₦airaland Forum

All I know is that Osinbajo is ahead of them

Osinbajo is the right man for the job

Fake news! He didn't

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He has proven himself enough, Nigerians should give him chance

IF GIVEN OPPORTUNITY TO BE PRESIDENT, I’LL SERVE WITH ALL MY HEART - OSINBAJO

*Meets APC delegates in Taraba, Adamawa States

*Lamido prays for success of VP's presidential aspiration

There is no greater privilege than to have the opportunity to give one's best in the service of the country, contributing to society and making life better for the people, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo was speaking on Wednesday during his visits to Taraba and Adamawa States, in continuation of his engagements with stakeholders and delegates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the States.

The VP was received in both States by their Governors, Darius Ishaku – Taraba; and Umaru Fintiri – Adamawa; as well as other senior state government officials, and excited residents and people in the States.

He also visited the Lamido Adamawa's palace on arrival in the State.

According to the VP at the palace, "my reason for aspiring for the office of the President of Nigeria is to serve the Nigerian people. I have no other reason or objective except to serve.

"After one has been in office as Vice President for 7 years, I know that God did not give me that opportunity so that I would seat down somewhere and write the history of my service as Vice President.

"It is for the purpose of serving the people, and that is why I am so determined that if God gives me the opportunity to serve, the Nigerian people would realise indeed they have done the right thing by putting me in office because I would serve the country with everything, with all my heart and commitment."

The VP was received at the Palace of the Lamido of Adamawa, by His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Mustapha, who recalled the VP's chieftaincy title as the Jagaba of Adamawa. The monarch then prayed for the realization of the VP's presidential aspiration.

“I hope your coming will add more light to Adamawa because you are the Jagaba of Adamawa. I hope you succeed in your efforts to become the President of this country. As long as when you’re coming to Adamawa, and with your visit to my palace, this will encourage people to see that you are really the Jagaba of Adamawa,” the Lamido said.

Also at the palace, Governor Fintiri welcomed the VP to the State, adding that "we pray that God will answer your heart’s desires. I also hope that the APC delegates will see the reason to put a square peg in a square hole. I welcome you to Adamawa and I wish you the best of luck."

The Vice President thanked the monarch for his warm reception and prayed for his good health.

He also noted the continuing efforts of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in addressing the diverse challenges facing the country.

“God doesn’t give you a challenge without showing you how to solve them. I know all the efforts we are putting in place especially led by President Muhammadu Buhari, we will see an end to the insecurity in our country. In the next few years, God giving us the strength and opportunity, we will definitely see progress in our country,” Prof. Osinbajo stated.

“I want to say to our country that there is a lot of hope; this country has everything that is necessary to be great – the talents, resources and we also have the men and women who are able to serve. I am very optimistic that all will be well with our country.”

While addressing the delegates in both States, the VP acknowledged all the support that has been offered towards his presidential bid, while again emphasising that his sole purpose for seeking the highest office of the land, was purely to serve Nigeria and give his best for the country.

Emphasizing the importance of service to the people, Prof. Osinbajo stated that “one of the very important things I want to share with delegates anywhere I go is that the role of the politician is an important one.”

“God has given us an opportunity to serve, and that opportunity is one that we must treasure and thank God for. Out of so many people in the country, those of you who are here are those who have been chosen in one way or the other, appointed or elected.

"That position is not for our personal aggrandizement, it is to contribute to our society and make life better for our people. It is an opportunity to truly serve the people," he noted.

During his meeting with the APC delegates, the Vice President took questions from the stakeholders, speaking on issues of national development, with specific focus on different sectors, including agriculture, security, business and economy, youths, technology, health, education, social investment/welfare among others.

Later while addressing reporters after his interaction with delegates in both States, the Vice President expressed delight at the commendable support he’s been receiving from the delegates across the States.

First, in Taraba, he told the reporters, “we have had fruitful discussions and robust engagements, and all of it is directed at various ways we can do good things for our country and how we can make progress. I think that the future looks very bright indeed.”

Later in Adamawa he told the journalists at the end of the meeting that “the support here is very commendable and I am really excited to see all our party members who are here. We have had a very useful discussion and we have been able to talk about a wide variety of issues. We are all looking forward to much more progress in our country."

The Vice President was accompanied on the trips by members of the National Assembly and other notable political leaders.

