₦airaland Forum

Osinbajo does chase power, they bring power to him.

Osinbajo is our preferred candidate

BOTH AT HOME AND ABROAD, NIGERIANS HAVE THE SAME DESIRE FOR A GREATER COUNTRY - OSINBAJO

Whether at home or abroad, all Nigerians have the same burden and share the same desire to see our country working more effectively and becoming truly greater by harnessing all of the existing potentials and really transform the nation.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, expressed this view during a meeting yesterday with a delegation from the US-based Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, ANPA, and a team of Nigerian doctors from diaspora including those who have relocated back to the country to establish private hospitals.

At a meeting which discussed the challenges in the health sector and reviewed some detailed policy proposals, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “practically everyone, whether you worked abroad or you worked here (in Nigeria), all have the same burden and desire in our hearts - to see the huge potentials here in this country transformed into something real.

“I think that it is a constant burden for people who are here, let alone people who are abroad, to see how well things can be done and how well things are going.”

According to the VP “we must find a way of harnessing and galvanizing so that we can work towards making this country to really work, not just for those who can afford it, but for the vast majority of our people who are disempowered.”

Speaking about the work of Nigerians in diaspora, particularly doctors, Prof Osinbajo acknowledged that, “physicians in diaspora, especially in the US and Americas, have contributed very considerably to healthcare in Nigeria. Almost at every turn, they are contributing in terms of services in rural areas, medical teams everywhere providing all sorts of care, and this has gone on for years and years.”

Praising the work of physicians, the Vice President noted that “if there is any group of professionals good at giving back and showing that level of altruism, it is physicians in diaspora.

“I commend you for that and to say that we are seeing a good number of physicians returning home to set up and establish businesses here.”

Admitting to the challenges being in the business environment, the Vice President disclosed that “it is a good thing that we have acknowledged the problems and issues in respect to establishing businesses here, including access to credit and power.

“I think that improving the environment generally will make a huge difference.”

He added that “we must prioritize healthcare being that it is essentially a matter of life and death, but I want us to understand the context, which is to improve the business environment and ensure that it is one where local businesses can work very well.”

While addressing some of the concerns of the delegation with respect to healthcare financing, he said "one of the major issues for a population our size is that we can’t depend on budget alone because we don’t have enough resources.

“The way to go is to do a lot more in terms of health insurance and for government to provide a pool of resources from everyone, one way or the other, and begin by paying for some of those who cannot afford to.”

Regarding the Healthcare Sector Reform Committee which the Vice President chairs, he affirmed that “a lot of the work that we are doing at the committee has to do with general access to healthcare and how to make that easier. We hope that this particular healthcare reform effort would be one that would bring in more order into the way that we do things particularly between the Federal Government and the States.”

In his own remarks, the Secretary to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, who led the delegation to the Presidential Villa, Engr. Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi noted that “we are happy to deal with both Nigerian doctors in the diaspora and those who are returning to set up practices here in Nigeria thereby turning the brain drain to brain gain."

Also speaking, the President of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, ANPA, Dr. Christopher Okunseri, described the organisation as one that has been in existence for over “27 years, registered in the United States of America, representing over 5000 dentists and physicians across the US.

“We as an organisation have a vision of a healthier Nigeria. We have an ANPA week and have 3 key areas of activities; first is the medical mission, second is advocacy and third is engaging with colleagues here in Nigeria in what is recognised as Continuing Professional Development, CPD.”

Speaking on behalf of doctors who have returned home and established private practice in Nigeria, Dr. Modupe Elebute mentioned that “from our point of view, it has been tough and difficult but it has given us a huge amount of joy, the impact that we are able to make on the access to healthcare on the patients we are seeing.

She noted "the impact we are able to make to raise the standard (of healthcare) by bringing back years of experience, teaching, training and consultant level attained abroad and trying to do research here (in Nigeria).

Members of the delegation were top physicians in specialized fields of medicine such as Neurology, Gynecology, Paediatrics, and Orthopaedics. They include Dr. Chinyere Anyaogu; Dr. Iyore James; Dr. Benjamin Anyanwu; Dr. Abraham Osinbowale; Dr. Ifeanyi Obiakor; Dr. Ajovi Scott-Emuakpor; Dr. Clifford Eke; Dr. Biodun Ogunbo; Dr. Dauda Balami; and other officials from NiDCOM.

