₦airaland Forum

Lack of transparency and making bureaucratic corruption the norm will lead to backwardness and poverty of the majority. Well said Prof!

Lack of transparency and making bureaucratic corruption the norm will lead to backwardness and poverty of the majority. Well said Prof!

WHY WE MUST IMPROVE GOVERNANCE & INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY, BY OSINBAJO

*VP declares open 21st meeting of National Council on Development Planning

*Commissions Ebonyi State projects during 2 -day visit

*Umahi commends VP’s loyalty to President, love for Ebonyi

Governance and institutional capacity to properly manage resources of nations hold the ace to the prosperity of the citizenry, and this is why authorities must continue to improve them at all times, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Friday in his remarks at the opening of the 21st meeting of the National Council on Development Planning (NCDP) held in Abakaliki, adding that governance and institutional capacity account for the difference between performing and poorly performing economies.

The theme of the meeting attended by members of the Federal and States' Executive Councils was "Good Governance and Institutional Capacity: Pathways to Sustainable National Development."

The VP spoke at the NCDP meeting during a 2-day official visit to Ebonyi State, where he also commissioned a number of projects executed by the state government.

On arrival at the Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu, enroute to Ebonyi State, the Vice President was warmly received at the airport by Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and other state government officials.

He later arrived Abakaliki in Ebonyi via a Chopper, where he received a rousing reception by the people of the State and was welcomed by the State Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi and his deputy, Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe, among other senior state government officials.

According to the Vice President, "it is the lack of good governance and weak institutional capacity in the poorer and less performing economies that largely account for the difference between the poor and rich countries."

"The way that public institutions and agencies perform public affairs and manage public resources, and also how they manage the participation of citizens, and ensure equity and the rule of law, are what makes the difference between the poor and rich, performing and non performing countries," the VP added.

Making reference to Japan, South Korea and Singapore as countries that still perform better than the resource-rich nations of the world, Prof. Osinbajo said, "how public institutions function is largely determined by institutional capacity. This is not merely having a well educated and well motivated workforce, but systems that are and can enforce transparency and accountability.

"Where accountability is weak or non-existent and poor performance or misconduct have no real consequences; poor performance then becomes systemic.

"The result of poor governance is that delivery of public goods is ineffective, every public service is affected, whether it is collection of taxes, or delivery of social investment programmes, public education, health services, obtaining trade facilitation approvals or just passports or drivers licence, public running of power services or delivery of petroleum products."

Speaking further, Prof. Osinbajo noted that "poor governance and institutional capacity mean a weak economy, private sector performs sub-optimally because the business environment is hostile, so fewer jobs are created, housing stocks may fall where private people do not build houses for rent, because when tenants fail to pay rent they can remain in the accommodation for years without paying rent because the court system is too slow and they cannot be legally evicted while the court process subsists."

He urged the meeting to come up with solutions to the country’s development challenges, stating that "every one of these problems is human. They can be solved by human beings. Every country that chooses to solve its governance and institutional problems has, in effect, chosen to develop and prosper."

He cautioned against acts of dishonesty, noting that "lack of transparency and making bureaucratic corruption the norm" will lead to "backwardness and poverty of the majority."

The Vice President also recommended that "synergy amongst all tiers of government remains of paramount importance at this critical time when we continue to face the challenges of recovery from the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, now compounded by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war."

In his remarks, Governor David Umahi thanked the Vice President for his commitment and loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as his love for the State, noting that "there is a certain ecstasy that follows you whenever you are in Ebonyi State."

Present at the meeting were the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr. Clem Agba; Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu; the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonnaya; the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State; Hon Justice Elvis Ngene; traditional rulers, among other senior government officials. The Finance Minister, Hajia Zainab Ahmed, also joined virtually.

Some of the State government projects the Vice President commissioned on Friday in Ebonyi State include the New Government House Chapel; the Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway (Ishieke); the Concrete Dualised Mammy Market-Timber Shade Road (with street Lights) at Nkwegu Primary School; Dr. Sam Egwu Twin Flyover; and the Ishieke-Mile 50 dualised Concrete Road, Ezzamgbo.

