₦airaland Forum

God bles the VP for the good things his doing

You can say that again

VP Osinbajo is working

Zulum is working

God bless them

VP et Zulum are doing a good job

Who will give Peter Obi ticket?

Senior Advocate of the Masses

A good one

Our own candidate for 2023

Religion leaders should speak more about the unity of men and women across the country regardless of their faith and ethnicity. God bless Nigeria

LET US WORK TOGETHER TO DETER COUPS IN WEST AFRICA, OSINBAJO TELLS UK, EU, OTHER GLOBAL BODIES

*VP also receives Worldwide Leader of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from US at Presidential Villa

*Urges faith-based organisations to preach unity among Nigerians

Following the tough stance by leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against recent coups d’etat in the sub-region, the cooperation of the international community including other global, regional bodies and financial institutions will concretize the efforts against unconstitutional changes of government and deter coup plotters.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this late Monday when he received on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, the United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Vicky Ford, MP who was accompanied by British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing.

According to the Vice President, “there is a lot of attention being paid to coups d’etat going on, especially in the West African sub-region, I think it is important that we take a closer look at how to prevent and deter coups detat and adventurers of various kinds who want to take over governments by force.

“One of the critical things which have been discussed at various ECOWAS meetings is how to cooperate with the rest of the world, bodies such as the UN, EU and some of the Development Finance Institutions to give our sanctions more teeth.”

“So, we think that if there is some cooperation at the multilateral level, we might be able to deter some of these coups. I think that it is an issue that we should engage even more on because it is troubling that one after the other, countries are experiencing coups detat,” the VP added.

Speaking on the government’s efforts in the area of energy transition and economic development, the Vice President restated Nigeria’s commitment to the post COP26 agenda while calling on the wealthier countries in the international community to fulfil their obligation, especially in funding gas as a transition fuel.

He commended the United Kingdom’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Plan, among other efforts to ensure growth in the economy and foster prosperity among the people.

Earlier in her remarks, the UK Minister for Africa, Ford, recalled the cordial relationship that exists between Nigeria and the UK, noting the need for improved collaboration in the areas of trade and investment, and green energy, among others.

She commended the excellent job done by the Buhari Administration with the Economic Sustainability Plan which has ensured a positive growth trajectory of the economy.

In another development, the Vice President also received at the Presidential Villa, a delegation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, led by its global leader, Elder Todd Christofferson who is based in the United States of America.

At the meeting, while welcoming the delegation of the global Christian denomination, Prof. Osinbajo urged faith-based organisations to speak more for the unity of the country and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

“I appreciate the social service works that the church (i.e the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) is doing in the area of clean water, immunization, and several other things. For faith-based organisations, it is an article of faith that you must contribute to the development of society.

“We need to also speak a bit more about the unity of men and women across the country regardless of their faith and ethnicity. We are at a time in our country where this message is very important. The message of unity, the message of saying that nations are built around people who believe in God and those who do not.”

On his part, Elder Christofferson who was accompanied by church leaders and their spouses from within and outside Nigeria commended the efforts of the Vice President in fostering unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians and noted that the church in Nigeria would, in the coming years, work to contribute to the growth and development aside preaching unity among citizens.

The VP also presided over a board meeting of the Border Communities Development Agency, BCDA, virtually earlier in the morning yesterday.

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

You are on point sir

Perfect duo

NIGER DELTA DESERVES CONSIDERABLE DEVELOPMENTAL GAINS, SAYS OSINBAJO

*How President Buhari is ensuring FG-State collaboration on infrastructure, inclusive prosperity

*"We want every person, in every corner of the country, to get a fair chance"- VP says as he flags off Oporoma Bridge in Angiama, Bayelsa State

*"Your name is being mentioned for very good reasons," Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council tells VP

One of the key objectives of the Buhari administration is ensuring inclusive prosperity, which is why the Federal Government is collaborating with State governments and increasing efforts towards ensuring the wholesome development of communities in the Niger Delta region, and across the country.

This was stated by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, on Saturday in Bayelsa State at the construction flag-off of the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, on the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road.

During his visit to the State, where he was received at the airport by the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the VP also paid a courtesy call on the Traditional Rulers Council in the State, ahead of the flag-off and the drive-through on the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road.

