₦airaland Forum

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Osinbajo 2023

Declare already sir, we dey your back.

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Reno Omokri is useless now

Who will not love Osinbajo? Our own Senior Advocate of the Masses

Reno Omokri isn't serious nah

Who will not like Osinbajo?

Osinbajo 2023

Osinbajo will lead us in this country

Nigeria, EU To Work On Digital Economy, Explore Raising LNG Supply To European Countries
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It is a relief that the European Union (EU) supports the view canvassed by Nigeria that gas be considered a transition fuel as the global community moves towards net-zero emissions targets.

Nigeria's Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, said this while receiving at the Presidential Villa last night, a delegation of the European Commission led by its Executive Vice-President, Margrethe Vestager, who is currently on a visit to the country.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, "we are relieved to hear of the EU's support on gas as a transition fuel. It's some bit of relief." Nigeria has been in the forefront of the international advocacy on the issue and the Vice President has spoken and written about it in different international forums.

Issues discussed at the meeting included the use of Digital Technology, Trade and Investment. The importance of the energy relationship between Nigeria and the EU also featured, while a consideration of all options for increased supply of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) from Nigeria to the EU was agreed to, following a request from the EU. A technical meeting on this will be convened shortly.

The European Commission’s Executive VP informed Prof. Osinbajo on the announcement by President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, of a Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package worth €150 billion.

In that context, she announced an EU-Nigeria Digital Economy Package of at least €820 million until 2024. The package will help enhance secure connectivity, digitalise public services, support entrepreneurship and build digital skills, while developing a human-centric, democratic governance framework for technology.

Welcoming on the EU Digital Economy support, which the VP described as impressive, he noted that the use of Digital Technology is crucial in Nigeria's recently released National Development Plan.

#EU #europeanunion #osinbajo #akandeoj #nigeria #LNG #africa #margrethe

He will definitely run

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS ARE THE REAL EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS FOR INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING---OSINBAJO

The achievements of the alumni of any place of learning are the “real evidence of the success” of that institution particularly its contribution to the growth of society, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Saturday evening in Lagos at the reunion dinner of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, tagged “The Great Homecoming.”

The Vice President, in his remarks at the dinner, reeled out notable achievements by some alumni of the University of Lagos Law Faculty in several areas of professional endeavours including sports, entertainment, fashion and at different levels of legal practice.

He cited the Lagos Judiciary as an example noting that “it cannot surprise anyone that we (University of Lagos Alumni) have consistently produced the Attorneys-General in Lagos State, the heart of legal practice in Nigeria.”

According to the Vice President, “the real evidence of the success of a place of learning and inquiry is the success of its alumni. The reputation and goodwill of the alumni is the rationale for the prestige of the school.

“We must all be proud of the remarkable array of alumni of the UNILAG Faculty of Law and their great achievements, not just in law but in practically all fields of human endeavour.”

BELOW IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT’S REMARKS:

SPEECH DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, VICE PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS LAW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DINNER EVENT ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2022.

PROTOCOLS

I congratulate the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, its management, staff, students and alumni on the successful series of events that commenced on Wednesday. I must commend the National Executive Committee for organising this great reunion of some of the finest Akokites and Africa’s best minds here in this room.

Let me specially thank the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Ige Bolodeoku, for the invitation to come home. UNILAG is home not just because I spent the formative years of my university education, as well as the vast majority of my career in academia there, but also because home, as they say, is where the heart is. And this should hardly surprise anyone.

Everywhere you go, there is something, always something, that keeps your heart calling back to the University of Lagos. The real evidence of the success of a place of learning and inquiry is the success of its alumni. The reputation and goodwill of the alumni is the rationale for the prestige of the school. We must all be proud of the remarkable array of alumni of the UNILAG Faculty of Law and their great achievements, not just in law, but in practically all fields of human endeavour.

Let me take you on my own inexact compilation (and I apologize in advance for those I may inadvertently leave out.) The UNILAG Faculty of Law has by the quality of its alumni defined legal practice in Nigeria.

At the apex of the Nigerian judiciary is Her lady-ship the Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and last year she was joined by the Hon Justice Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, both alumna of the University of Lagos, Faculty of Law. Before them, the late, Hon. Justice Niki Tobi also served in the Supreme Court, and many will know that Justices Inyang Okoro and Justice Amina Augie, first went to the wrong Universities but ended up doing their masters at the University of Lagos! (General laughter).

