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LET’S USE RELIGION FOR UNITY, TO BETTER THE LIVES OF OUR PEOPLE, OSINBAJO URGES

*Visiting global leader of Tijjaniya Movement commends VP’s exceptional character

*Nigeria is the heart of Africa -- Grand Khalifa

Beyond the spiritual upliftment of individuals and communities, religious leaders must use faith to promote peace, ensure prosperity for the people as well as development of society, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Saturday evening when he received on a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, the Senegal-based Grand Khalifa of Tijjaniya Movement, Worldwide, His Eminence, Sheikh Muhammadu Mahi Ibrahim Niass.

The Vice President who emphasized the importance of religion in human development said “we must use our faiths to promote peace and prosperity for our people. We need to work together to ensure that our people benefit from religion.

“We tend to underestimate the importance of religion despite the fact that it plays a key role in the development of the society, not just in the spiritual aspect but physical.

“There are many nations of the world that have benefitted from the impact of religion both spiritually and physically. So, we must use religion in our countries (in Africa) to help our people to live better lives because, in other parts of the world, leaders of faith have used religion to better the lives of the people,” he added.

Speaking further about the need for leaders of faith to close ranks for the purpose using religion to address emerging challenges in the society, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “no matter what the situation may be, we in Africa must be able to sit together and talk. We must never allow situations where we cannot sit together.

“With what is going on across the world, people of faith must continue to emphasize that both major religions (Islam and Christianity) promote peace and we must allow our people to practice whatever religion they want to practice.”

Prof. Osinbajo praised the leader of the group, while commending the Tijjaniya Movement for its progressive ideals and compassion for the needs of the people.

Earlier in remarks, Sheikh Niass who spoke in French with interpretation by a spokesman, thanked the Vice President for the opportunity to meet with him and his delegation while describing the VP as a great personality, the type needed both Nigeria and Africa.

His words: “the Vice President is a great personality with an exceptional character, standing on two feet: one as a political leader concerned about the progress of his people and the second, as a man of God.

“Africa needs a person of your nature with very strong background in religion and politics. I pray that the Almighty Allah will upgrade you and enable you achieve your desires and aspirations because, like I said, not only Nigeria but Africa will benefit from your leadership qualities.”

He added that Nigeria "is the heart of Africa and whatever Nigeria becomes, Africa becomes."

The Tijjaniya leader also expressed the group’s sincere gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his support, while praying for his safety and that Nigeria will overcome all its challenges. The VP promised to convey the Sheik’s warm greetings and appreciation to the President.

The Vice President then described President Buhari as a model of a leader who accommodates people of different religious backgrounds, citing his relationship with the President spanning over 7 years as a perfect example.

*According to him, “President Buhari is a serious Muslim and I am a pastor, both of us have worked together for about 7 years, we have not had any issues."

“The President has shown great leadership, he has shown that he wants a country where people of different faiths live in harmony and with love for one another.”

The Tijjaniya leader also prayed for peace in Nigeria, Africa and the world, and pledged his continued prayers for the Vice President and the country.

The Grand Khalifa of Tijjaniya worldwide and other members of the Movement across Africa converged on Gusau, the Zamfara State capital to celebrate the 36th International Maulid Anniversary in honour of the Movement's late leader Sheikh Ibrahim Niass.

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

*Much Ado about RCCG Politics Directorate*

Every now and then, when there is a national issue of discourse, some respectable persons make commentaries that make you laugh off your chair. This is the case with the announcement that RCCG, one of the biggest Pentecostal movements in the world was setting up a Directorate of Politics.

Expectedly, Farooq Kperogi, a supposed professor jumped on the subject matter, exuding high octane level of ignorance laced with crass insolence and naivety. For those who have been unfortunate to stumble on the garbage Kperogi writes, his latest gibberish on RCCG will come as no surprise.

I somehow pity the students at Kennesaw University where he allegedly teaches, I hope for the sake of humanity he follows the curriculum and not pass on his skewed mentality.