Speaking at the flag-off where the Vice President remotely pressed the buttons that spurred the construction, he observed that for a country with the population and geographical span of Nigeria, guaranteeing inclusive prosperity is a mandate for Government.

He added that this is especially so with “the rapid urbanization of the last two decades, the consequent pressure on cities, and the difficulties of allocating scarce resources, faced by governments at all levels, and across the country.”

Highlighting the importance of such infrastructure projects to a nation’s development, the VP said, “we must always find the commitment, innovation, and persistence to put in place the quality and scale of infrastructure needed, to give our people the productive and competitive edge to better their lives, and we need to do it as fast as possible.”

According to the Vice President, Niger Delta Communities such as Oporoma, Angiama - where the Bridge is now being constructed, and others across the region, are home to vast amounts of mineral wealth and natural resources, so they deserve to have considerable developmental gains to show for it.

The VP noted that the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge construction is a symbol for development in the region, and will have a far-reaching impact on the lives of the people in the communities.

"By facilitating easier access to places like Yenogoa and beyond with this bridge, we will be laying a foundation for development that will deepen commerce and create individual and collective opportunities for the people of these communities,” he stated.

Prof. Osinbajo further said that the President Buhari administration is committed to the wholesome development of the Niger Delta region, through its Niger Delta New Vision initiative.

“As a matter of urgency, we are well on our way towards correcting historical lapses in this respect, through the collaborative efforts of the federal, state, and local governments, each one putting aside personal interests, and doing the best they can for the communities which have undeservedly suffered for so long,” he emphasized.

The VP also assured the people of the “Federal Government’s full support and collaboration in every way possible. “You have not been forgotten, and this milestone is only the beginning of greater things to come,” he said.

Under the Buhari administration’s New Vision initiative, the region has witnessed significant development strides and projects, such as the ongoing Ogoni cleanup in Rivers State; the take-off of the Nigeria Maritime University; establishment of modular refineries across states in the region; infrastructure projects, including the 34-km Bonny-Bodo Road and Bridge project, the Warri-Itakpe railway line, among others.

Speaking about the importance of the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge and Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road to development across the state, Prof. Osinbajo observed that “there can be no inclusive prosperity without the effective linkages of communities and the effective facilitation of trade that roads like this provide.”

On how to ensure inclusive prosperity, the Vice President disclosed that, “Our ability to create an environment that allows each and every person, in each and every corner of the country, to get a fair chance at maximizing their potential, is one of the surest routes to sustainable economic development.”

He noted that the flag-off and completion of the project will unlock much commercial activities in Oporoma and neighbouring communities.

“The farmers and fishermen that will be connected to new markets as easier and more efficient logistics enable them expand their operations, employ more people, and provide better opportunities for their families; not to mention the improvement of security through an access road that circumvents sea pirates, and allows traders go about their businesses safely,” the VP observed.

He further pointed out that “no local economy in the world can survive by being isolated, as cities and towns thrive partly because they develop and sustain infrastructure that allows for profitable and free economic, social, and cultural exchanges.”

Noting the State’s potential, Prof. Osinbajo observed that “the challenge, historically, has been in getting the obvious potential of the State to match up to its lived realities”

While he expressed hope in the quality and timely completion of the construction, the VP commended Governor Diri for his doggedness in embarking on development projects.

“The breadth of the projects you have embarked upon and the thoroughness of their execution speak clearly to your unfolding vision and gives confidence that, in the near future, we will see a State gradually elevated to world-class status,” he said.

The Vice President also encouraged the people of the community to take ownership of the project, “and to work with the government to ensure that it is completed and maintained without hinderance or sabotage.”

According to him, “there are dreams on this side of the proposed bridge as it is flagged off today – dreams that it will be speedily completed, and that our people will thus be connected to all the possibilities needed to realise their full potential.”

During the trip, the Vice President was conferred with the traditional title of "Ebi-akubo-owei of Agia-Ibe" meaning, One who brings glory to the Land of Agie-Ibe.” The VP was conferred with the title by the Amanana-owei of Agie-Ibe, HRH Prof. Millionaire Freeborn Nestor Abowei.