At the Court of Appeal is the Hon. Justice Obie Daniel-Kalio; Justice Patricia Mahmoud who was initially of the High Court of Kano where she served as acting Chief Judge of the State; the immediate past Chief Judge of Edo State, the Hon. Justice Esther Amenaghawon Edigin who was my classmate; the current Chief Judge of Lagos State Judiciary, the erudite Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba is a proud alumnus; and Hon. Justice Oyebiola Oyewumi of the Industrial Court is also a proud alumnus.

In the Lagos State Judiciary alone, there are Hon Justices: Yetunde Adesanya; Adenike Coker; Toyin Ipaye; Atinuke Oluyemi; Jumoke Pedro; Adedayo Akintoye; Dr. R.O. Olukolu; Idowu Alakija; Ronke Harrison; Toyin Odusanya. We have so many of them.

In the private bar, there is Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and possibly the wealthiest lawyer. He was the first of our alumni to be conferred the rank of SAN (I am not certain if that is correct, or whether it was Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN).

But Olanipekun is easily the leading constitutional lawyer in Nigeria. There is also the incredibly brilliant late Bankole Aluko, SAN. He co-founded what is probably Nigeria’s leading Law Firms Aluko and Oyebode, and there is also Femi Olubanwo, who is co-founder of Banwo & Ighodalo and recently won the Nigeria Law Firm of the Year Award.

There is of course, Dr. Wale Babalakin SAN, who founded the famous Babalakin and Co Law Firm and served as Pro-chancellor of the University of Lagos. Another senior advocate, Prof. Lanre Fagbohun SAN, served as Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University and led the celebrated transformation of that university.

In public service, both the 2nd and 4th Citizens, are products of this great Faculty: the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Rt. Hon Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Several former governors are alumni: His Excellency David Jemibewon, Governor of the then Western State; His Excellency, Gabriel Suswan served as Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Prof. A.A. Utuama served as Deputy Governor of Delta State.

Two of my most senior aides were moulded in the crucible of this great Faculty – Mr Ade Ipaye, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President and Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business – both former students and lecturers of this faculty. Dr. Oduwole was the holder of the Prince Claus Chair from 2013-2015.

We also have many notable traditional rulers, including His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, who ascended to the throne of his fathers after rising to the rank of AIG in the Police Force.

In the official bar, we have Chief Kanu Agabi SAN, who served as Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; Chief Christopher Bayo Ojo, SAN, also served as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. There is Mr. Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, who served as Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and he in fact held two other ministerial positions. Then, of course, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia served respectively as Nigeria’s Foreign Minister and Minister of Petroleum.

So, I am sure that it cannot surprise anyone that we have consistently produced the Attorneys-General in Lagos State, the heart of legal practice in Nigeria; in the first 20 years of the 4th Republic, beginning in 1999 when I served as Attorney-General, then Supo Shasore, SAN, and then Mr. Ade Ipaye.

His Excellency Prof A.A Utuama, SAN, served as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Delta State, and then went on to become deputy Governor. Then, of course, our dear former dean, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo SAN, who is currently serving as the Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. Adokiye Amaesimaka served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Rivers State. Only recently Gbolahan Adeniran served as Attorney General in Ogun State.

Some of our alumni have also excelled as both academics and highly successful courtroom lawyers. In academia, distinguished Prof Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, was legal adviser to the Chief of General Staff in the Abdulsalami Abubakar Administration. Dr. Muiz Banire SAN, was once Commissioner for Transport in Lagos State and Chairman of AMCON.

Of Senior Advocates, we have some who have excelled in so many different fields, including Mr. Fidelis Oditah who is the only one of us who is both QC and SAN, and Mr. Olusegun Fabunmi, SAN, and Dapo Akinosun, SAN, my former partner while I was with Simon-Coopers.

How about sports and entertainment? Adokiye Amesimaka while still here in the faculty played for Sharks Football club, Enugu Rangers and ACB, and was a member of the Nigerian national team that won gold at the African Cup of Nations in 1980.

Our alumni have also disrupted the entertainment industry, especially our women. Our own Bolanle Austen-Peters founded Nigeria’s first privately owned ultra-modern theatre, Terra Kulture, and she is the brain behind the dance-dramas - “Saro the Musical” and “Fela and the Kalakuta Queens”. Her feature film on the Ebola Outbreak - “93 days” was nominated in 7 categories and was the highest nominated film for the 2017 African Movie Academy Awards.

How about Funke Akindele! The world-famous “Jenifa”, an Academy Movie Award recipient and the producer of the movie “Omo Ghetto” - the highest-grossing Nigeria movie of all time. And another famous alumna Kemi Adetiba, who directed two blockbuster films - the Wedding Party and the King of Boys.