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

SPECTACLE, FESTIVITY IN KANO, "A CITY OF FIRSTS," AS OSINBAJO HEADLINES COLOURFUL DURBAR

*Emir of Kano acknowledges VP's contributions, prays God grants him his aspiration

Not only is the Kano Durbar festival a fantastic spectacle from a city of firsts, but it is also a symbol of Nigeria’s diverse and beautiful cultures.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this Tuesday evening at the Royal Durbar organised by the Kano Emirate Council to commemorate the 2022 Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in the ancient city. The Vice President who was the Special Guest at the event spoke to reporters at the end of the Durbar before heading for a courtesy call to the Emir of Kano, His Royal Majesty, Aminu Ado Bayero.

Prof. Osinbajo who commended the organisers and participants at the Durbar (Hawan Daushe) said, "the Durbar is an incredible spectacle, so much colour, so much pomp and pageantry, it is very typical of Kano.”

He added that Kano, the "city of Dabo, the city of the groundnut pyramid is, indeed, "a city of firsts”

The turnout to welcome the VP was also a spectacle. From the airport to the streets, and all the way to the Emir’s palace and the venue of the Durbar, the people of Kano trooped out in large numbers cheering Prof. Osinbajo all over the ancient city.

The Vice President, who had been received at the airport by the Kano State Governor, Umar Ganduje, among many other state government officials, later paid a courtesy call to the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

Praying for the prosperity of the city and its inhabitants, the Vice President thanked the Emir for his hospitality and warm welcome.

"This is to wish you (Emir) well, and wish the people well, and pray that your reign will continue to be peaceful and prosperous. I also thank the Governor and pray for peace and security in the State.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Aminu Ado Bayero, acknowledged the contributions of the Vice President to the development of the country and prayed God grants him success in all his future aspirations.

According to the Emir, "I acknowledge the contributions of the Vice President to the development of the country at different times, even as Commissioner of Justice. I pray that whatever his future aspiration is, may Allah grant him success."

The Emir then thanked the Vice President for attending the event, noting that his presence has improved the status of the event.

According to him, the VP’s visit “will further improve the status of the Durbar, not only in Nigeria but also in Africa and the world.”

“We look forward to receiving the Vice President in the future here in Kano for the Durbar, and we hope to prepare a horse for him to ride on and participate in the Durbar,” he added to the applause of the audience.

The Emir extended his greetings to President Muhammadu Buhari while praying for peace, security and stability in Nigeria and beyond.

Also speaking, Kano State Governor thanked the Vice President for visiting the State to witness the Durbar celebration and to pay respect to an institution, he noted, was important in sustaining "the culture, tradition, peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic nationalities in Kano, as well as the socio-economic development of the State.”

Among others, the Vice President was accompanied on the visit by Senator Kabiru Gaya, House of Representatives Member Hafiz Kawu, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Ahmad Zakari, and Alwan Hassan among others.

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

Toor

WHY RELIGIOUS LEADERS SHOULD COLLABORATE WITH GOVERNMENTS IN BUILDING PEACE, SECURITY IN WEST AFRICA, BY OSINBAJO

*Adds that they must also speak against “violent non-state actors propagating genuine causes but with mindless violence leading to destruction of lives, property"

Religious leaders and faith communities must join hands with governments and play a significant role in ensuring fraternity and harmony in West Africa.

This is because an integrated, peaceful and prosperous sub-region would not be fully guaranteed if peace does not first reign in local communities and in each of the countries.

These were the summations of the remarks by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, today at the General Assembly of the Reunion of the Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA), held at the ECOWAS Secretariat, Abuja.

Prof. Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at its opening ceremony, spoke on the theme of the Conference, “Fratelli Tutti: Path to Build Brotherhood and Sustainable Peace in West Africa.”

The Vice President, in his remarks, highlighted that the “Fratelli Tutti is the powerful notion on which His Holiness, Pope Francis, anchors his most recent Encyclical - titled Fratelli Tutti—The Concept of the Brotherhood of all Humanity.”

The VP urged the religious leaders “to not only explore ways of strengthening the bonds of faith between your communities but also of building bridges across every divide that threatens to fracture our nations.”

He said, "it is my hope that you will conceptualize ways of bringing the full weight of the immense moral authority that you possess upon our nations and in the sub-region as a whole."

Emphasising the Fratelli Tutti concept, the VP noted “the idea that fraternity and social friendship are the ways to build a better, more just and peaceful world with the commitment of all people and institutions. The Encyclical proposes some of the boldest and most radical ideas on securing human unity, peace and security.”

The VP added that “by offering concrete prescriptions on building brotherhood and sustainable peace anywhere, the Encyclical Fratelli Tutti rightly takes the position that this is not merely the business of governments and political institutions; it must also be anchored on our civil societies of which the faith communities are an important constituency."