Similarly, in his remarks during the courtesy call by the VP to the traditional rulers, the Vice Chairman of the State’s Traditional Rulers Council, the Obenibe of Epie Kingdom, HRM King Malla Sasime, thanked the VP for the visit, and said the VP’s name has been mentioned for many good reasons.

“Vice President, your name has been called for very good reasons; and the reason why your name has been on is, maybe, people think that you have been very good, and we appreciate your efforts in governance.

“If you come out for president (candidate), you will be a good material… we appreciate what you are doing, and we thank you for being a good vice president. We hope that you keep your relationship with Bayelsa in very good stead,” King Sasime, who spoke on behalf of the Council said.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
20th February, 2022

Who will not like Osinbajo?

We need Osinbajo to Rule us

Drip

The man doesn't play sith justice

You mean "Senior Advocate of the Masses "? the man is just too good

We are rooting for Osinbajo seriously.

Congratulations to them

ALL HIS LIFE, ALAO AKALA SERVED THE PEOPLE, COUNTRY – OSINBAJO*

*He practiced politics with an open mind, VP adds

*"Ogbomosho will miss the compassion of a trusted, revered leader"

The late Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala was a simple and humble man who practiced politics with an open mind, served the people and his country all his life, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo spoke on Friday in Ogbomoso where he graced the funeral service of the former Governor of Oyo State at an event also attended by State Governors, including Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, among other dignitaries.

The Vice President added that Alao-Akala "practically demonstrated what is possible when creativity and compassion are brought into governance."

“Alao Akala served the people and country all his life; from a career in the police force, to chairmanship of the Ogbomosho North Local government, to Deputy Governor and then Governor of Oyo State. He put everything into public service. This is why today the people of Ogbomosho, Oyo State, and the nation gather to pay him the high respects due to such a well regarded patriot and faithful servant of the people.”

The VP further said that the testimonies of many associates of the late Oyo Governor recalling his political sojourn, was evidence that “Otunba Alao-Akala was a politician who knew how to be a political opponent without being a sworn enemy.

“The good people of Ogbomosho and the nation will miss the kindness, compassion and love of a trusted and revered leader… whose political influence and reach went beyond party affiliation and multi-partisan colours,” the Vice President stated.

He further added it was not surprising, that "in any political calculation, everyone knew that wherever Alao Akala pitched his tent is where Ogbomosho will go, he was that highly regarded… His wide network is a solid reflection of the goodwill he enjoyed across political divides, ethnicities and faiths.”

Prof. Osinbajo recalled the broad smile and hearty laughter of the late Alao Akala, whom he described as “an illustrious political actor from Ogbomoso-land” who was able to strike and “sustain a deep connection with the people.”

“Everywhere he went in those days as Governor of Oyo State; you would hear chants of Oyato gomina! Oyato! For the benefit of non-speakers of Yoruba, they meant 'Governor with a difference!'

“Of course, there were a couple of things Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala did differently on assumption of office (from Jan 2006 to December that year, and then again from May 2007 to May 2011),” the VP recalled.

The VP stated that as governor, the late Alao Akala was able to significantly improve the State’s “Internally Generated Revenue (from a paltry N300m to a record N1b) within eight months of becoming Governor.”

Alao Akala also instituted impactful programmes like the home-grown empowerment scheme known as Community Link Advancement Programme (CLAP), Prof. Osinbajo noted, adding that a common refrain running through the glowing tributes paid to his memory was the attestation of his uncommon generosity.

“There is undoubtedly lot more to be said about his generosity in material terms and in things money cannot buy. At a personal level, I can attest to his generosity with time and counsel. I met him many years ago through his nephew, Prof Oyelowo Oyewo, SAN, currently Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Oyo State. And after becoming the Vice-Presidential candidate of APC in 2014, he was one of those I immediately turned to for advice.

“Being a battle-hardened veteran of the game himself, he must have been wondering if I had the stamina to cope. So, he went on to give me some unforgettable advice about what he thought I should do. Till he drew his last breath, Alao-Akala never ceased to avail me of his quality counsel and words of encouragement, by way of phone calls or pep talk whenever our paths crossed.”