As for Dele Momodu, the founder of Ovation Magazine, he is a turncoat of the highest order. Having garnered one vote at his polling unit at his first shot, he has decided that propaganda, half-truth and ill research submissions will at least get him more than one vote. Well, that feat will be record breaking for him by all standards.

Now, to the matter of RCCG setting up a directorate for politics and governance. A simple search on the internet will help opaque-thinking individuals dissect why this is a long awaited move by any religious entity. For me to put things in perspective, a background to this subject matter is requisite.

In the medieval times, the church had massive influence on the state, politics and governance. In fact, the church was so powerful that the people respected and revered the pronouncement of the church over the government of the day.

In medieval Europe, the church and the state were closely linked. It was the duty of every political authority -- king, queen, prince or city councilman -- to support, sustain and nurture the church. The church was the largest landholder and added to its power by collecting taxes.

The influence of the church was beyond holding vigils, Sunday services and evening prayers. The Church had enormous influence over the people of medieval Europe and had the power to make laws and influence monarchs. The church had much wealth and power as it owned much land and had taxes called tithes. It made separate laws and punishments to the monarch's laws and had the ability to send people to war.

As a matter of fact, medieval churches were ornate and prestigious architectural buildings and had been the focus of Christian devotion in every town or village. The church controlled the people of Europe's beliefs and determined holy days and festivals. The people who worked in the church were some of the most educated people. It was one of the powerful institutions in Medieval Europe and even had its own hierarchy. The church, because of its large power and influence, caused the Christian religion to be the most widespread belief in the world. The remnants of the once powerful religion can still be found in many places to day.

But it didn’t stop there. Ever heard of Knights Templar? For those who have read some of Dan Brown’s works like Da Vinci Code, The Lost Symbol, Angels and Demons, etc, you will have an insight into how powerful the church was.

To legitimize the knights, on January 13, 1128, Pope Honorius II granted a papal sanction to the military order known as the Knights Templar, declaring it to be an army of God.

What RCCG has done is not new and it definitely will not be as groundbreaking as what the Catholic Church achieved but this is the catch; religious entities cannot continue to pray for a better Nigeria and stand aloof when it should actually be a part of the process.

After all, the Bible says “Faith without works is dead.” I think other churches and faiths should follow suit. They should encourage responsible involvement in the political process and should have structures that can help members contest elections. Hopefully, the churches will not be expecting to loot the country dry when their members are voted into office, hopefully the mosques will also not be expecting kickback when their members are voted.

If this is the price for people of integrity to emerge, then we can at least try it. The other ways have failed us. As for claims that the RCCG set this up for the Vice President, again it is beyond laughable. What happens if APC zones the presidential ticket to the South South, will Prof. Osinbajo claim to come from Edo or Delta state?

Who even told them that he will emerge APC presidential candidate? How many RCCG members are delegates in the APC? How many of them have PVCs or are registered to vote? Nigerians should pay very little attention to persons like this.

I wonder o

Congratulation sir

they are their own problem

Congratulations Kabiesi

WHY IBADAN REMAINS THE CITY OF MANY FIRSTS, OSINBAJO SAYS AT CORONATION OF 42ND OLUBADAN

*VP in Oyo State, graces installation of Senator Mohood Olalekan Ishola Balogun Ali-Iwo

*Adds: New Olubadan comes into office "better prepared than probably any monarch anywhere"

The uniqueness of the city of Ibadan transcends the rich culture of the Yoruba people and the politics of the South-West region as it is renowned for its many firsts; in education, sports, broadcasting, and even the birthing of the Nigerian nation, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this in his remarks today at the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Senator Mohood Olalekan Ishola Balogun, Ali-Iwo (Alli Okunmade II), in Ibadan.

Highlighting the uniqueness of the city and its impact on the lives and livelihood of the people, the Vice President said “Ibadan was and has always been a city on a hill, a place of refuge and a realm in which individuals could rise by the grace of their talents, on merit and their diligence.

“It embodies the values of openness, diversity and high achievement. It is therefore not surprising that Ibadan is a city of many firsts.”