In the fashion world, Omoyemi Akerele is raising the Nigerian flag high and creating room for others while at it - she is the initiator of the Lagos Fashion Week - a fashion platform that drives the Nigerian and African fashion industry. And so many others doing exceptional stuff everywhere.

So let me end by congratulating the National Executive Committee of the UNILAG Law Alumni Association for a successful celebration. We are not first among equals. We are the first. There are no equals. Greatest Akokites!

Thank you, God bless you.

Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
13th February 2022

YOUNG NIGERIANS ARE UNDAUNTED, BELONG TO MOST GLOBALIZED GENERATION EVER – BUHARI

*VP represents President at convocation, delivers Visitor's Address at Federal University, Wukari

*"Your field of competition is not local but global," President adds

The Federal Government will continue to offer and support initiatives that would create wealth, jobs and opportunities for young Nigerians, while they themselves must also acquire knowledge and skills to innovate, create, be productive and contribute value so as to build their future and better the lot of the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented at the ceremony by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this on Saturday at the combined convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Wukari, in Taraba State. The VP delivered the Visitor's address.

In the address titled “A Great Future,” President Buhari encouraged Nigerian youths “to see the various challenges in our environment as opportunities for the creation of solutions, as we are a nation with a rapidly expanding population with attendant human sustenance needs."

Urging the graduating students to “make value addition” their motto, the President said: “You belong to one of the most resilient, dynamic and energetic populations on this planet – a people that are by nature undaunted by the challenges of their environment.”

The President's speech noted that the Nigerian can-do spirit is an inspiration to establish globally renowned industries and achieve great things, as it has earned many Nigerians international acclaim.

“This can-do spirit is why Nigeria is now home to the third largest film industry in the world and why we are the epicenter of a global and pan-African popular culture driven by the dynamism of Nigerian creatives.”

Noting the impact of young Nigerians in the digital technology space, the President said, “Our tech entrepreneurs and innovators are not just applying their talents to profit-making endeavours, but also seeking to address social problems.”

“Young Nigerians, such as yourselves, are pioneering new patterns of enterprise and wealth creation and, in the process, have established this country as the most vibrant innovation hub on the African continent.”

He added, "There are several unicorns and promising start-ups in Nigeria already… Many of these companies started business in 2015 and prospered in the midst of two recessions and the two years of COVID-19.”

On Government's continued support for various initiatives, the President highlighted initiatives such as the N75 billion National Youth Investment Fund; the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Creative Sector Fund and the over $600million investing in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, which the president approved recently.

The iDICE programme will support young techies and creative sector entrepreneurs through the provision of finance, skills development and infrastructure.

Also, President Buhari disclosed that the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme - which will last for five years and will be funded by the Federal Government, the UNDP and the European Union (EU), is set to begin.

Annually, the programme will provide 20,000 young graduates with fully-paid 12-month internships in reputable private and public sector organizations across the country.

The President emphasized that his administration recognizes that infrastructure is key to development, just as digital technology provides a pathway to accelerated growth.

He said, “So, we are on course to ensure broadband connectivity for all by 2025. We are also connecting the vast reaches of our country by investing heavily in rail and road infrastructure, because we recognize that the ease and speed with which people and goods can move is a key accelerant of economic development.

“In effect, we are opening new economic corridors that can enhance trade and enable access to markets. These ongoing projects are resulting in the creation of more jobs and increased economic activities in host communities.”

The President also stated his administration’s resolve to continue to support ordinary Nigerians through its Social Investment Programmes, even as he noted that “we have also dedicated a significant portion of our budget to social investments which cater to the poor and vulnerable.”

“Currently, the National Social Register of poor and vulnerable Nigerians has 32.6 million persons from more than 7 million poor and vulnerable households. For the first time in our history as a nation, we have laid the foundations of a social safety net for our people,” he disclosed.

Similarly, the President emphasised the importance of nation building and unity in diversity.

“Nation building is a continuous process, it involves all of us, it is not just about doing well at our jobs or innovation, or brick and mortar; it is about building bridges of brotherhood and unity.”

He urged young Nigerians to avoid being tempted by divisive sentiments and elements using tribe and religion.

“Let it be your generation that will bury those prejudices, heal those wounds and build a great society of brothers and sisters of all tribes and tongues.

"You belong to a generation of Nigerians ordained by momentous historical circumstances to play on a grander stage. You belong to the most globalized generation ever to walk this earth and your field of competition is not local, but global. You have come of age in the era of a worldwide marketplace of opportunity.

