and the African Finance Corporation, AFC, is also looking at what their options can be.

Aside from the need to continue to invest in gas as a transition fuel, the VP also pointed out the usefulness of the rainforest as a means of reducing carbon dioxide, noting that our rainforest is able to absorb significant tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

“If we preserve these rainforests, it means that we will prevent deforestation by those using the wood as firewood for cooking and for heating. It would also mean that we prevent (state) governments from using the land and giving it out for agriculture or industrialization.

“If we finance gas and use it for cooking which is a replacement for firewood, we must continue to find gas investments so that this continues to work.”

The Vice President then explained to the AfDB officials what Nigeria has done in terms of renewable energy with the #SolarPowerNaija programme, a component of the Economic Sustainability Plan.

“We initiated the #SolarPowerNaija programme which is to install solar home systems as well as mini-grids in 5million homes with an impact on 25million people.”

He conveyed the challenges of funding the programme and stated that “what we have tried to do is look for ways to de-risk funding to the private sector because there are so many private sector companies interested.”

“We think that there’s great opportunity there and we have found that where we have introduced solar in commercial spaces such as open markets, the traders are ready to pay, even well in excess of what they pay for power that is coming off the grid, as long as it is constant. Even in villages, people are prepared to pay.”

In her own remarks, the Dean of the Board, Mrs Lekhethe, representing South Africa and other countries, said the visit to Nigeria was mainly to “listen and learn and use the opportunity to visit some of the bank’s projects which included a solar energy site being created at Wuse Market in Abuja.”

She further stated that the board had a meeting with Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State and other development partners; visited Lagos and had an engagement with the private sector.

Mrs Lekhethe noted that an important key takeaway from their visit is that in spite of challenges exacerbated by COVID-19, Nigeria has pockets of success and they were pleased to see these successes

Present at the meeting includes Dr. Lamin Barrow, Director-General, Nigeria Country Office; other Executive Directors such as Dr Oyetunde Oyebode, (Nigeria), David Stevenson (Canada), Ahmed Zayed (Egypt); Paal Bjornestad (Norway); Cornelius Dekop (Botswana); Niels Breyer (Germany) Amos Cheptoo (Kenya); Takaaki Nomoto (Japan) and other top officials of the bank.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
18th May 2022

NIGERIA HAS EVERYTHING TO BE AMONG THE GREATEST COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD - OSINBAJO

*VP to delegates: I’m well prepared for the job, choose the right leadership

*Visits scene of Kano explosion, condoles with victims, families

*You’re a loyal, committed deputy to President Buhari, a successful vice president – Gov Ganduje to VP

Nigeria has all it takes to become a truly great nation more than it is now, and efforts must be made to choose the best leadership for the country in the 2023 elections, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this yesterday during his meeting with stakeholders and delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, continuing his nationwide consultations.

Earlier Tuesday morning in Abuja, the Vice President was formally presented with the award for Leadership Person of the Year 2021 at this year’s Leadership Newspapers’ Annual Conference and Awards ceremony.

Before he proceeded to the venue of his interaction with the APC delegates and stakeholders in Kano, the Vice President stopped by the scene of Tuesday morning's explosion in Sabon Gari area of the State, to commiserate with the families of victims and people of the State.

During his interactions with APC stakeholders, the VP observed that the delegates can make the difference in setting the country on the right course for 2023 while emphasizing his capacity and readiness to make a difference as president if elected.

“Nigeria can be really truly greater than this. We have everything to be great. Anything that you want in this country, you can get it. But we must make the efforts ourselves to choose the right leadership. All I can say to you is that your role as delegates, is important, especially in the coming primaries and elections

“All the experience that God has given me, having served as Vice President for seven years, is so that when the opportunity arises, I will use it for the service of this country. I am very well prepared for the job. And you are the people that are going to make that difference. You and I working together can make a difference in this country.”

Noting that Nigeria has the potential to be among the greatest countries in the world, the VP said, “If God helps me and I become president, we will change this country for good.”