The Vice President, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, the government and people of Nigeria, expressed condolences to the Alao Akala family, while praying that God will comfort and uphold them.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Ogun State, Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimat Salako-Oyedele; her Oyo State counterpart, Chief Rauf Olaniyan; members of the National Assembly; Youths and Sports Development Minister, Chief Sunday Dare; the President of the Nigeria Baptist Convention, Dr, Israel Akanji, who delivered the sermon at the service, and Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
19th February, 2022

Drip����

May his soul rest in peace

REFORM WORK IN PROGRESS, EXPECT REAL JUSTICE SYSTEM CHANGES, OSINBAJO ASSURES

* Service conditions of judges must be good enough, befitting-VP

*Calls for imposition of severe costs for delays in administration of justice

Challenges affecting the administration of justice in Nigeria are being addressed and "there is much hope for the positive reform of the system as more result-oriented work is going on and some real changes expected", according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Friday evening at the 20th year memorial anniversary symposium in honour of a resoundingly successful legal practitioner, Mr. Bankole Olumide Aluko, SAN, themed, "Administration of Justice: the Ideal Standard, the Nigeria Reality and Our Potential."

The Vice President who spoke on the issues of judicial appointments, delays in the dispensation of justice, democracy, and digitization in the judiciary, among others, noted that "the administration of justice system is the foundation of law and order, commerce and democracy."

On the delay of justice delivery, the VP submitted that addressing delays should "involve imposing sanctions by a more intentional regime for the award of adverse and wasted costs."

"The court is a taxpayer-funded public resource. The wasting or abuse of its finite time and resources without strict consequence will eventually discredit the system.

"Adverse costs are paid to the successful party in a civil case and wasted costs are directed against legal practitioners for poor professional standards in the conduct of a case.

"Severe costs should attend adjournments, there is no greater waste of taxpayer’s funds than for a scheduled case to have to be adjourned. It is only heavy costs that will discourage this malfeasance."

He noted that "certainty or predictability of judicial outcomes is one of the major strengths of the common law."

Regarding the impact of the law on democracy, Prof. Osinbajo noted that "the democratic rights of the people and their confidence in the notion of a government of the people, by the people, for the people, suffers when the system of electoral justice fails to see itself as a handmaid of the democratic process."

Citing the decision of the Supreme Court in the 2019 elections in Zamfara State to buttress his point, the VP noted that "to make sense, judicial decisions and reasoning must in most cases meet the common notions of fairness and justice.

"The system of justice must recognize the larger principles that it serves. In judicial interpretation, the spirit is as important as the letter of the law. Otherwise, judicial decisions become technistic applications far removed from common sense.

"The notions of justice that would meet public expectations of fairness and equity are those that promote substance over form. The observance of technicality over merit will always alienate the system of justice from the people it is meant to serve."

On the expectations from judicial officers, Prof. Osinbajo said "while we ask for the best from our judicial officers, we must equally ensure that the conditions under which they operate are not only befitting but are good enough to attract the best of minds in our profession."

In addition, the Vice President said the institution and infrastructure remain key to reforming the system, stating that "the judge is, of course, central to how our system of justice works. It is the court, not counsel that must determine the pace of cases."

On the process for judicial appointments, the VP stated that the robustness and transparency of the processes in other jurisdictions "provide comfort to the candidates of the fairness of the selection process; and enable the public to have front-row seat in some of these processes", arguing that such a process be replicated in Nigeria.

The VP extolled the late Aluko's mastery of his craft, highlighted his varied abilities, and praised his contributions to the legal profession in the country. He described him as a truly iconic figure and recalled that "he was always my preferred lawyer."

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
19th February 2022

Thank you for all you donProf

May his soul rest in peace

Yoy mean Osinbajo who is Buhari’s favorite? Adeyanju is spitting rubbish

Nigerians are talented!

NEC BRIEFED ON PLANS TO INCREASE GOVERNMENT PATRONAGE OF LOCAL VEHICLES

*NNPC assures of adequate PMS supply by next week

*30 vessels to deliver an additional supply of 2.3 Billion litres of PMS into the country till month-end February, 2022

*5 States/FCT ahead in 70% COVID-19 vaccination target by Dec. 2022

The National Economic Council (NEC) has resolved to encourage the growth of the automotive industry in Nigeria by improving patronage of locally manufactured vehicles, just as the Council got assurances that the current fuel situation in parts of the country would be resolved by next week.