In ensuring peace and stability in the country and region, the Vice President noted that “the Government of Nigeria remains committed to collaborating with the Church and all well-meaning actors in promoting peace and security.”

Noting that “concern for our neighbours is the moral foundation of social welfare,” Prof. Osinbajo observed the Good Samaritan story was told by the Lord Jesus and "raises sacrifice and concern for the well-being of others over self, thereby establishing "the truth that love of our neighbour is the greatest expression of our faith.”

He then explained that “social security for the poor and vulnerable are schemes that ensure that none is left behind and that no citizen in these blessed West African nations needs to go to bed hungry.

"That we must prioritize universal healthcare, while also ensuring free and compulsory basic education. And that we must create the environment for millions of young and restless people within our borders to find good-paying jobs and live decent lives.”

Proffering solutions to security and other challenges to regional peace and peaceful coexistence, Prof. Osinbajo emphasized the importance of unity in diversity and building bridges across societal divides.

He said, “indeed as people of faith, we look upon the diversity of our people as a gift of providence, not as a cause of conflict. We are gratified that the Church has stood out and continues to stand as a powerful voice for ecumenism all over the world and is committed to doing so in this region."

While commending the Catholic Church and the Bishops' Conference for establishing a reputation for speaking truth to power, the Vice President also called on the Church as a whole to speak out against violent non-state actors.

“Over the years, the Church has modelled profound approaches in challenging the impunity of some state actors and errant power. But my Lords, I believe the times also call for speaking to the growing numbers of violent non-state actors, some propagating genuine causes but with mindless violence often leading to the destruction of lives and property.

“In answer to tendencies that promote violence, force and war in the propagation of ideas, His Holiness, the Pope, takes the view that even Augustine of Hippo, "who forged a concept of 'just war' also said that 'it is a higher glory still to stay war itself with a word than to slay men with the sword, and to procure or maintain peace by peace, not by war’.”

The opening ceremony also featured remarks by the President of RECOWA, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, who is also the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja; the President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji; and the ECOWAS President, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, among others.

Dignitaries from the government included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Federal Ministers such as Geoffrey Onyema-Foreign Affairs; Dame Pauline Tallen-Women Affairs; Dr. Chris Ngige-Labour, Employment and Productivity; Godswill Akpabio-Niger Delta; George Akume-Special Duties and Godwin Agba-Power (State).

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
3rd May, 2022

Osinbajo is loved

whats so special

Osinbajo leads, others follows

Osinbajo is going places

Sense is far from Adeyanju, it's only a fool that will take him serious

By Seun Bisuga

Dear APC Delegates,

The year 2023 is almost upon us and the future of Nigeria hangs in the balance. It is true that the voters will determine who becomes President but long before that, the party delegates would have predetermined who becomes President. This letter is a plea to all APC delegates as the party prepares for its presidential primaries on May 31.

I am writing you to ask that you put country first and consider the future of over 200 million Nigerians, many of whom will be grateful for the wise decisions you will make on that historic night. I will now table before you issue that I consider important leading into 2023.

I think you will agree with me that we need someone who can finish the good works of President Muhammadu Buhari especially in the area of infrastructure, roads, rail lines, financial autonomy for judiciary and legislature, among many others. We indeed need someone who won’t discard them or have to learn afresh.

1. The first issue I think you might want to consider is Tolerance. Many people say that Nigeria needs a unifier, someone that can make all citizens know that they have an equal stake in the country. A leader, not a ruler, someone who speaks the language that everyone understands and who will connect with all tribes, gender, ethnicity and beliefs. Since declaration for 2023 begun, we have found that some aspirants are intolerant. They simply cannot accept the decisions or actions of others and many Nigerians believe this is a wrong signal. If some persons cannot agree with other contestants who in total are less than 20, how will they behave when 100 million people disagree with them? Even the delegates will be impacted by this intolerance if they do not make a careful, well-thought decision today.

2. In a message, Pastor Paul Adefarasin mentioned three things the incoming Nigerian President must be able to do/deliver. I agree with him to some extent. First he spoke about the Rule of Law. It is often argued that it takes a man who understands ‘the law’ to be able to ensure adherence to the rule of law. I think we can look back carefully at each candidate’s past to determine who will uphold the rule of law and who wouldn’t.

3. Mr Adefarasin also spoke about of presidential candidate who can attract foreign direct investment. He reasoned that the country needed someone that investors can listen to and believe. Someone who had experience attracting big tech, oil companies, human capital development and other investors to Nigeria.