Speaking at the explosion scene earlier, Prof. Osinbajo condoled with the governor and people of Kano over what he described as a very sad and unfortunate development.

Commiserating with the families of victims and the injured, the VP said, “we are here just to say how deeply regrettable this incident is, and to pray that the Lord God Almighty will comfort the families of all of those who have lost their lives. And to say that the peace and security of all individuals and all residents in our States are the responsibility of all. We pray that this sort of terrible incident will not repeat itself.”

Prof. Osinbajo received a warm welcome to the State on arrival by the State Governor, Umar Ganduje, and other State government officials, as well as an exuberant reception from residents on his way to the venue and at the venue of the delegates' meeting.

The VP’s convoy was heralded on the streets of Kano, amid singing, dancing and supporters hailing the Buhari administration and the VP. Residents waved and supporters lifted their banners, everyone in a joyful mood as the VP acknowledged cheers every step of the way and at every stop with an impressive turnout everywhere.

Welcoming the VP to the State, Governor Ganduje described him as a “committed second in command” and loyal deputy to President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Having been a deputy governor for 8 years and now governor for seven years, I know it all, what it takes to be a deputy. I congratulate you for being a successful deputy of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” said the Governor.

Advocating for zoning, the Kano State Governor added that Nigeria’s next president in 2023 should come from the Southern part of the country. “We believe in that and respect that and we shall vote for that.”

*“Your Excellency, thank you for coming to Kano, which I can say is your home, because you have visited here several times," the Governor said.

Similarly, the Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, added that the vice president is renowned for his commitment, dedication, and for patriotism.

“Above all, we have known Osinbajo for loyalty. He is a loyal deputy to our own father, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is, therefore, my wish that Allah will continue to guide you, protect you, and keep the APC united,” Doguwa stated.

The Vice President also visited the homes of the revered late nationalist, elder statesman and politician, Mallam Aminu Kano, and Alhaji Yusuf Ali, former ANPP Chairman.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
18th May, 2022

So shall it be

Osinbajo is the man to follow

Well deserved

Osinbajo

We are rooting for Osinbajo

I'm loving this

HUGE EXCITEMENT IN ILORIN AS OSINBAJO INTERACTS WITH KWARA APC DELEGATES

*Nigeria needs a President in 2023 with experience - VP

*You're a visionary leader, Kwara Governor to Vice President

In a display of their admiration and support of his aspiration, the people and residents of Kwara State on Monday lined up the streets, all the way from Ilorin airport to welcome Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN to the State.

Prof. Osinbajo was in Ilorin yesterday in continuation of his consultations and interactions with delegates and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party Presidential primaries on May 30.

The boisterous crowds were at the airport, on the streets, at the Emir's palace and at the venue of the Vice President's meeting with the delegates, singing, dancing and many bursting out in delighted surprise on citing the VP inside the Coaster bus that conveyed him and the State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

At several points, the Vice President’s convoy stopped briefly as the VP acknowledged cheers from the excited residents and groups displaying banners, showing support for the VP, much like in a festive mood.

On his arrival at the State capital, the VP's first port of call was to pay courtesy to the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, to get the royal blessings and to also formally inform him (the Emir) personally of his aspiration to run for President in the 2023 elections.

Prof. Osinbajo noted that he is running for President because he believes the country needs a leader who has the experience and would be able to get the job done right from day one when sworn in on May 29, 2023 by God’s grace.

“Everything that has been given to me by way of knowledge and experience has been given to me by the grace of God and by the benevolence of this same country that we owe so much. So, this is why I am running for the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am mindful of the challenges that we have…, but I believe that the time comes for steadiness in resolving these issues. This is not the time for experimenting,” the VP stated.

He also thanked the Emir for his warm hospitality, his counsel and great affection over the years, even as he prayed for the Emir’s long life, peace and prosperity of his kingdom.

While receiving the VP, the Emir lauded the credentials of the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo saying his track record is something to be proud of.

According to the Emir "your track record is something to be proud of, your track record is enough to give you success," adding that the VP has what it takes to do the job. The Emir then prayed for his success, while noting that the VP has a lot ahead of him.