Both of these issues form part of the discussions at this month’s National Economic Council meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, with Governors, Federal Ministers and top officials in attendance. NEC is composed of all 36 State Governors, the Central Bank Governor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory alongside some other members of the Federal Executive Council.

Briefing NEC on the benefits of locally manufactured vehicles in the country, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, said despite the potentials, the local automotive industry has been significantly plagued by several challenges such as weak demand for locally assembled cars, as well as lack of government patronage which could have assisted the assemblers in achieving economies of scale.

Also, Council received an update on the Covid-19 vaccination by the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, calling Council to note that by March next month, the country needs to reach 50% of eligible vaccination at least for the first dose. Then, by December this year, the plan is to achieve 70% full vaccination rate.

He added that 5 States including FCT are hitting the mark, the States being Nasarawa, Jigawa, Ogun, Osun and Kwara.

Council resolved that State authorities should prioritize vaccination of citizens against the disease and that since Lagos, and FCT carry the highest-burden, whatever support is necessary should be made available to them.

Below are other highlights from today’s National Economic Council meeting:

NEC OF THURSDAY 17TH FEBRUARY, 2022 (2ND IN 2022) 123rd MEETING

FINANCIAL UPDATES:
THE HONORABLE MINISTER OF STATE FOR BUDGET AND NATIONAL PLANNING GAVE COUNCIL AN UPDATE ON THE UNDER LISTED ACCOUNTS AS FOLLOWS:



1. EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT (ECA)



BALANCE AS OF 16TH FEBRUARY, 2022 STANDS AT

$35,870,622.30


2. STABILIZATION ACCOUNT


BALANCE AS OF 16TH FEBRUARY, 2022 STANDS AT


N30, 503, 586, 767.76


3. DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ACCOUNT

BALANCE AS OF 16TH FEBRUARY, 2022 STANDS AT



N 51,035,959,035.44


PRESENTATION FROM THE NCDC ON STATE PERFORMANCE REPORT ON OUTBREAK OF COVID-19 IN NIGERIA

Situational report on the outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria as of 17 February, 2022 showed the total number of cases at 254,091 while the number of cases tested was 4,233,363. The active cases is put at 20,493 while 230,457 cases were discharged and the number of deaths was put at 3,141.

The Council was also informed that cases have declined by 58.6% over the last 6 weeks with only 2 deaths in the past 2 weeks. The NCDC presentation noted that the Centre has engaged health facilities across the federation especially tertiary health facilities in other to curb the death of health workers due to Covid-19.

Implementation and enforcement of the COVID-19 health regulation 2021 signed by President Muhammadu Buhari is in progress to:

*Increase State COVID-19 sample collection and testing.

PRESENTATION ON THE NIGERIA JUBILEE FELLOWS PROGRAMME (JEP) BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY, TRADE AND INVESTMENT OTUNBA NIYI ADEBAYO

Council was called to note that: 60% of the Nigerian population is under 35 years of age and by 2050, Nigeria’s population is expected to double (becoming the 3rd largest country in the world) with over 13.8 million youth within the labour force bracket.

The Minister introduced the Jubilee Fellows Programme as one of the measures to address the increasing population of unemployed youths. The programme will:

· Connect 20,000 graduates annually to opportunities in Private and Public Sector Institutions

· Create a talent pipeline for Private & Public Sector to draw from

· Provide a platform for high level public & private sector policy dialogue on Employment Creation & Talent Management, etc.

Deployment of the programme's Cohort and First Placement is expected to be done by April 2022.

Current numbers:
*116,763 applications from prospective fellows received
* 5,898 Private Sector Institutions Expressed interest to Host Fellows

* Financing: Goal to mobilise $260 Million over the five year Programme period.

*Already EU has committed 44Million Euros into the Fund.

PRESENTATION ON THE BENEFIT AND IMPACT OF PROCURING LOCALLY MANUFACTURED/ASSEMBLED VEHICLES BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY, TRADE AND INVESTMENT, OTUNBA NIYI ADEBAYO & DG, NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, NADDC, MR. JELANI ALIYU

The Nigerian Automotive Industry has been identified as one with a catalytic effect on the economy.