4. And lastly, Mr Adefarasin valued a candidate that can speak English. We need a presidential candidate that can stand shoulder to shoulder with any foreign leader. He used the words eloquent, yes, a leader who is eloquent and who you know will make Nigeria proud always on the global stage.


5. I will delve into the recommendations of a former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida. Even though I do not think age is a big factor, the army general does. He narrowed down his presidential candidate to not more than mid-60s. He reckoned that this person ought to be physically and mentally fit to take on the huge task ahead. For me, however, I will harp on health. Delegates please consider the health of the candidate. I understand that NDLEA wants to put them to drug tests, it is a welcomed development but beyond that we need to be sure that the candidate can withstand the physical, mental and psychological rigours the office demands.

6. The former head of state then spoke about ‘good leadership’. To quote him, “If you get a good leadership that links with the people and tries to talk with the people; not talking on top of the people, then we would be okay. I have started visualizing a good Nigerian leader. That is, a person who travels across the country and has a friend virtually everywhere he travels to and knows at least one person that he can communicate with.” Like the general, many Nigerians want a leader that mirrors them, one they can talk to, a leader they can relate to.

At this point, let us talk Security. This is perhaps the biggest heart-wrenching problem that most Nigerians face today. They want insecurity to end and culprits punished. They want a leader that has shown competence at this level and who has an insight into how things work at the federal level. A leader that will hit the ground running, not one that will have to learn on the job. Again on security, you will agree that we need someone who is conversant with what the problems are, someone who is ahead in the thinking process, and has committed to reconfigure the architecture where and when necessary to restore peace.

8. Then there is the Economy. We know that there are too many components of the economy and only a leader who has seen firsthand how to make these components work together can help Nigeria get to where it should be rather quickly. I agree that most of the aspirants are qualified but I ask the delegates to vote the very best. Someone who has shown capacity if empowered to rein in fiscal and monetary policies into one synergy. Someone who also understands the basic of knowledge the economy and has the endorsement of global investors.

9. Education: This is a major issue that must be given topmost consideration in voting a presidential candidate within the APC. It is common knowledge that the Buhari administration made giant strides in the regard but even more need to be done. We need a leader that know what it means to reduce out-of-school-children and bring them back to school. What about ASUU strikes? We need a leader with tact, who listens and who ca shift ground where and when necessary. We also need a leader that can help improve the standard of living and who has a plan to ensure access to healthcare.

10. Electricity, Climate Change and Job Creation is a big problem. With the poverty figures going off the roof we need a leader that can use the social safety net to reach more Nigerians and lift them out of poverty. A leader that can create jobs not handout money to Nigerians, a leader to can improve human capital development and enhance capacity.
(ii) Electricity is one of the drivers of Nigeria’s economy, if we can tap into Nigeria’s capacity to use solar power and also increase infrastructure in this sector. MSMEs rely on basic infrastructure to thrive and only a leader who has close ties and understanding of how MSMEs work can relate. Generally speaking, Nigerians, all Nigerians both urban and rural need electricity.
(iii)Climate Change might not be a big talking point but its already happening. Last year, we witnessed rain falling out of season and we barely witnessed Harmattan, these are pointers to what is to come. What about clean energy? What about transitional fuel?

To all delegates across Nigeria, we want a leader and not a politician. We do not want a leader that wants to influence every local government, state and national assembly election. We want someone that will lead not rule, we want someone that will be tolerant.

On our behalf, please do make the best decision, again the future of Nigeria in your hands.

Thank you

Seun Bisuga is a public analyst and journalist. Writes from Lagos

https://www.chronicle.ng/2022/05/open-letter-to-apc-delegates-by-seun-bisuga/

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NIGERIAN WORKERS USED THEIR ZEAL AND SWEAT TO BUILD OUR NATION - OSINBAJO

“The Nigerian worker in every real sense laid the foundations of our sovereignty and freedom with their blood and tears, and nurture it till this day with their sweat and zeal.” -


SPEECH DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE 2022 WORKERS’ DAY RALLY THEMED: 'LABOUR, POLITICS, AND THE QUEST FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT' AT EAGLE’S SQUARE, ABUJA ON THE 1ST OF MAY, 2022


PROTOCOLS


I am honoured to be here on this special day set aside to celebrate and honour Nigerian workers, every Nigerian worker, male and female. The labour movement is a foundational movement in the making of our nation. You are heirs of a movement that was involved in literally building modern Nigeria.