"May God guide you and protect you,” the Emir prayed as he encouraged the VP saying, "we know you can do it."

The VP was accompanied to the Emir’s Palace by the Kwara State Governor Abdulrazaq, who had earlier received him, alongside other state government officials, at the Ilorin airport.

In the same vein, Governor Abdulrazaq praised the VP for his leadership qualities and for championing the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, including his role in supervising the Social Investment Programmes of the Buhari administration.

Noting that the SIPs have positively impacted the lives of many Nigerians across the country, the Governor said the Vice President is a man with great vision.

During his interaction with the APC delegates and stakeholders later on, the Vice President restated that, "today our country requires some experience (to run), it is not just enough to have capacity. You must also be able to hit the ground running from day one because we don’t have time. Our country now needs everything it can get to make sure that we are able to make progress quickly.”

Prof. Osinbajo further stated that "the only reason I am running is to serve this country. And I will be completely transparent and honest. And I will do the work, God helping me, every single day without any other desire but to make sure that our country succeeds.”

The Vice President urged delegates to make their choices with utmost consideration about "the destiny of our children. "This is (about) our future," he added.

His interaction with the delegates and stakeholders featured mainly a question and answer session where the Vice President responded to the many questions and comments of the stakeholders. He also took time to snap one-on-one photos with all the stakeholders present as has been the case in every one of his meetings in all the States.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
17th May, 2022

It's so sad

The result will favour Osinbajo by God's grace

No to fake news

Osinbajo has proven himself enough , we should give him a chance

Igbo gods ke orisirisi

Man of honour

We need Osinbajo more than he needs us, let's be wise and take the right choice. PYO is coming

Osinbajo is the man to follow

No doubt

Osinbajo has proven himself enough, he's the best candidate than can make Nigeria greater than it is.

Osinbajo it is , no doubt

Well said

Good the VP condemned the act, the culprits should be killed too. RIP to the dead

AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN, PACIFIC STATES SHOULD ENGAGE MORE ON CLIMATE CHANGE, PEACE & SECURITY, DEBT CANCELLATION, SAYS OSINBAJO

*VP receives Secretary General of Organization of African, Caribbean, Pacific States at Presidential Villa


African, Caribbean and Pacific States should engage more among themselves and collectively review and address issues affecting them especially issues relating to peace, security, climate change and debt relief, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today when received the Secretary General of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), Mr Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.

“I am pleased that you are taking the path of proactively engaging with member states. I think this is really crucial because as with any of the multilateral organizations, we need to not only be constantly engaged with member states, we also need to understand what it is that is going on.

“This fits into your strategic objective which is to engage and to modernize the organization and to look for alternative means of financing and be more efficient, it is very commendable and I am very pleased to see that it is a step you are taking," the VP said

Commending the organization for its efforts and commitment to restructure for better service delivery, the VP noted that “member states are happier when resources are directed at programmes that benefit them directly.

According to him “just looking at the thematic area that the organization has outlined, some require much attention, the theme on peace and security, climate change and environmental sustainability.”

Specifically on the issue of Climate Change, the Vice President urged developing countries to be more forceful on its position, stating that “we may be shortchanging ourselves by making commitments to carbon neutrality within the time specified by wealthier countries and not taking into account our challenges and peculiarities.”

Prof. Osinbajo then urged the OACP, being an organization that is concerned with South-South collaboration, to “champion some of the important themes on climate change and especially the perspective of the developing countries.”

The VP added that though the issue of debt cancellation for developing countries is gaining traction, “it is crucial for African states to be bold and forceful in its advocacy.

“I think that one of the major initiatives that the global South has to really promote now is how to be able to take care of its health needs (of course with as much support that we can get from the wealthier countries).”

Earlier in his remarks, Mr Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti said the visit to Nigeria was part of his tour of member states of the OACPS to speak about ongoing reforms and restructuring in the organization.

He said the OACPS is now making efforts to secure new alliances and strengthen strategic partnerships especially with the European Union and others to achieve set objectives.