The VP also inspected the St. Margaret Umahi International Market, where he was greeted to loud cheers by excited traders and residents.

Also on Friday evening, the Vice President commissioned the Shopping Mall, which he observed could match "any mall anywhere in the world in grandeur and beauty," as well as the Christian Ecumenical Centre, where a gala night was hosted in his honour.

The VP highlighted the socioeconomic benefits of the projects he commissioned in the state, and commended Governor David Umahi for his efforts.

At the Gala night in his honour on Friday evening, the VP observed that Ebonyi State, as "the Salt of the Nation" has been "made more savoury" by the activities of the Governor.

"An hour ago, we walked down the President Muhammadu Buhari Light Tunnel located here at the Akanu Ibiam junction, and we walked through a dazzling avenue of lights to the Mall," he said.

Prof. Osinbajo thanked Governor Umahi for "his kindness and unfailing courtesies at all times" , as well as "the government and people of Ebonyi State for their hospitality and warmth."

Also on Saturday, the Vice President commissioned and inspected other projects, including the David University of Medical Sciences, in Ohaozara; the 12km Okposi-Uburu Road, and St. Joseph Umahi Flyover, also in Uburu. He also inspected the Ebonyi Industrial cluster in Uburu.

The VP has since returned to Abuja today.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
9th April, 2022

Drip Drip Drip

Congratulations to the people of Ebonyi State

I support this

Man of the people

Declare already sir

Sir, we are waiting for you to declare

Nothing like that today

Osinbajo is the most qualified for presidency

I just want Osinbajo to declare already

Thursday or not, he remains our choice

We are patiently waiting

Why do you people have problem with Osinbajo?

We all know who is sponsoring all this nonsense, Osinbajo is better than una

Ofcourse they dont

TheRareGem1:
Arewa Coalition dont have knowledge of what they are saying obviously. Some of them, if you call them to explain what immunity is, they don't know...sorry to say

Osinbajo all the way

Fake news

Ramadan Mubarak

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

OSINBAJO GREETS ALL MUSLIMS AS RAMADAN SEASON KICKS OFF

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has sent greetings and prayers to all Muslim faithfuls as this years Ramadan Fasting season begins.

According to him "as another new moon ushers in the blessed month of Ramadan, I wish to felicitate with the Muslim community on yet another opportunity to witness this holy month of devotion, sacrifice, compassion, generosity and selflessness.

"This is a time for personal deep reflection and service to community. I urge you to be guided by the lessons of Ramadan, while renewing your spiritual connection, to offer prayers for peace and continued prosperity in our nation. May God accept all your acts of sacrifice and piety."

Ramadan Mubarak!

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

He's loved by all

TENS OF IMAMS, ISLAMIC SCHOLARS, YOUTH LEADERS VISIT OSINBAJO, TELL OF HIS "LOVE FOR ALL NIGERIANS"

*VP receives leaders from several Muslim groups across the country

*Says engagement with people key, tolerance, unity, vital for peace in multi-religious society

*Muslim Students' Leader praises VP for his “invaluable contribution to nation-building”

Unity and tolerance are crucial values needed to safeguard peace and stability in a multi-religious society like Nigeria, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Wednesday evening when he received a courtesy call at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, a delegation of Imams, Islamic scholars and Muslim leaders from all over the country.

The delegation of more than 25 Islamic clerics, intellectuals and leaders of different groups was drawn from higher institutions, National Council of Ulamas, Qadiriyya Movement, Fitiyanul Islam of Nigeria, Dariya Sect, National Council of Muslim Youths, Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Jammat Tajdidul Islamy, Salafiyya Youth Movement, Imams from the National Mosque and Legislative Quarters in Apo, Abuja among others.

Addressing the delegation led by Prof. Siraj Abdulkarim from ABU Zaria, the National Chairman of the Community & Youth Development, (CYD is a public affairs group of Ulamas), the VP also noted that “until you engage with the people, you can’t tell what they and others want.”

Continuing he said, "engagement is so important, I believe very strongly in engagement." He narrated his experience since becoming VP on how people welcome engagement by their leaders even in difficult circumstances.