Over a century ago, the Nigerian working class laid the railway tracks and erected telegraph poles connecting the vast reaches of a country that was about to be born. Indeed, it is impossible to tell the story of our nation's liberation from colonial rule without dwelling at length on the heroic contributions of the labour movement to that struggle.

The struggle for fairness and equity in relations between the employer and the worker and the campaign for the dignity of the Nigerian worker in the colonial era were closely bound up with the quest for independence. Some would say that both struggles were two sides of the same coin. For just as the Nigerian worker sought to be accorded equal rights in his own land, the nationalist movement sought to break the yoke of colonialism and transform our people from subjects to citizens.

In this epic struggle, the Nigerian working class was the army of the nationalist movement. We remember the 1945 General Strike and the Iva Valley Massacre in 1949 in which striking miners seeking their rights were killed by colonial authorities.

These are watershed events in the evolution of our nation. Names such as those of Pa Michael Imoudu, Mallam Aminu Kano, Nduka Eze, F.O. Coker, E.E. Esua and M.A. Bankole among others are seared into the national memory – they belong to iconic figures in the labour movement who played critical roles in our quest for liberation from colonial rule.

When we sing our National Anthem and proclaim that the “the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain”, we are invoking the memory of legions of patriotic agitators among whom were leading lights of the labour movement. Therefore, the Nigerian worker in every real sense laid the foundations of our sovereignty and freedom with their blood and tears and nurture it till this day with their sweat and zeal.

So the 1st of May is a day laden with historical significance and the importance of this occasion is further underscored by the fact that it is the last May Day celebration before a national election. In commemorating this event, there is much to reflect upon and the theme you have chosen for this occasion invites us to ponder on “Labour, Politics and the Quest for Good Governance and Development.”

Given the season that we are in, this is entirely appropriate. The question that the theme calls for: is what sort of politics can best deliver good governance and development? In addressing this question, let me begin by stating unequivocally that the labour movement belongs firmly to the progressive political persuasion. I will repeat that - the labour movement belongs firmly to the progressive political persuasion.

In the days of the anti-colonial struggle, labour pitched its tent with progressive nationalist forces. Historically, by reason of the ideological kinship shared by both camps, labour has always made common cause with the progressives. Indeed, it is impossible to separate both. Progressives have been left of centre and pro-labour, while labour has always been of course left of centre and progressive.

This is an important observation because seven years ago, an alliance of progressives, the All progressives Congress made history when it became the first opposition party to defeat a ruling party against all odds and secure a national victory at the polls. It was a watershed moment for our nation because, until that momentous event, the progressive tendency had been the neglected cornerstone of our nation's history.

The question of what sort of politics can deliver good governance and development is decisively answered by progressive politics. As a progressive, I believe that good governance and development mean compulsory free education for the unlettered, universal healthcare coverage, inclusion for the alienated, social mobility for the poor, justice for the wronged and social security for the vulnerable.

The progressive vision of Nigeria is of a nation in which the relations between the government and the governed are defined by a social covenant. It is of a society in which no Nigerian is left behind. It is of a canopy of inclusive and broad-based prosperity in which the security and the welfare of each citizen are guaranteed.

This administration has embarked upon the most ambitious programme of social protection in sub-Saharan Africa. We are catering for our children through the Home Grown School Feeding Programme which feeds about 9.5 million children daily and for our unemployed youth through programmes such as the N-Power scheme. Over 4 million people have benefitted from the Government Empowerment and Enterprise Programme (GEEP), and other support initiatives under the National Social Investment Programme.

We established the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the National Centre for Senior Citizens to cater for the needs of our compatriots that live with disabilities and our elders. This is a demonstration of our commitment to inclusion – especially of groups that have long been relegated to the margins.

In the realm of politics, the enactment of the Not Too Young To Run Act which modifies the age restrictions for seeking public office not only opens doors of opportunity for more youth engagement in politics; it is a further demonstration of our commitment to inclusion in all its ramifications.

We have pursued our progressive agenda for inclusion and social protection in a period of global turbulence. We have not had the benefit of record-high oil prices to work with instead, we have had to contend with recessions, the collapse of international oil prices, the COVID-19 pandemic which stalled the global economy and even now, we must deal with the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine which is having a disruptive impact on global commodity markets. Regardless of all these challenges, this administration has been steadfast in tackling the issues facing Nigerian workers. This is why President Buhari implemented an increase in the national minimum wage in 2019.