The OACPS Secretary General said the organization has constituted an inter-regional coordination committee, a business forum, cultural foundation, a parliamentary assembly, among others, to ensure efficiency in the running of the body.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s contributions to member states through technical cooperation over the years, and commended the leadership of President Buhari and the Vice President in actualization of goals of the country’s Technical Aid Corps programme.

The Secretary General was accompanied on the visit by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Belgium, Amb. Obinna Onowu, among other officials from the OACPS and Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
13th May, 2022

Who us taking this guy serious again?

2023 PRESIDENTIAL BID: HOW VP'S CONSULTATIONS WITH APC DELEGATES ARE PROGRESSING

*He is eminently qualified for the job, says Ewi of Ado-Ekiti

*Osinbajo visits Ondo, Ekiti States

*Has held consultations in 15 States & FCT so far, visits Akwa Ibom later today

With 15 States and the FCT now covered by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, in continuation of his consultations with stakeholders and delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the groundswell of support for the VP’s aspiration to become president in 2023 continues to gain steam.

The Vice President has since visited Bauchi, Enugu, Anambra, Oyo, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Bayelsa, Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Nasarawa, FCT (Abuja), Ondo and Ekiti.

Prof. Osinbajo was yesterday in Ondo and Ekiti States, where he was warmly welcomed and received support for his bid from traditional rulers and people in the States.

This was evident in the state capitals, where he was welcomed by a large crowd of people on the streets, at the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, and the venues of the meetings with delegates.

In Ado Ekiti, capital of Ekiti State, the VP met the Ekiti Traditional Council and then, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, alongside his chiefs.

On arrival in Ondo and Ekiti, the Vice President was received by the States’ Deputy Governors; Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa – Ondo, and then later by the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, at the capital city of Ado– Ekiti.

The VP emphasized that his sole objective for running for president is the desire to serve the country and its people with zeal, knowledge and the experience he has garnered in public service, especially as Vice President in the last 7 years.

In Akure, Ondo State capital, where he spoke briefly to the media on his ongoing consultations with APC delegates, the Vice President stated that he was pleased with the great reception he has been receiving from Nigerians and delegates across the states.

“I am happy for the opportunity to interact with the delegates and to share with them the vision for the future. I’m extremely pleased. And I'm sure the delegates had a very good time interacting with me and trying to interrogate what my views are about what the future should look like,” he said.

In his meetings with the delegates in both states, Prof. Osinbajo restated the commitment of the Buhari administration to address the country’s security challenges and his vision for the country if elected in 2023.

Speaking earlier at the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, where he met the Ekiti State Traditional Council, and Ewi- Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, the VP thanked the traditional rulers for always being there and ready to give sound advice and counsel, as well as his warm hospitality and time.

Prof. Osinbajo further said that, having served in office as vice president and worked under a transparent President that has given him every opportunity to participate in governance and fully understand the issues, “God has given me this knowledge and exposure so that in due course, and I believe the time has arrived, I will be able to put myself forward and use all that God has given me, through learning and experience, in the service of our country.

“I must add that my sole objective is to serve this country and the people, with everything I have learnt and that I have.”

In his remarks, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe noted that Prof. Osinbajo was “eminently qualified for the job” (to become president).

“The Bible says "Paul plants, Apolo waters; but increase is by the grace of God. So we are praying that by the grace of God, you get there and when you are there, remember the traditional institution.

“We (traditional rulers) should have a role in the constitution of this country, not advisory position alone, so that when there are challenges, like we have now, we can have a voice that will be respected. I pray God Almighty will direct your thoughts, protect you, guide you and take you back to Abuja safely.”

As he often does in his interactive meetings with the APC delegates and stakeholders, the Vice President spent time in each State taking questions and exchanging ideas on major national issues and also discussing political issues.

Before he departed for Ondo and Ekiti States yesterday, the VP had represented the President at an Infrastructure Solutions Summit in Abuja. Today he has also received the Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, Mr. Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, and is expected to meet with APC delegates in Akwa Ibom later today.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
13th May, 2022

His boss is yet to comment; he doesn't deserve all this dragging please