The meeting was organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
28th April, 2022

We always appreciate that and that is the more reason we want him as our president

They don't know what they are doing

2023 PRESIDENTIAL RACE: I CAN'T SAY NO TO THE CALL OF DUTY, OSINBAJO DECLARES IN OGUN STATE

*VP adds: How President exposed me to every aspect of govt, never fettered my discretion as Ag. President

*You have demonstrated capacity, capability, we will stand by you, support you – Governor Abiodun to VP

*VP showered with endorsements by Akarigbo, Alake & Olu of Ilaro

“I’ve had the unique opportunity of serving under President Muhammadu Buhari who exposed me to practically every aspect of governance. He exposed me to various things in governance, especially sensitive issues in governance. I then had the opportunity to serve as Acting President on several different occasions."

These were the words of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, yesterday during his visit to Ogun State, where he met with traditional rulers, official dignitaries, leaders of thought and state delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Besides the interaction with the delegates at the State Capital, the VP's other stops were in Sagamu, where he was hosted to a townhall reception at the palace of the Akarigbo, the Alake’s palace and, later in the day, at the palace of the Olu of Ilaro, all in Ogun State.

Everywhere he went yesterday, the receptions reflected a homecoming welcome for the Vice President, with mammoth crowds on the streets and at the palaces. The people of the State adorned the streets and roads as the VP's convoy drove through the cities of Abeokuta, Sagamu and Ilaro.

On several occasions, the VP acknowledged cheers from men, women, children, and youths – including a group of Nigerian students in Abeokuta - with many dancing and singing, while praising him and President Buhari for their good works in government.

The VP’s visit to Ogun State on Tuesday comes a day after his visit to Ondo State, where he also received a massive welcome.

The Vice President started his visit to the State with a stop at the Akarigbo's place, where Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II, welcomed him and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to a festive reception, with crowds inside and outside of the venue, singing and dancing.

He later also paid courtesy calls on the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; and the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland and Olu of Ilaro, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Asade Agunloye IV, where he informed them of his progress in the presidential aspiration bid for 2023.

Praising the President for being open-minded and giving him opportunities in government, Prof. Osinbajo also stated that his decision to run for president was to give the best of his service and wealth of experience to the nation.

"If there was anybody who can hit the ground running, that person is me," the VP declared.

“After I have spent seven and half years as Vice President of Nigeria and I have acted as president… the only question I should ask myself if I am called to run for office, is, who have I sworn an oath to?

“I have sworn an oath to the Federal Government of Nigeria. I’ve sworn an oath to our children and grandchildren to come, that with all of my knowledge, experience, and everything I have learnt; I will serve them.

"When it comes down to such a question, the only thing I am required to ask myself is; after all of what I’ve learnt, after all of the experience that I now have, should I deny those to this nation? If it is possible for me to serve this nation, with everything that I have, should I say no?”

The Vice President noted that governing at the highest levels in the country required some experience and training, which he had expectedly garnered in over seven years serving as President Buhari’s deputy.

He added that he had participated at both local and international levels of governance, as well as tackled sensitive issues of government, restating that “God did not provide those opportunities simply so that I'll go and sit down and write my memoirs.”

"I believe that now, with all that I have learnt, all that God has given me, I cannot turn down the call to serve the people of this country, to serve our generations and generations to come.

“God provided those opportunities such that one day, I will be called upon to serve in the highest capacity, to serve as President of our nation. The opportunity to do so is an important one… The truth of the matter is that everywhere I have served, I served with utmost loyalty, utmost commitment, and I have put my reputation on the line, sometimes even life.”

While acknowledging the will of God and the people in his bid to clinch the APC ticket and contest the 2023 presidential election, Prof. Osinbajo said, “I believe that I have what is required at this time to serve this nation and to ensure that we're able to build on what all generations previously have built, and to give this country the best leadership that can be given to it for and in 2023.”

Similarly, Prof. Osinbajo highlighted his service in academia, public and private sector, and international organizations over the years, and his dedication to human rights, justice, fairness, equity, good governance and national development.

“I have had the good fortune of serving as Vice President after some years of doing other things. As many of you know, I was first a lecturer at the University of Lagos, but I was also one of the first lecturers at the Ogun State University. I was the first to teach Criminal Law at Ogun State University, and many of my students are here.