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 practically brought the world to a standstill. As we battled to contain the spread of the Corona Virus here in Nigeria, almost all economic activity was grounded. But we understood the dangers that portended to our citizens and to our general economy. That is why during the pandemic, the Federal Government placed many Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSME) employees on payroll support to get them through the period, as part of its Economic Sustainability Plan. We introduced the Food for Jobs Agricultural Programme, providing support for over 4 million farmers. We started the most ambitious social housing programme in our nation's history; 300,000 homes being the target and each of those houses not costing more than N2million.

As part of the same Economic Sustainability Plan, we started the Solar Naija Programme to connect 5million homes with solar power.

We set up the MSME Survival Fund which disbursed over N56.8billion to over 800,000 people. The Fund also provided grants, free business registration and payroll support to over 1 million artisans, micro and small business owners. The truth of the matter is that our country is a large country; we have 2million people, some of what we are saying may seem like a drop in the ocean but surely, there is a beginning and a commitment to doing more.

We have increased the retirement age of teachers so that they can spend more years in service educating our children. Recently, we implemented an upward review of the salaries and wages of the men and women of the Nigeria Police Force as part of our broader commitment to improving the welfare and service conditions of those charged with safeguarding the rest of us.

We are committed to doing much more.

No Nigerian, especially one who contributes to the development of the nation by way of labour, should be denied primary health care because of affordability. Currently, only workers in organized labour benefit from the current health insurance system. Our goal is universal health care, to fund it we must look beyond our meagre Federal and State budgets the answer is compulsory insurance coverage for all Nigerians.

Our focus is not only on the health of those currently in the workforce; we are also concerned about our senior citizens who spent their prime time in service. There is absolutely no reason why any retiree should go into debt or be unable to access healthcare in retirement. This is why the Federal Ministry of Health has established a Ministerial Committee whose mandate is to come up with a framework for the provision of Health Insurance coverage for our retired senior citizens.

I must mention here that after 15 years of stagnation, we have now reviewed the hazard allowance for doctors and other health workers. The circular to that effect has now been released and it is with effect from December 2021.

We will also expand and deepen the implementation of the Employee Compensation Act so that workers all over the country receive compensation for injuries suffered in the line of duty and in the case of death, their dependents are adequately compensated.

We must continue to take care of our people, especially when they are no longer active. No society has achieved appreciable levels of development without looking out for the older demographic of its population, especially those who have faithfully served the country.

No one should go into retirement worrying about how they will make ends meet. It is because of this that last year, the Federal Government implemented an upward review of pensions under the Defined Benefit Scheme, in line with the review of the National Minimum Wage. Through PTAD, we have been able to fully liquidate inherited liabilities of many defunct agencies and companies, and settle significant portions of the few that are yet to be fully liquidated.

Today, many civil service retirees, retirees of these defunct organizations and their next-of-kin have been able to collect their outstanding arrears and benefits. We will continue to prioritize reforms that ease the process of applying for and receiving pensions and retirement benefits.

However, we must recognize that the quest to give practical meaning to our Constitution's promise of inclusion will take time. The lesson of history, the world over, is that structural inequities are not dismantled in one day. As members of the labour movement, you belong to a tendency that has been involved in the most consequential struggles of our history.

You understand that the struggle for social justice, equity and fairness is an inter-generational one but each generation writes its own chapter of progress. It is the responsibility of this government and future governments to write our own chapter of progress and to write it well and legibly.

Just as it took time to win our independence from colonial rule and just as it took time to establish democratic governance, we are moving steadily and surely towards a more progressive Nigeria.

We are not unmindful of the anxieties of our children and their parents who are plagued by thoughts of an uncertain future as they stay home because their universities have been shut down by industrial action. I want to appeal to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the broader labour community to seek the path of dialogue. Disagreement and debate have always been part of the relationship between labour and the government. Even as we disagree today, we must not do so as mortal adversaries, but as members of the same progressive family.

We both want the same thing – a country that works for all, a tertiary education system that works for all. A country that offers each citizen a fair deal – even if occasionally we differ on how to achieve this goal, but at all times, we have through dialogue found a path forward.

It is in this spirit that I call on ASUU to embrace dialogue with the Government and I call also on the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to help facilitate a resolution of this dispute through dialogue. I believe that we can find a path forward in good faith. And this is what we must do.

Finally, the progressive vision of inclusive growth and shared prosperity requires a revolution in our national productivity and our work ethic. On the part of the government, this means ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to work, achieve productive personhood and participate in the development of their communities. But beyond this, it means that we must as a people commit to an ethos of high productivity and innovation, and of using technology to transform the way we work and do business. We cannot achieve this without a workforce that is attuned to optimizing our possibilities.