“Refuse to be consumed by the petty prejudices and biases that predispose you to mutual antagonism with your fellow citizens. You must refuse to be prisoners of history and commit to encountering the world with an open mind.”

The President then observed that one of the goals of establishing federal universities nationwide, just like the one in Wukari, was to “to bring Nigerians together in the same learning and social environments and strengthen the affinity between them.”

He further said, “In this Federal University, you have met and made friends with people from diverse parts of this country... The challenges that we are facing demand that we close ranks as a people; because, indeed, ‘a house divided against itself cannot stand.’

“One of the most profound lessons of history is that diversity is essential for growth. It follows, therefore, that promoting unity in diversity holds the very real promise of fostering a creative synergy of our constituent communities in ways that dramatically amplify our national performance.”

While he noted that Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy, President Buhari stated that the country’s huge population not only guarantees a huge market, but it is also an economic strength that would positively impact the lives of millions of Nigerians.

The President also applauded the University’s choice of honorary degree recipients. They include former Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Muazu; legal practitioner, Mr. Damien Dodo, SAN; and Chairman of Innoson Group of Companies, Chief Innocent Chukwuma.

He noted that they represent “the true spirit of Nigeria – hard work, diligence, resilience, creativity and the success that crowns it all.”

Earlier at the Federal University, the Vice President commissioned a number of building projects. He later also visited the recently enthroned Aku-Uka of Wukari, of the Kwararafa Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Ishaku Ada Ali, who is also the Chairman of the Taraba State Traditional Council.

While the Vice President congratulated the new ruler on his ascension to the throne, the Aku-Uka expressed appreciation for the VP’s visit to Wukari, which he said is the first of its kind in the area.

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

VIBRANT HOUSING MARKET WILL BOOST NIGERIA’S ECONOMY, PEOPLE'S LIVELIHOOD - OSINBAJO

*VP commissions housing units in Nasarawa, restates Social Housing imperative

*Osinbajo, a man of his word, has a heart for the poor - Millard Fuller Foundation

To address the issue of inadequate housing in the country, the Buhari administration remains determined in its vision to build a nation where low income earners have the dignity of a decent home and livelihood.

This will not only improve the quality of lives of Nigerians, but also boost the economy through a vibrant housing market.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this on Friday in Masaka, Nasarawa State at the commissioning of 248 housing units and commemoration of the 1,000th home built by the Millard Fuller Foundation, MFF.

Describing the commissioning as “a watershed event in the important work of providing housing for Nigerians who need it most”, the Vice President stated that “while the challenge of inadequate or no-housing undermines the quality of life of many Nigerians on low income, it also denies our economy and, therefore, our collective welfare the growth that is possible through a vibrant housing market.”

The Vice President emphasized that the Buhari Administration is taking the challenges seriously by addressing the concerns.

The most recent initiative regarding this is the N200 billion National Social Housing Programme under the N2.3 Trillion Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), which is aimed at delivering homes for Nigerians on low income, as well as providing jobs for the local industry.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, to ensure that these initiatives are sustained, the Federal Government is in the final draft stages of a comprehensive 10-year National Housing Strategy. The strategy is the first of its kind with input from the private and public sector players.

The VP disclosed that under the ESP Social Housing programme, which will create up to 300,000 homes, 18 States have so far given land for free, while 19,478 homes have been built, including 582 purchased from the Millard Fuller Foundation.

“We are negotiating another 400 homes with them,” Prof. Osinbajo stated, adding that “the one-bedroom self-contained costs N2 million and N3.2 million for the two-bedroom. We negotiated with Dangote, BUA and Lafarge to give the Family Homes Fund cement at 30% discount. So we now have low cost cement.”

Highlighting the Millard Fuller Foundation’s housing units in Nasarawa State as an example of private sector partnership with Government in reducing the social housing supply gap, the Vice President hoped that “it can serve as a model for many others to follow, with the potential for creating homes that are affordable to Nigerians on modest income, particularly our young people as they start out in life.”

The VP, who was received in Masaka, Nasarawa State by Governor Abdullahi Sule, later inspected the affordable housing units built by the foundation.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sule thanked the Vice President for finding the time to commission the housing units and “to share in the joy of the beneficiaries, especially those of the Fuller Foundation,” describing the gesture as a demonstration of the VP’s care for the people.

The Governor also commended the effort of the Federal Government in finding solutions to the challenge of affordable housing and gave assurances that the State Government is commitment to fixing the access road to the housing estate.