“We came to Ogun State University and we were not paid a penny, and at the time, I was at the University of Lagos and we were invited to come and establish the Faculty of Law. We came here and rendered our services for 4 years… We thank God that today, a lot of the products of that enterprise are everywhere. Some are even judges today and some are Senior Advocates of Nigeria, like me.

Prof. Osinbajo then noted his 5-year stint serving as Special Advisor under Prince Bola Ajibola, who was then the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

He also highlighted his time as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, where he implemented significant judicial reforms in the state, that became a template for the judiciary nationwide.

“During that period, we established what is now known as the Citizens Mediation Center; we established new court systems. We began a reform of the justice system that was copied across the whole of Nigeria. We ensured during that period that judges began to receive a much different pay structure than ever before. That period in Lagos State was a complete reformation of our legal system and it affected the entire country. Every part of Nigeria was affected by the reforms we carried out in Lagos State."

He then highlighted his service at the United Nations "as a staff member of the UN for a period of over two years, working in different places, especially war-torn areas."

At the Akarigbo of Remoland’s palace, the monarch extolled the VP’s qualities, of integrity, competence and character, also noting the impact he had on governance as acting president.

According to the monarch: “we are all living witnesses to when our son was in charge as Acting President. We saw the difference in our country, and that was just within a matter of weeks and months. What would now happen if he becomes President for 4 years or 8 years? This country will undergo tremendous change.”

Also acknowledging the divine supremacy in choosing kings and leaders, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi prayed that God will grant the party, the strength, wisdom and courage to do what is right for the country.

Turning to the VP, the Akarigbo then said "by the grace of God, you will get there. Your light will continue to shine. It’s with such humility that I look at your life and I see the trajectory of what God has done… Mr Vice President, your journey is still long, but we will uphold you with prayers. Your days will be long, and you will continue to shine; the good Lord will continue to shine upon you, and at the end of the day, we will see that there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

On his part the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, while addressing the Vice President, stated that "the Nigeria of our dreams will come in your time."

Noting the VP’s excellence in academia, legal practice and government, the monarch said, “By the grace of God, our Vice President has paid his dues, gone through serving others and winning all the way.

"He had the same subjects in higher school like I had, and English that was the most difficult, he won laurels in it in higher school. Through his research work and his legal practice, he has been outstanding. So why shouldn’t we ask you for one more position to the glory of God and to the benefit of all Nigerians, and you’d say no? Certainly not from here.

“I pray that by the grace of God when you come back, you will come and say thank you to all of us. By the grace of God, in your time, it will be most beneficial to all Nigerians. The Nigeria of our dreams will come during your time. We have been waiting for this for so long and God will make it happen.”

Similarly, the Olu of Ilaro, who said he was always delighted to see the Vice President, assured the VP of his support and that of his constituency. “The Almighty God that did that of His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun, in spite of the turbulence, that same God will appear, because he’s still the same yesterday, today and forever, and will do the same in your life.”

Governor Dapo Abiodun also described Prof. Osinbajo as an illustrious son of Remoland, Ogun State and Nigeria, noting that many can attest to the VP’s loyalty, steadfastness, sincerity, humility, character and integrity.

Assuring the VP of his support and that of the people of the state, Governor Abiodun thanked the “Vice President for his support “in the course of our journey to the statehouse.”

“Your Excellency, on behalf of the people, the government of your home state, we are indeed very grateful for all that you did to ensure that there was fairness, equity, and a level playing field in that contest that saw us to the government house. God gave us the glory, God gave us the victory despite all odds,” the Governor recalled.

He further stated that the VP’s treasure trove of experiences in government and the private sector speaks for itself.

Governor Abiodun noted that “if becoming the president is by qualification, you will earn it, you are in office today, as the vice president of Nigeria, you’ve served your boss meritoriously… and you have demonstrated capacity and capability. If the presidency is by the way of an award, we will just gather here today and we will award it to you.

"Your Excellency, you are a good man. We will be with you, we will stand with you, we will stand by you, we will give you that support, we will not betray you for you have stood with us and God will stand by you,” the Governor also prayed.

While thanking Governor Dapo Abiodun for his brotherly support, the VP urged him to continue the good projects being done by his government.

The VP also commended the delegates for their time and patience, adding that “I pray that this enterprise, this journey that we have embarked upon, will be fruitful and we will be successful and we will be victorious.”