Nations are built by people and Nigeria is being built through the everyday honest toil of hardworking Nigerians – men and women like you gathered here today. You keep the engines of our country running despite the challenges we face. You are the strength and the hope of our nation. Whatever heights of greatness we will achieve as a people will be because of your contributions to our national enterprise. I, therefore, urge you now, as fellow progressives, to make common cause with us to prepare to write the next chapter of Nigeria's progress. And that future is here and it is bright!

Confronted with insecurity, we are re-engineering our security architecture with a greater focus on technology and modern force multiplier platforms.

We will achieve effective broadband connectivity for all by 2025, we will remove the yokes of over-regulation, multiple taxations and poor infrastructure from the necks of our private sector so as to unleash their productivity.

We will establish a technology economy that will leverage our broadband connectivity for all, encourage tech companies to train more tech engineers and we will surpass every nation, God helping us, in terms of the quantum and quality of tech talent.

We will crack the power conundrum, (the "up NEPA" thing will stop) by decentralizing the national grid system, and by providing alternative grids with private sector investments. We will reengineer our educational curriculum to provide relevant education for the new jobs and opportunities of the 21st century. Working with the States, we will ensure compulsory free basic education for all children male and female.

We will build on the Social Investment Programmes into a full-scale social welfare programme. We have the talent, the resources, the resourcefulness, the resilience and the faith to do all these and more in a few short years. But we must decisively defeat the anarchists and terrorists, we must unite and heal our people and let a united and powerful country attain its manifest destiny.

God Almighty has heard Nigeria's prayers these many years that we have prayed and it is time to go forward and achieve.

I ask that all working men and women, pensioners and veterans of the labour movement rise up to the occasion with our administration.

Long live the Nigerian Labour Congress.

Long live the Trade Union Congress.

Long live the Working-Class Solidarity.

Long live International Solidarity.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you very much, God bless you.


Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
1st May, 2022

Orisirisi

Says who

May his soul rest in peace

THE MAN WE NEED, OF ALL THE 2023 ASPIRANTS, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO IS:

Most experienced (Acted as President than once)
Most educated (Professor)
Met more tech giants (Google, Microsoft, Huawei, & so)
Engaged more world leaders (in AU, ECOWAS, UN, & so on)
Osinbajo has engaged the military
Osinbajo has engaged the paramilitary
Osinbajo has engaged the youths
Osinbajo has engaged ASUU
Osinbajo has engaged Doctors
Osinbajo has engaged farmers
Osinbajo has engaged traders
Osinbajo has engaged Artisan

He's different from all, his leadership style is topnotch

Oba of Benin, not delegates

EXCERPTS OF REMARKS BY VICE PRESIDENT YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, WHILE AT THE ALAAFIN'S PALACE TODAY ON A CONDOLENCE VISIT TO THE ROYAL FAMILY, MEMBERS OF THE OYE MESI AND OTHER CHIEFS ON THE PASSING OF THE LATE ALAAFIN, OBA LAMIDI ADEYEMI

I bring you the condolences of our President, President Muhammadu Buhari, and also from the Federal Government.

Kabiyesi was in the mould of a philosopher king.

He understood the place of the correct representation of the history, heritage and political economy of a people in imbuing self-worth and self-esteem in the people and by such means, the building of a proud and patriotic people.

In his writings and speeches, he argued vigorously that the Oyo system of governance and especially the relationship between the Alaafin and the Oye Mesi was a precursor to the concepts of the rule of law and separation of powers made popular by Dicey and Montesquieu.

I will miss the times I spent with him in Ibadan and Abuja debating sundry national and international issues. I have always come away with the impression that the monarchy may have hidden away one of the best minds of this generation. But his books and articles at least help us to get a second-hand feel of his remarkable intellect and erudition.

My sincere condolences to the Royal family, the Governor and the people of Oyo State and all of us who mourn his passing. May his memory remain blessed.

Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
29th April, 2022

WHY I WANT TO SERVE NIGERIA AS PRESIDENT - OSINBAJO

*Visits Edo, Delta States in continuation of meetings with APC delegates

*Osinbajo's credentials intimidating, co-contestants are shivering by now - Oba Of Benin

Giving his best in dedicated service to Nigeria’s progress and development is the utmost motivation to run for president, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Just as he emphasized his heartfelt desire to serve if given the ticket under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Osinbajo noted that the country needed more committed leaders ready to make sacrifices for the good of the people to ensure its further development.