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “it was in this city that the call for Nigeria’s independence from British rule first resounded. The people of Ibadan bore witness to the exploits of iconic nationalists and leaders such as Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, our country’s first President and the sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was Premier of the Western Region for a time that is widely regarded as the region’s golden age.

“Ibadan became the hub of politics in the then nascent nation and the capital of the Western Region. It was and is still acknowledged as the political headquarters of the entire South-West Nigeria.”

In the field of broadcasting, sports, education and infrastructure, the Vice President said “it is home to the first indigenous TV station in Africa. It is also the home of the Shooting Stars Sports Football Club (3SC) – the first Nigerian club to win an international trophy – the African Winners Cup in 1976.

“This is the home of the first university in Nigeria, –and for many years the iconic Cocoa House was the tallest building in Nigeria standing as a towering edifice dominating the city’s skyline – a powerful visual reminder that Ibadan inspires us to ceaselessly strive for greater heights in every endeavour.”

In the management of its traditional institution, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “Ibadan is unerringly unique. As we all know, whoever would become an Olubadan must climb 23 chieftaincy steps from either of two lines: the Civilian and the Military. But it is its predictability, and orderliness that ranks it among the most peaceful and unique ascension protocols anywhere.”

The Vice President who spoke after Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde presented the staff of office to the new Olubadan, urged the Oba to remain diligent in taking on the duties and responsibilities bestowed on him, noting that “it is a heavy obligation of history that the privilege of your ascension to the throne of your fathers now places upon your shoulders.”

While congratulating the new monarch on his coronation, Prof. Osinbajo assured the people of Ibadan that the Olubadan possesses all that will be required to discharge the duties of the throne, stating that “your shoulders are broad and sturdy as you come into this office better prepared than probably any monarch anywhere.”

His words: “Everything in your remarkable life and times, your abiding dedication and love for the people of Ibadan, your breadth of intellect, the openness of mind and largeness of heart has inexorably led to this auspicious day of your crowning as the Olubadan of Ibadan. And will serve you well on the throne.”

Present at the event were notable traditional and political leaders from the South-West region and beyond, including former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Governors of Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi; Ogun, Dapo Abiodun; Kano, Abdullahi Ganduje; some deputy governors and members of the Federal Executive Council.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Lamidi Adeyemi III; the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, His Emminence, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar; the Emir of Kano, HRH, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; the Etsu Nupe, HRH, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, among others.

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

best of all

He's the best man for the job

Asiwaju is never Osinbajo's benefactor, stop saying rubbish

Many happy returns

Happy birthday prof

We dey wait

Happy birthday sir

Happy birthday sir

Consistency is the key

This is what am talking about, we must get it right o

RESTORING DISPLACED NIGERIANS IN NORTHEAST IS AN URGENT ASSIGNMENT – OSINBAJO

*Adds: The President wants results

*VP chairs inaugural meeting of Presidential Committee on the Repatriation, Returns and Resettlement of Displaced Persons in the North-East


The safe return of Nigerians displaced by the insurgency in the North-East from Cameroon, Niger and Chad will be treated as an emergency assignment, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Monday at the first meeting of the Presidential Committee on the Repatriation, Returns and Resettlement of Displaced Persons in the North-East. The Committee was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari on February 2, 2022 with the VP as Chairman and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State as Vice Chairman.

The meeting presided over by the Vice President had in attendance, Prof. Babagana Zulum; his counterpart from Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya; the deputy governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Idi Gubana; and Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, members of the Federal Executive Council, among others.

On the task ahead of the Committee, Prof. Osinbajo urged members to carry out the assignment with every sense of urgency, noting that the President wanted a committee with wide representation in order to be inclusive, and to be able to deliver, taking to account all the issues.

The Vice President then urged that the committee deals “with this task as an emergency. We simply don’t have the time to get into too much bureaucracy so that we are able to deliver on all of the issues.”

Prof. Osinbajo noted that while the committee will work with existing frameworks in the management of the issues, ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their communities must continue unhindered.

He said: “we should immediately do whatever it takes to commence the process of repatriating our people back home. Already there are several initiatives. We need to deal with all of that working as quickly as possible to achieve the terms of reference and of course, ensure that all other initiatives continue to run in the way that they are designed to run.”