Earlier on Tuesday morning, just before his trip to Ogun State, the Vice President delivered the keynote remarks at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council’s two-day conference themed: Export for Survival, which held at Transcorp Hotel, Abuja. He returned to Abuja last night.


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

Thank you for your intervention on Niger Delta Region. You will do more when you are our president. I trust you

On point

God will protect Osinbajo from evil hands

On point

As it should be

Our incoming president

We are getting there

Osinbajo

Osinbajo

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

BEING VP FOR SEVEN YEARS IS LIKE A TRAINING TO BE PRESIDENT, OSINBAJO SAYS IN ONDO STATE

*VP adds: My experience will be used to serve Nigeria with all sincerity, transparency*

*Deji of Akure to VP: “If it were to be advanced country, in all of the APC, nobody would run, they would just support you”*

*Afenifere leader, Fasoranti prays for success of Osinbajo's presidential aspiration*


Being Vice President, and at some point, Acting President, and the invaluable experience acquired over the past seven years is like a training to be President, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Monday at the palace of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, while on a visit to Ondo State. The monarch prayed for the VP’s success in attaining his objective, noting that, “had it been it were in advanced countries, in all of the APC, nobody would run (for president), they would all just support you.”

Speaking on the motivation to run for the office of the President, the Vice President said “as we approach the coming elections, it is a time also for us to reflect on the type of leadership that we want for our country.

“I have served for the past seven years as the Vice President of Nigeria, and I have also acted within that period when the President was away. I think that I am fortunate, and we are fortunate to have been given tremendous opportunities to serve, also even when I acted (as President).

“In that capacity, I am probably the only person trained to be (in that duration), because if you have been a Vice President and also as Acting President, then you have been trained, and I must say with utmost humility - that that is exactly how I feel.”

Continuing, he said “I feel that with what God has given me within the past seven and half years, I must be able to give to my country. People die for this country every day; there are young men and women, soldiers who die for this country every day. That is the greatest act of loyalty that one can have for one’s country. Those of us whom God has given some opportunities to serve must be prepared to offer that service whenever we are called upon to do so.

“Which is why I declared my intention to run for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And I want to say that I am grateful to God; and I am grateful to you for all your support, advice and counseling in the past.”

The Vice President spoke earlier during a meeting in Akure with the Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, members of the State House of Assembly, State Executive Council members and the APC leaders in Ondo State.


Prof. Osinbajo noted that he was privileged to serve in different capacities, and undertake major responsibilities as VP and Acting President because of President Muhammadu Buhari’s generosity and open-mindedness towards him.

“In those capacities as VP and acting president in particular, I got to know so many things that many people would never have ever have come across, and I gained a lot of experience on that account. Now, the opportunity has come,” Prof. Osinbajo stated.

According to the VP, it would be a disservice to the nation on his part to not utilize the wealth of experience he has garnered over the years to further serve the nation in the highest capacity.

*“With the experience I have, with all the contacts and connections that I have made, nationally and internationally, I think that it would be a betrayal to our country, to our nation… with all that has been given to me by the grace of God, with all of my experience, to say that, oh, I will now retire quietly either to Lagos or Ikenne, and go and be writing my memoirs; it would be a grave injustice to our country.

"That is why I decided to pour my heart into it, and ensure that I make up this case for the position of president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And I believe that with God helping, if God gives us the opportunity, and the will of the people also, that will be the case, God will make it happen; I will have the opportunity to give this nation the very best that I can give, with all of our hearts, in everything that we can, with sincerity, openness and transparency. That is the desire of my heart.”

While welcoming the VP, Governor Akeredolu recalled that the emergence of Prof. Osinbajo in 2014 as APC Vice Presidential candidate was purely a divine thing adding that it is God who ultimately decides who gets what position. He disclosed that the VP and himself had been friends and colleagues for a long while before politics.

At the Palace, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, extolled the qualities of the VP noting that “we love you and appreciate you and whatever you do, we support you.”

“In whatever you do, we wish you good luck. God will continue to strengthen you; your going and coming would be by the mercy of God. We appreciate you for coming.”

While in the State, the Vice President also paid a visit to one of Afenifere’s respected leaders, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, where he received the blessings of the revered Yoruba leader for his aspiration to become President of Nigeria.

Pa Fasoranti noted, “I wish the project a success, as you go about, may you continue to find favour with people and at the end of the day, we shall say, congratulations”.