The Vice President spoke on Thursday during his engagements with delegates and stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benin, Edo State; and in Asaba, Delta State.

The VP’s trips to Edo and Delta States are in continuation of his nationwide engagements with APC delegates and stakeholders. The VP also paid courtesy calls to the palaces of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II; and the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien, where he officially informed the monarchs of his desire to run for president.

Just as it has been in every other state he has visited so far – Oyo, Ondo and Ogun, Prof Osinbajo received a rousing welcome from the people, including on the streets, supporters, cultural dancers, residents and very enthusiastic party delegates, who came out in numbers to declare their support for his candidacy.

On arrival in Benin, the Vice President was received at the airport by the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, and other government officials; while he was received at the airport in Delta State by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, among other senior government officials.

The VP, who spoke passionately about the motivation to run for President, said "my purpose is to serve this country. When it comes to serving this country, it is the desire of my heart."

Thanking the APC delegates for their cooperation and support in the states, Prof. Osinbajo stated, “I am deeply grateful for all the support I have received, from this particular camp of our party, individually and collectively.”

Restating how the opportunities he was given by President Muhammadu Buhari to serve in government and undertake major assignments have prepared him ahead for the presidency, the VP noted that “the whole premise and objective of my running as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is to serve this nation; It is a matter of responsibility,” adding that there is no way “I could have become Vice President, if not by the special grace of God.

“We need leadership that is committed, truthful and who would make sacrifices for others. These are the types of leaders that would transform Nigeria."

“With the cooperation of everyone who is here, we can actually do things that will transform this nation… we will, indeed, transform this nation. Change involves people, and people placed at a particular area or in a position where they can really make a difference.”

Highlighting the essence of service for the greater good of the country, the VP noted that "in choosing the leader for our country, let's not be sentimental."

While responding to questions from delegates in both States, Prof. Osinbajo highlighted the efforts of the Buhari administration in improving the business environment through its Ease of Doing Business reforms over the past few years.

The VP also highlighted the impact of the Administration’s Social Investment Programmes; adding that he would also focus more on the development of youths and how technology could be deployed to improve the skills of young people; as well as education, health and agriculture, among other critical sectors to spur national development.

Earlier, the Oba of Benin, who warmly received the VP at his palace, prayed for the success of the VP's presidency project, extolling his qualities.

In his remarks, the revered monarch stated that other co-contestants on the platform of the ruling party (APC) and other political parties for the position to become Nigeria’s next President are shivering because of the intimidating dossier of the Vice President.

According to Oba Ewuare II, "Your Excellency, we have heard the reasons why you’re here today. We don’t have to over flog your credentials; they speak for themselves anywhere. I always admire your eloquence."

Continuing, the Oba said, "no doubt, your credentials; since you have come out to run for this great office, I think you are going to give a lot of problems to all the other contestants.

“There is no gainsaying that they all probably shivering where they are because of your credentials; coupled with your calmness, your humility and great respect for culture and being a true man of God, who has the fear of God in his heart."

“The monarch further noted that, "if we have politicians in the country that have the fear of God in their hearts, not just to go there to rape the treasury and oppress people, whether at the presidential level or gubernatorial level, I think the country will be better for it."

While urging politicians to always put the country first in all their engagements, the Oba assured the VP of continuous prayers from the Benin Kingdom for the actualisation of his desire.

"But what we see, Your Excellency, most of the time, is people rushing to be president, vice president, or governors, only to get there to enrich their pockets, to enrich themselves, leaving the electorates that put them there, hard and dry. This kind of thing should change. They should put the electorate first."

He also thanked President Buhari for setting the records straight on the issue of the artefacts returned to the Benin Kingdom, stating that the people remain indebted to him.

Giving his royal blessings to the aspiration of the Vice President, the Oba said, "as a man of God, if by the grace of God, you are the man, you have a whole lot on your shoulder to remove all these vices out of our society; make Nigeria a better place to live and a tourist destination in all spheres. We have great human and material resources in this country, and we can even see or discover a lot more.

"We want to stay here in Nigeria and enjoy the good things of life in Nigeria, not in Dubai, not in the United States and some other countries."

Similarly, in Asaba, the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, prayed for the success of Prof. Osinbajo in his desire to become the next President of Nigeria.

During his meetings with party stakeholders and APC delegates, the VP fielded questions on a variety of issues ranging from governance, security, economy and politics, among others.

Earlier on Wednesday evening, the Vice President had an Iftar dinner with State House Correspondents at his Aguda House residence, where he also discussed his 2023 Presidential bid.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
29th April, 2022

This is rubbish