The Vice President then assured that governments at both Federal and State levels will work in conjunction with other stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free repatriation exercise, noting that “there is no reason why we cannot return our citizens to their homes.”

The Vice President then directed the secretariat to commence work on constituting three technical working groups on the work plan, repatriation exercise and rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram combatants.

The committee will meet later to assess progress.

Other members of the committee present at today’s meeting included the Ministers of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq; Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd) and National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd). Others included the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba; Director-General, State Security Service, Yusuf Bichi; Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency, Maj. Gen. Samuel Adebayo; and the representative of the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

The representatives of the North-East Development Commission and the National Commission for Refugees, Migration & Internally Displaced Persons were also in attendance.

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

I'm loving this

Osinbajo 2023

Osinbajo YES Emefiele Capital NO

The truth is coming out. There's nothing stopping us now Osinbajo will run 2023

Nice one

SHIKENA

So colourful

Senior Advocate of the Masses

So colorful

Osinbajo is running

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

*OSINBAJO IN DELTA, VISITS OLU OF WARRI, OVIE OF UVWIE, SAYS COLLABORATION WITH TRADITIONAL RULERS IS CRITICAL NOW*

_*Olu of Warri to VP: You are doing a good job supporting the President, putting Nigeria first_

_*Buhari, Osinbajo always been there for us - Ovie of Uvwie_

_*VP attends Thanksgiving Mass to honour late Second Republic House of Reps member, Chief Ideh_


With the number of security challenges facing the country in recent times, the collaboration between traditional rulers across the country and Government at all levels is even more critical now so as to improve security nationwide.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this on Saturday in Delta State, where he paid courtesy calls to the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Dr. Emmanuel Ekemejewan Sideso; and the Olu of Warri, HRM Ògíamẹ̀ Atúwàtse III.

At both palaces, the VP, who accompanied by the Delta State Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro, and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Olumide Akpata, was welcomed with drumming, dancing and singing with much fanfare and in a festive atmosphere.

Before stopping at the palaces, the Vice President attended the Thanksgiving Service, in Effurun, Delta State, in honour of the late elder statesman and member of the Second Republic House of Representatives, Chief Patrick Emurode Sito Ideh, who passed at 95.

Speaking at the Palace of the Olu of Warri, the VP stated that, “the role of the traditional council, the traditional rulership in our country is absolutely critical to security; and I am happy that this is something that you also not only recognize, but accept as a major function of the traditional rulership.”

Aside from the major roles of the security agencies in ensuring security, the Vice President observed that traditional rulers in the country also have vital roles to play in their respective communities because of their moral authority.

“We recognize that the traditional rulership of our country holds a moral place in the live and esteem of our people, and it is that moral place that we, very frequently, have to call upon, in order to mediate some of the conflicts that give rise to the security challenges that we have,” he said.

The VP further highlighted the critical role traditional rulers in the State played in resolving disputes in oil-producing communities.

“For example, the deputy governor and I have worked extensively in some of the conflicts in oil-producing communities that had led to a decline in oil production, and we did so by going round to speak to various communities.… we were able to achieve results just because the traditional rulership took it upon themselves to be front and centre of mediating these disputes.

“I think that the times that we are in also calls for that kind of intervention; and I will respectfully urge you to take this on, as a major task, because, just as have been mentioned, our country depends a great deal on oil production,” he said.

While emphasizing the Buhari administration’s three-pronged focus on improving the economy, security and the fight against corruption, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “we also recognize, especially with security, that very few administrations, have been confronted with the plethora of security challenges that we have been confronted with.

“Frankly, when you look at the sheer number and range of those security challenges, it is evident that that it is necessary to have a leader such as President Buhari to be able to even take on those challenges.”

While again congratulating the Olu of Warri on his ascension, the Vice President stated that “the ascension to the throne of your fathers would be for the benefit of the community and nation."

“I want to say that the reason, first, is because you bring to this stool, not just the energy and farsightedness; but more importantly, your antecedents in business, in innovation and entrepreneurship. So, many are looking to see how this will benefit not just Warri but also our nation.”