The VP thanked the Yoruba leader for his contributions to the development of the country, noting that “your counsel and guidance have always been extremely useful and treasured by all of us. Those of us in politics and government particularly find your counsel very useful; and we know you have a heart, not just for the Yorubas or the citizens of Ondo State, but for our whole country.”

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
26th April, 2022

Walahi, no be lie

OSINBAJO DESCRIBES LATE ALAAFIN A BRIDGE BUILDER, MAN OF GREAT INTELLECT WHO WILL BE MISSED

Aside impacting the lives of many in his community, the Southwest and across the country, the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was a bridge-builder whose great intellectual knowledge and depth would be missed, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today in a chat with journalists in Akure while on a visit to Ondo State.

According to the Vice President, "we all feel a great deal of pain and deep sense of loss. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was a force of nature all by himself, he was a man of incredible knowledge, depth, he was erudite in every way.

"He was a bridge builder and I think he created several avenues in the 52 odd years that he reigned. He created several avenues for people from the Southwest of Nigeria to interact with people from other zones from those very early days."

Speaking about his personal experience with the late highly referred monarch, Prof. Osinbajo said "I had several meetings with him, especially in Abuja, whenever he was in Abuja and sometimes in Ibadan.

"He was one of the most intelligent commentators on public life in Nigeria, on politics and he had such a deep knowledge of politics and international relations and international affairs and even in Nigerian political economy.

"He wrote several articles and books and he was always very keen to share them. I think that clearly, the Alaafin of Oyo was somebody I believe that the monarchy hid away from most of Nigeria just in terms of his intellectual depth and his knowledge."

On the late Alaafin's impact on his community and beyond, the VP said "I want to thank God that he was such an incredible and impactful leader and he didn’t just impact Yoruba land or Oyo State, but he impacted the entire nation.

"Today we celebrate a man who has lived a life of impact, who has reigned as a monarch, not just royalty, but he has royally proved that you can make tremendous impact in the lives of common people and in the life of your nation even while serving as a monarch in just one portion, one part of your country. I think his impact has been nationwide."

The Vice President then expressed his condolences to "the family, government and the people of Oyo State" on the passing of one of the leading monarchs in the country.

The late monarch passed away on Friday April 22 at the age of 83 after ruling as Alaafin of Oyo for 52 years.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
25th April, 2022

PYO 2023

osinbajo remain our choice

Osinbajo remain our choice 2023

Osinbajo 2023

We are waiting o

Osinbajo 2023

God will answer this one

successmatters:
God doesn't answer evil prayers.

You spoke well

Fake news please

These people are looking for all the way to tarnish the VPs image

I already know it's propaganda, Osinbajo can't do such

He's the best of them all

WE NEED LEADERS WHO DEEPLY CARE ABOUT THE COMMON MAN, SAYS OSINBAJO IN IBADAN

*VP adds: President Buhari gave me every opportunity to serve

*Describes Oba Balogun Ali-Iwo Okunmade II a great gift to Ibadan, Nigeria

*WE NEED LEADERS WHO DEEPLY CARE ABOUT THE COMMON MAN, SAYS OSINBAJO IN IBADAN

*VP adds: President Buhari gave me every opportunity to serve

*Describes Oba Balogun Ali-Iwo Okunmade II a great gift to Ibadan, Nigeria

*Olubadan to VP: In God’s name, you will be President of Nigeria

Nigeria needs leaders who deeply care about the common man and the progress of the nation, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, when he paid a courtesy call at the palace of His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Dr. Sen. Lekan Balogun Ali-Iwo Okunmade II, ahead of his interaction with APC Stakeholders in Oyo State.

On arrival in Ibadan, the Vice President received a rousing reception right from the airport and on the streets by excited residents and people in the State, who came out to welcome him.

Coming after the VP had declared his intention to contest the 2023 presidential election under the platform of the APC last week Monday, Prof Osinbajo intimated the Monarch of his intention to run for president under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Later the Vice President interacted with APC party leaders and delegates in Oyo State at an impressive event where his speech was often interrupted with singing as the audience kept bursting out in festive renditions of different political lyrics welcoming the VP's emergence and expressions of support for him.

According to him, "in the 7 years that I have been involved, because the President considered it the right thing to do and, in his generosity, and openness, he gave me every opportunity to serve including sensitive international assignments.