At the meeting which turned out to be an exciting interactive session between the Islamic leaders and the Vice President, issues such as how to promote Nigeria's unity were tabled and discussed.

The delegation members also engaged in good-natured banter on how the interaction was one among men of God and how the VP and his guests all belong to the same constituency of religious leaders in the country.

While welcoming his guests, Prof. Osinbajo noted his delight at the coming of the delegation saying "it is not often that one gets the honour of such a visit."

Earlier, one of the leaders of the delegation, the Chief Imam of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef described the VP as a leader who loves all Nigerians, regardless of religious or ethnic differences. He added that members of the delegation "are eager to collaborate with Your Excellency."

According to him, "we are here in recognition of your love for all Nigerians and your belief in the harmonious existence of our country. We understand the kind of love you have for all Nigerians."

Abdul Lateef who was formerly Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs also observed that in the VP’S office no less than 18 Muslims were part of the senior cadre of staff including the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Rahman Ade Ipaye who is the head of the entire VP’s staff.

The leader of the delegation, Prof. Siraj Abdulkarim also noted that "we are here because we love this country." He added that the unnecessary rivalry between Christians and Muslims has to be doused and called on the VP to initiate a programme to further promote understanding and unity. He also called for a more invigorating fight against corruption in the country.

Also in his remarks, the VP asked members of the delegation to suggest ways for the country to attain more unity and promised that the interaction with members of the delegation and such other groups in the country will not be a one-off.

Having heard from several of the members of the delegation who raised different issues bothering on the unity of the country, good governance, religious harmony among others, the VP stated after about an hour into the meeting "I am enriched from what I have heard today and I have noted all the issues. I wish we had a bit more time. I agree we should engage more. The issues you have raised show us clearly that the future of this country lies with the elites, especially religious and political elites."

Prof. Osinbajo urged religious and political elites to show more responsibility in ensuring peace and positive changes in society. According to him, religious elites, just like the political elites, are responsible for ensuring positive change.

He suggested “the creation of a forum of religious leaders who see themselves more on a rescue mission with the purpose of forging more understanding," among the citizenry.

The VP also observed that Nigeria is a country with both Muslim and Christian population noting that even in the Southwest, both religions are practised in many families. He then said that "as Christians and Muslims we must preach love and tolerance."

In his own remarks, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, Prof. Ibrahim Maqari, said that they (as religious leaders) also have “a duty to pray for Nigeria” which they have been doing.

In the same vein, the President of Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, Ustaz Shehu Usman, commended the Vice President for his “invaluable contribution to nation-building,” while another member of the delegation, Sheikh Dr. Haroun Ajah, the Southeast Coordinator of the Council of Ulama praised the Vice President for being “sound, exceptional and intelligent.”

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
31st March, 2022

Nigeria shall prevail

If we give Osinbajo a chance, Nigeria will be better

Education is the best legacy

HOW TO TRANSFORM LEGAL EDUCATION IN NIGERIA, BY OSINBAJO

*VP also speaks at International Conference, says women must go beyond breaking glass ceilings to global excellence

In order to transform legal education in Nigeria, the development of analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving legal minds is key, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Wednesday at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) legal education summit, which held at the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Themed "Reimagining Legal Education in Nigeria", the Vice President’s message sent to the summit in a pre-recorded video noted that “this type of education does not have to be confined to the traditional four-wall classroom; a system we have been operating in the main since the 1960s. Legal education, like many other branches of learning, is designed to evolve with and be responsive to the development of society.

“Needs for legal services depend on the general dealings and operations of the society. Having been a law teacher for many years, I fully understand that a chief problem of our style of legal education is learning by rote, as opposed to learning for problem-solving.”

Recalling his days as a university lecturer where he taught the Law of Evidence, Prof. Osinbajo noted that learning for problem-solving places more emphasis on “understanding how to use case law and statutes to solve real-life legal problems” rather than just memorizing them.

“It struck me one day while teaching documentary evidence, that students will learn faster if I was able to give them copies of what an original document is, what secondary evidence of it would look like, what a real-life public document is, and what a certified copy looks like," he explained.