Prof. Osinbajo thanked the monarch for the very warm reception, and also restated Federal Government's support for initiatives to improve lives of Nigerians, especially youths.

“We, the Federal Government, have several initiatives, especially initiatives for entrepreneurship and innovation for young people; not just in technology, but also in your area of oil and gas. So, there is a lot I hope that we will be able to do together,” he said.

In the same vein, at the Ovie of Uvwie’s palace, the VP acknowledged the role of traditional rulers, including the monarch, in keeping law and order and maintaining peace in all their communities.

“This was a place that was known for a bit more turbulence than many other parts of the state. But today, we see that it is a very peaceful community; a peaceful kingdom and it is all on the account of the fact that there is a moral orbit that only the traditional rulership can operate in; and even our laws; fidelity to our laws is really first and foremost, based on the foundation of people’s respect for law and order as proffered by the traditional rulership.

“Going by the track record that we see even in this kingdom, it is very evident that your role has been instrumental in keeping the peace here. We are extremely proud of the work that you are doing. I think it is a good example and a good way by which we can continue to propagate the importance of traditional rulers in governance in Nigeria.”

In his opening remarks, the Olu of Warri described the Vice President's visit as a 'homecoming,’ and thanked the VP for his good works as President Buhari's deputy and for 'putting Nigeria first.'

"We thank you for the good work that you have been doing; supporting the President and putting Nigeria first. Please be assured that our prayers are continually with you and with the nation in general.

"It is our prayer that the Lord who brought you here safely will take you back safely and in all your endeavours going forward as your administration finishes in the next one year. You will finish strong, you will finish well; and by the Grace of God, I am sure we will be seeing more of you in different capacities, and we look forward to that."

Similarly, the Olu of Warri acknowledged that traditional rulers should, indeed, be bridge-builders between government and the people.

He said, “We want to once again, present ourselves as the number one partners with the federal and state governments… we are looking forward to having discussions with the Federal Government and governments in general so that we are able to think outside the box to maximize the best for our people going forward.

“We, as a people, have always been law-abiding; we always work with security agencies and we will continue to do so. Please, let the President know that he can call on us and he has our full cooperation.”

In his remarks, Ovie of Uvwie thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice President for the respect they show to the country’s traditional institutions.

“That is the respect you have for traditional rulers; you have always been there for us. I am the Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Summit in Abuja. The last summit we held, you represented the President; you physically came and stayed with us throughout the summit. Not only that, you gave us a lot of advice during that summit; in my community, we are working on that,” he said.

Earlier at the thanksgiving service in honour of late elder statesman, Chief Ideh, the Vice President said Delta State and Nigeria has lost a true leader who embodied a “rich example of service, fidelity to truth and justice, high patriotism and a strong social conscience.”

The Vice President noted that the late Chief Ideh, “despite being well rooted in his community, remained very vested in the trajectory of his country and took on the mantle of elder statesman with the same dignity and grace that had defined his entire life.”

According to the VP, “If there is a single word that defines this great son of Urhobo Kingdom and Nigeria, it is, in my view, service. His life, laden with illustrious accomplishments of the highest order, was an elegant testament of his devotion to service. He earned his achievements through an unflagging diligence.”

“Chief Ideh’s dedication to his people meant that, for him, personal achievements were not enough. He had the skills, tenacity and the drive to have committed himself purely to his own enrichment and success. But he had the social conscience and moral intelligence that instead committed him to a much grander cause – that of the people of the Midwest Region and Nigeria at large."

Extending the warm felicitations of President Buhari to the family of the late Ideh and people of the State, Prof. Osinbajo said the President and himself “witnessed first-hand the breadth of the esteem in which he was held when he organized townhall meetings for us during the campaigns.”

At the time of his passing, Chief Ideh was the oldest legal practitioner on the Supreme Court roll call in the South-South region.

Commiserating with the family of the late Chief Ideh and the people of the State, the Vice President noted that the late elder statesman lived a life truly well spent.

*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*6th March, 2022*