"As you know, I also acted as President during certain periods when the President was away and everything I learnt as acting President has prepared me to run as President of our country.

"God doesn’t make mistakes. God is deliberate in everything He does and by giving me all of these opportunities to understand governance for myself at the highest level of our country, all of it was not just so that I can sit down and write a memoir, no, it was to come handy one day and I believe the time has come.

"I believe that the time has come and I have the responsibility to my country, to you, to all our children and the coming generations to give all of what I have learnt, everything I have learnt, all of the services to be able to give it to our country. To serve our country faithfully and honestly is my intention.

"One advantage I would have is that on day one, I can hit the ground running because I know what it takes."

There were other speakers including Senator Teslim Folarin, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, Chief, Dr. Jacob Tilley-Gyado and the APC Chairman in Oyo State Hon. Isaac Ajiboye Omodewu who all expressed support for the Vice President’s aspiration. For instance, according to Akintola "when it comes to the candidacy of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, there are no factions at all."

Speaking earlier at the courtesy call on the Olubadan, the Vice President told him "I have followed you very closely. I think that one of the most important things is that the country needs people, those who have feelings for the common person. The views of the left of centre, people who deeply care about the common man.

While praising the Olubadan for always being a lover of the common people, even before he ascended the throne, he said " no matter in whatever shape of form, even as Kabiyesi, you are still going to be the Kabiyesi of the common man, Kabiyesi of the people.”

According to the VP, the people of Ibadan are not only blessed with an intellectual but one who cares for the people.

“As the Olubadan, Your Royal Majesty, you are a great gift to the people of Ibadan and also to us as a nation. I pray that your years will be very long and that all the people of this great city, kingdom will feel the impact, and that they will all know that you are someone who cares about them,” he noted.

While informing him formally of his intention to run for President, the VP told the monarch that he also came to pay his respect.

“As you know, on April 11, 2022, I declared my intention to run for the presidency of our great land under the flag of our party, the great party, the All Progressives Congress. I did so while taking into account the fact that our country needs all of those who are willing to serve it to the best of their capacity and knowledge.

‘With great humility and sincerity, I come to your majesty, that after serving about seven years as Vice President, and also as acting, under our President, President Muhammadu Buhari, who truly gave me every opportunity; he opened up doors in a way that most deputies may not have experienced, and entrusting a lot to my care, including very sensitive positions.

“After all of that, I felt that it would be the right thing to do, to make that experience available to the people of our country. By the grace of God and the will of the people, if I am voted in as the President come 2023, I believe that there is so much to do. The desire of our hearts is that our country will be much greater and will be able to attain all of the great potentials of our people.”

Describing the monarch as a “father of all,” Prof. Osinbajo thanked the Monarch for the warm reception, noting that he will always covet the Olubadan’s “prayers and good wishes all the time.”

He added, “you can be sure that wherever I am and in whatever situation I am, I hold you in the highest esteem, I will always continuously support whatever it is that you want to do, either for yourself or the great people of Ibadan.”

In his remarks, the Olubadan described the Vice President as “a wonderful human being, a wonderful person,”

“Hopefully, in God’s name, you will be President of Nigeria,” he told the VP, adding that “may Allah grant you success on what you have in mind, may Allah support you. I can spend the next two hours just praying for you.”

Ibadan High Chiefs present also expressed their support for the Vice President's aspirations declaring that "we are with you."

The Vice President who travelled with a number of National Assembly members from Abuja was received by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State Engr. Rauf Olaniyan at the Ibadan airport. The Deputy Governor also joined the VP for the visit to the Olubadan.

Members of the National Assembly with the Vice President besides Folarin included Senators Adamu Bukkachuwa, Kola Balogun, Representatives Fatahu Muhammad, Odebunmi Olusegun, Shehu Saleh Rijau and Honourable Karu Simon.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
22nd April 2022

Nigeria needs leaders who deeply care about the common man and the progress of the nation, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, when he paid a courtesy call at the palace of His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Dr. Sen. Lekan Balogun Ali-Iwo Okunmade II, ahead of his interaction with APC Stakeholders in Oyo State.

On arrival in Ibadan, the Vice President received a rousing reception right from the airport and on the streets by excited residents and people in the State, who came out to welcome him.