“So, when I taught the complex issues of proof of documentary evidence, they had a good mental picture of what I had in mind. Also, by posing a problem and asking them to search out the rules to apply, I found that even the least interested students got involved. This is a snippet of what is called Clinical Legal Education, and it is the new and right way of teaching law.”

The VP also pointed out the need to decongest over-populated classrooms in law schools across the country by adopting a hybrid approach to education, through the extensive use of technology for teaching.

He observed that Nigeria should learn from other nations that have transformed their systems of legal training through developed structures of periodic review.

According to the Vice President, the population explosion - overcrowded classrooms and hostels, inadequate library facilities, limited pool of qualified law teachers, etc., were not peculiar to Nigeria.

However, he observed that “other jurisdictions have encountered (at varying degrees) and successfully tackled these challenges. Nigeria’s candidates for law school averaged 10,000. A 10-year review of the admission list of the Nigerian Law School from 2010 to 2020, shows that, on average, the various campuses of the school can accommodate only about 6,000 students.”

“Even before the advent of Covid-19 pandemic, which in a number of countries fast-tracked the adoption of technology in tutoring, other jurisdictions have adopted and institutionalised the use of technology in tutoring, examinations and even their courtroom systems,” he added.

Prof. Osinbajo highlighted examples from the United States and the United Kingdom.

He observed that "in the US, from 2015 - 2017, between 16,000 to 20,000 lawyers join the pool annually, while similarly high numbers are trained in the United Kingdom (21,000) and Australia (8,499).”

The VP stated that these countries did four major things differently in their approach. In addition to the extensive use of technology for teaching, he pointed out three other areas: decentralisation of law schools and non-residential bar examinations, long period of practical training as a condition precedent for call, and inclusion of relevant aspects of managerial skills in the curricula.

On decentralizing law schools, Prof. Osinbajo stated that “there are no requirements for residential stay in any formal school setting for the Bar Examination. Applications are completed online and the examination, computer-based, is administered at designated centres. A character and fitness investigation is conducted on applicants prior to issuance of license to practice law.”

The Vice President commended the NBA leadership “for its consistent efforts at improving the legal profession through sustained investment in continuing legal education, in particular and advancement of jurisprudence.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, for being an undiminished light in the legal profession, and devoting “his resources to establishing a world-class university and a faculty of law that has attained such distinction in a few short years.”

Also today, the Vice President spoke at the opening day of the International Woman Leadership Conference, 2022 organised by the Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy in partnership with Dubai Tourism and Dubai Events.

At the Conference themed Women in Leadership: Playing to Win, the VP highlighted the importance of educating the girl-child, gender equality in politics and other sectors, among other salient issues affecting women.

“Women breaking glass ceilings in industry, politics, is perhaps more important than men doing the same, because women are the half of our human resources who are yet to be fully optimised on account of lack of education and discriminatory practices in the workplace,” the Vice President observed.

He said compared to rich countries, “the world’s poorest countries are those who have low rates of female education and career attainment.

“These countries with higher levels of gender equality in education and attainment tend to have higher income levels, better lifestyles and better health outcomes,” Prof. Osinbajo said.

Emphasizing the strategic importance of greater gender equality in political representation and senior government jobs, the VP noted that “greater gender parity in those positions will mean women being in a position to influence policies, especially those that would affect the fortunes of women and girls.”

Underscoring the growing numbers and influence of women in Nigerian society, the Vice President acknowledged the significant roles of women “as heads and chairs of multilateral and multinational organisations, industry, entertainment, technology and innovation, and successful business owners.”

However, he urged women in leadership to strengthen their synergy and collaboration in terms of sharing useful hard and soft skills to speed up development.

He added that “the role of women must go beyond merely breaking glass ceilings, it must be to attain global excellence and leadership. Women must play not just to be represented, but to win.”

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
30th March 2022

Leadership at its peak

Congratulations Jagaban

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE


VICE PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES, PRAYS FOR ASIWAJU TINUBU AT 70

In a personally signed statement, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN is congratulating Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 70th birthday today, praying God would grant him strength, wisdom and favour.

According to the Vice President, "it gives Dolapo and I great pleasure to send you our heartfelt birthday felicitations. And it is a unique one indeed; the Platinum Jubilee and the completion of yet another remarkable decade."