Council was therefore called to note that: the industry has achieved the following:

· US $1Billion in Foreign Direct Investments

· 63 Licenses issued

· Over 30 Active Assemblers

· Demand for 400,000 vehicles per Annum

Despite the potential, the industry has been significantly plagued by several challenges such as weak demand for locally assembled vehicles due to:

· Lack of Government patronage to assist assemblers in achieving economies of scale; and

· Insufficient vehicle credit financing to stimulate private off-take.

Therefore, the Ministry hereby urges the State Governments to support the quest of driving Nigeria’s industrialization agenda and job creation aspiration.

Benefits of the Automotive industry:
· Catalyst for driving mass production, local content and transfer of skills and knowledge:

· Potential to stimulate growth in other sectors such as asphalt, wood gasoline and road construction;

Impact of Government’s patronage:

· Enable Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), achieve economies of scale and drive assembly capacity upwards;

· Stimulate economic growth in other sectors such as road construction


· Prevent fledgling auto assembly companies and downsizing of staff, therefore mitigating capital flights and development of other countries.

· Africa accounts for about 30% of the global Automotive Industry despite its strong demographic profile.

Significant growth is expected to be witnessed in the African vehicle market due to demographic trends, low current base and AFCFTA impact

State Governments can utilize Locally Assembled Vehicles in addressing some of the challenges facing the Public Transportation System.

PRAYERS TO THE COUNCIL

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment hereby:

 Seeks the support of the National Economic Council in obtaining the firm commitment of the Executive Governors to procure locally assembled vehicles.

 Use same to address the burden of the public transportation system on citizens for official use by the States and for personal use.

Council welcomed the Prayers and accepted them as recommendations. It was also stated that it is important to know why former policies and automobile companies failed so that past mistakes are not repeated.


NNPC’S PRESENTATION OF UPDATE ON PMS SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTION:

PMS Supply Sufficiency (As of am 17th February -2022)

*30 vessels to deliver an additional supply of 2.3 Billion litres of PMS into the country till month-end February, 2022

*NNPC as the supplier of last resort has continued to sustain adequate petroleum products supply and distribution to the Nation despite challenges associated with the unending waves of pipeline vandalism, product theft and Cross-border smuggling of PMS

QUEUE SITUATION REPORT AS AT 7:30am 17/2/22

NNPC’S strategy is on for restoring stability in PMS supply and distribution by:

 Boosting Incoming PMS Supplies

 Recertification and Release of In-country PMS Stock

 Enhancing Distribution Management

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

We are for Osinbajo

You are talking in the rubbish, Osinbajo will get it by God's grace

"OSINBAJO & BABA BUHARI, WE HAVE COME WITH THE SONG AGAIN" - KANNYWOOD STARS

*VP receives delegation at Presidential Villa, thankful to God for an honest President, fantastic country

*Adds: Nigeria’s most important resource is human capital

They sang indoors and outdoors at the Presidential Villa yesterday evening but the tune and lyrics were the same: President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration has done well and his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is the President's 'personal person.'

A large delegation made up of notable artists, musicians, entertainers and creatives from the Northern parts of the country paid a courtesy call on the Vice President with commendation for the administration while also tabling their requests to further spur their industry.

While receiving the delegation, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated that a country’s most important resource are its human resources, and Nigeria must place a premium on this because its talents are the country’s biggest export and significant investment.

Prof. Osinbajo said this on Wednesday evening when he received at the Presidential Villa, the Kannywood delegation.

They came under the auspices of a group named 13 x 13 Awareness Group led by Kannywood personalities, such as Alhaji Dauda Adamu Rarara, its President and Yakubu Mohammed, spokesperson, among several others.

During the meeting, the Kannywood group delivered a special song filled with commendation for the work and accomplishments, while also chorusing that Prof. Osinbajo is together with "Baba Buhari." The song was led by Yusuf Haruna, a.k.a Baban Chinedu, a Muslim actor who features as an Igbo character in films.

The lyrics of the song sang in Hausa is translated into English thus:

Verse: "Youths, everyone, come out, from the cities to the rural areas, let’s do Osinbajo and Baba Buhari.