Coming after the VP had declared his intention to contest the 2023 presidential election under the platform of the APC last week Monday, Prof Osinbajo intimated the Monarch of his intention to run for president under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Later the Vice President interacted with APC party leaders and delegates in Oyo State at an impressive event where his speech was often interrupted with singing as the audience kept bursting out in festive renditions of different political lyrics welcoming the VP's emergence and expressions of support for him.

According to him, "in the 7 years that I have been involved, because the President considered it the right thing to do and, in his generosity, and openness, he gave me every opportunity to serve including sensitive international assignments.

"As you know, I also acted as President during certain periods when the President was away and everything I learnt as acting President has prepared me to run as President of our country.

"God doesn’t make mistakes. God is deliberate in everything He does and by giving me all of these opportunities to understand governance for myself at the highest level of our country, all of it was not just so that I can sit down and write a memoir, no, it was to come handy one day and I believe the time has come.

"I believe that the time has come and I have the responsibility to my country, to you, to all our children and the coming generations to give all of what I have learnt, everything I have learnt, all of the services to be able to give it to our country. To serve our country faithfully and honestly is my intention.

"One advantage I would have is that on day one, I can hit the ground running because I know what it takes."

There were other speakers including Senator Teslim Folarin, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, Chief, Dr. Jacob Tilley-Gyado and the APC Chairman in Oyo State Hon. Isaac Ajiboye Omodewu who all expressed support for the Vice President’s aspiration. For instance, according to Akintola "when it comes to the candidacy of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, there are no factions at all."

Speaking earlier at the courtesy call on the Olubadan, the Vice President told him "I have followed you very closely. I think that one of the most important things is that the country needs people, those who have feelings for the common person. The views of the left of centre, people who deeply care about the common man.

While praising the Olubadan for always being a lover of the common people, even before he ascended the throne, he said " no matter in whatever shape of form, even as Kabiyesi, you are still going to be the Kabiyesi of the common man, Kabiyesi of the people.”

According to the VP, the people of Ibadan are not only blessed with an intellectual but one who cares for the people.

“As the Olubadan, Your Royal Majesty, you are a great gift to the people of Ibadan and also to us as a nation. I pray that your years will be very long and that all the people of this great city, kingdom will feel the impact, and that they will all know that you are someone who cares about them,” he noted.

While informing him formally of his intention to run for President, the VP told the monarch that he also came to pay his respect.

“As you know, on April 11, 2022, I declared my intention to run for the presidency of our great land under the flag of our party, the great party, the All Progressives Congress. I did so while taking into account the fact that our country needs all of those who are willing to serve it to the best of their capacity and knowledge.

‘With great humility and sincerity, I come to your majesty, that after serving about seven years as Vice President, and also as acting, under our President, President Muhammadu Buhari, who truly gave me every opportunity; he opened up doors in a way that most deputies may not have experienced, and entrusting a lot to my care, including very sensitive positions.

“After all of that, I felt that it would be the right thing to do, to make that experience available to the people of our country. By the grace of God and the will of the people, if I am voted in as the President come 2023, I believe that there is so much to do. The desire of our hearts is that our country will be much greater and will be able to attain all of the great potentials of our people.”

Describing the monarch as a “father of all,” Prof. Osinbajo thanked the Monarch for the warm reception, noting that he will always covet the Olubadan’s “prayers and good wishes all the time.”

He added, “you can be sure that wherever I am and in whatever situation I am, I hold you in the highest esteem, I will always continuously support whatever it is that you want to do, either for yourself or the great people of Ibadan.”

In his remarks, the Olubadan described the Vice President as “a wonderful human being, a wonderful person,”

“Hopefully, in God’s name, you will be President of Nigeria,” he told the VP, adding that “may Allah grant you success on what you have in mind, may Allah support you. I can spend the next two hours just praying for you.”

Ibadan High Chiefs present also expressed their support for the Vice President's aspirations declaring that "we are with you."

The Vice President who travelled with a number of National Assembly members from Abuja was received by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State Engr. Rauf Olaniyan at the Ibadan airport. The Deputy Governor also joined the VP for the visit to the Olubadan.

Members of the National Assembly with the Vice President besides Folarin included Senators Adamu Bukkachuwa, Kola Balogun, Representatives Fatahu Muhammad, Odebunmi Olusegun, Shehu Saleh Rijau and Honourable Karu Simon.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
22nd April 2022

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