Commending the former Governor's service to the nation in different capacities, Prof. Osinbajo joined "the entire family, friends and associates to celebrate you on your 70th birthday and we pray that as your days, so shall your strength, wisdom and favour with God be."

Below is the full text of the Vice President's congratulatory statement:

CONGRATULATIONS TO ASIWAJU AT 70!

It gives Dolapo and I great pleasure to send you our heartfelt birthday felicitations. And it is a unique one indeed; the Platinum Jubilee and the completion of yet another remarkable decade.

It is also an opportune time to give thanks to God Almighty for your service to the nation - as Senator of the Federal Republic, Governor of Lagos State and a founding leader of the All Progressives Congress.

In confronting the many challenges which came with the transition to democracy in 1999, you showed leadership and were always ready to push the boundaries. Not only did you query the limitations which had beset our federalism, you actively encouraged the use of the legal process in clarifying the constitution.

Asiwaju, your decades of sterling contributions in the public and political spheres are remarkable. In particular, your endeavours in the advancement of federalism, electoral reform, and party organisation have helped to enrich our democratic experience.

We join your entire family, friends and associates to celebrate you on your 70th birthday and we pray that as your days, so shall your strength, wisdom and favour with God be.

Happy birthday!

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN
Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
29th March 2022

HIGH-LEVEL WEST AFRICA EVENT IN ABEOKUTA: WE CANNOT SECURE AFRICA BY TURNING DEMOCRATIC CLOCK BACKWARDS, SAYS OSINBAJO

The Africa we want cannot be secured by turning back the hands of the democratic clock, rather by addressing the basic problems of ill-health, malnutrition and illiteracy, among others, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this in a keynote address he delivered at a High-level Dialogue on West Africa themed “Rising to the Challenge of Consolidating Democratic Governance”. The dialogue held in Abeokuta was organised by the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa (CoDA), which has former President Olusegun Obasanjo as Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

The Vice President said, we know that “we cannot secure the Africa we want by turning back the hands of the democratic clock. We have walked these thorny roads before. We have many decades worth of bitter experience and the unimpeachable lesson of our history is that despotism cannot guarantee the security and prosperity for our people.”

Making reference to political situations in parts of West Africa, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “the recent spate of military interventions across our continent not only portends the risk of a damaging democratic recession, it takes us back to the cycles of extra-constitutional disruptions that plagued us decades ago and which we assumed to be part of a closed chapter of our journey.”

Prof. Osinbajo commended the recent actions of leaders across the continent, noting that “it is a testament to our democratic commitment in Africa that we have been united in condemning the toppling of elected governments in the region.”

He said: “The immediate imposition of sanctions on extraconstitutional regimes by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the concurrence of the AU not only demonstrates our unity of purpose on this issue; it is an unequivocal affirmation of a pan-African consensus on democratic norms.

“Yet we must also acknowledge a criticism that has been levelled against our responses thus far. One highlighting a mismatch between our immediate and uncompromising condemnations of military regimes and our relatively lukewarm reproaches to elected governments that fail to act in ways consistent with democratic values.”

The VP then noted that “the progress of our democracies on this continent must therefore be pursued in terms of the struggle to address the basic problems of ill-health, malnutrition, illiteracy, and famine which daily afflict our people. Where social and economic rights are unsecured, people are unable to fully maximize their civil and political rights. For instance, access to qualitative education enhances and enriches the freedoms of expression, thought and conscience.”

“Conversely, pervasive illiteracy can nullify the freedom of the press. In the progressive vision, political rights and socioeconomic rights are mutually reinforcing. In any event, the fulfilment of the social contract is the enduring value proposition of democracy,” Prof. Osinbajo added.

Prof. Osinbajo however noted that despite the present challenges “this is also a moment of opportunity – one in which we can reflect on our democratic progress, strengthen our institutions, deliver on socio economic development and deepen our commitment to building successful democratic states.”

Other dignitaries at the event included former President of Nigeria, H.E. Goodluck Jonathan and former President of Sierra Leone, H.E. Ernest Koroma, among others.

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

All the best