In the past, we brought you this song, now we have come with the song again, Osinbajo and Baba Buahri. Buhari is fixing the country for us”

Chorus: Osinbajo of Baba Buhari.

The Kannywood actors praised the leadership, dedication and wisdom of the Buhari-Osinbajo administration.

Emphasising on the need to pay more attention to the country’s human resources, the Vice President noted that Nigeria’s creative sector is one of the most vibrant anywhere, observing that Nigeria’s impressive array of talents across the creative sector needs to be showcased more to the world.

Pointing out some of members of the delegation whose works he had encountered such as veteran Kannywood actor, Rabiu Rikadawa, among others, in the room yesterday, the VP said, “I think one of the best things that our country has is talent, very solid talent. Sometimes we make the mistake of not exhibiting our talents enough, not showing off our talents enough and it’s a big mistake because this is our best resource.”

He stated that some countries do not have any mineral resource, but their best export is their human resource, adding that the creative sector is a very powerful tool of influence in any nation, and can be used effectively to advance social causes and nation building.

According to the VP “when you look at our country, here is a fantastic country, with talents from every corner, but it can also be a place where people are just fighting, quarrelling over nothing; whereas we can bring, with the power of what you are doing, we can bring people together, we can bring all our people together.

"If you look at sports, if you look at entertainment, they can bring people together. And we must use it to bring our people together, we must use this talent to bring our people together.”

“I like the film industry. I enjoy comedy, I enjoy songs in whatever language, and I’m sure there are so many who are interested. Even sometimes looking at a video when you don’t even speak the language, you look at a video you’ll laugh because you know that it is funny.

“So, sometimes it does not matter the language in which it is delivered, people will laugh so long as it is funny. I think that you have a very strong weapon - the creative industry, has a very strong weapon - drama, music, comedy, these are very powerful and you can use them to do so many things and we must use it to do so many things.

“The usefulness of your talent is not just for a small set of people, but it is for everybody because your contributions are very important,” the VP stated.

He expressed happiness “to see all of us who are here, people who are using their talents to invest as they can.”

The VP then discussed how the entertainment industry can be supported to do even more. His words: "we can do more, if we are supported, supported by government, supported by the private sector, but the question is how, how are we going to do that? I want us to take this meeting seriously so that we can have a meeting to advance what we have been talking about.”

Despite the challenges of insecurity, insurgency, the Vice President stated that Government would continue to explore ways to support the creative sector and improve other aspects of national life.

He stated how despite two recessions and the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has shown firm resolve and commitment towards improving the economy and welfare of all Nigerians.

Prof. Osinbajo noted that the Buhari administration will continue to ramp up efforts to improve security across the country.

“We are still fighting insurgency, Boko Haram insurgency and ISWAP, then we have banditry here and there in the North-West and things like that. All of these have occurrences in the life of a nation. Every nation runs into trouble, but it is the government at the time that must take the responsibility."

He also emphasized on the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to better the lot of the country, noting that the President is a honest leader.

“We are very fortunate that God gave us a leader like President Muhammadu Buhari at the time we are facing. And the reason why I say so is because, you see, if we don’t have a steady hand, matured person who understands a lot of things and who is respected by the people, there will be more chaos and we won’t even know where this will end.

“We must continue to thank God that at least we have a leader who is considered honest all across the country, everybody knows that he’s a man of his words, no matter where you are in the country, you know that he’s a man of his words, you know he’s honest and you know he is not stealing the resources of the country.”

The leader of the delegation Alhaji Rarara recalled how some of the delegation members including himself, have been actively supporting the Buhari administration. He also praised the government for many of its laudable programmes that has touched so many people but added that more needed to be done.

"We know both yourself and the President are committed to the people and are alligned. That is why we are still with you."

In his remarks on behalf of the group, Yakubu Mohammed, the spokesperson also added that the group has been supporting the Buhari administration and will continue to support the government. He solicited for government assistance in helping to address some of the challenges the industry is facing especially in the area of financial enablement.

He said the activities of the group are funded solely by its members, but lamented that their industry is lagging behind. In specific response, the VP said he is looking forward to working with the group to resolve the challenges of the industry.


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