Earlier, Mr Sam Odia, the National Director of the Millard Fuller Foundation expressed appreciation for the Vice President’s presence to commission the housing units. He described the VP as a “man of his word, and a man who has a heart for the poor.”

He added that the foundation is working with the Family Homes Fund to advance the cause of social housing in Nigeria.

Also present at the event were the Managing Director of the Family Homes Fund, Mr Femi Adewole; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Infrastructure, Ms. Imeh Okon; officials of the State and Karu Local Government Council; the Etsu Karu, HRH Luka Panya-Baba; and representatives of partners in the project, among others.

The Millard Fuller Foundation was founded in 2006 and has been working on more inclusive housing for low-income Nigerians. The Foundation is supported by the Fuller Center for Housing Inc., USA, Selavip International, Belgium, Family Homes Funds Ltd, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ). The Federal Government’s N-Power programme also partners with the MFF "as an official building skills training centre."

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

OSINBAJO RECEIVES 2022 NUGA GAMES 'UNITY TORCH'

*Recalls how talents like Enyeama, Fasuba, Chukwumerije, others emerged from NUGA

*All Nigeria University Games show that every part of Nigeria is valuable - VP

Ahead of the commencement of the 2022 tournament of the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA), Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, today received the games' torch of unity, and recalled the exploits of great athletes discovered at previous editions of the competition.

The torch of unity, which is a symbol of the games, was presented to Prof. Osinbajo at a brief ceremony at the Presidential Villa earlier today.

The ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of Sports, Chief Sunday Dare, and Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, the host of the 2022 games, among other officials.

According to the Vice President, “Indeed, the socio-economic value of the NUGA games is not lost on us. For years, the Nigerian University Games Association has not only provided a space that allows us see the value that every part of the country has to offer, it has also provided a platform for the discovery and honing of individual sporting talent, many of whom have gone on to represent Nigeria successfully on the world stage.”

“We encourage the athletes who will be competing this year and representing their respective universities to do so proudly and in true sportsmanship. This is only a prelude to bigger achievements and greater laurels for yourselves and for Nigeria,” the VP added.

The Vice President then recalled the achievements of some athletes discovered at the games: “going through Nigeria’s sporting history and almost everywhere we have excelled on the global stage, you will find athletes whose talents were nurtured in our universities and given a competitive boost by NUGA at one time or the other.”

He said “the now legendary Nigerian goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, who we fondly remember for his role in leading the Super Eagles to victory in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, and who in his prime was considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, was once a university athlete and a proud product of NUGA’s talent pipeline.

“Olusoji Fasoba, who won 100 meters gold, running for the Obafemi Awolowo University at NUGA many years ago, eventually went on to anchor Nigeria’s bronze medal win in the 4 x 100 metres relay race at the 2004 Olympic Games, and until recently, was the African record holder in the 100 metres.

“And, of course, there is Olabisi Afolabi, the famed NUGA alumnus from Ilorin, who helped Nigeria to a silver medal in the 4 x 400 metres at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, the highlight of a very successful athletic career, which included gold at the World Junior Championships in 1994, silver at the 1999 All-Africa Games, and bronze at the 1995 All-Africa Games.”

Continuing, the VP noted that “how can we forget Chika Chukwumerije, a shining symbol of excellence and commitment to craft, who inspired by his gold medal-winning performance at the 2002 and 2004 NUGA games, would go on to represent Nigeria at two Olympic finals and earn us our first taekwondo medal at the Olympics.”

The VP also listed the “former Super Falcons Captain and goalkeeper Precious Dede; Nkiru Okosieme; Edith Agoye; Adeolu Adekoya who competed for UNILAG; the famous Mutiu Adepoju, who played for the University of Ibadan, and Seyi Olonfijana, who competed for LAUTECH once upon a time.

"Then there was Edema Fuludu who played for UNIBEN and became a key part of the Super Eagles winning squad in 1994; Akinshola Simeon and Aminat Ilori, both from LASU, who now play for our national Badminton team; Olumide Oyedeji who went on to become an NBA star and later captained the Nigerian national basketball team D'Tigers; and so many others.”

While commending the UNILAG management for the good job in preparing for a successful games, the VP restated the commitment of the Federal Government in sports and youth development, noting that “we are committed to ensuring that you receive all the support you need at every stage of your exceedingly promising careers.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Sports reiterated the commitment of the Ministry towards providing opportunities for young Nigerians to excel in their chosen disciplines, including sports, commending the support of the Vice President for youth and related issues.

“His Excellency, the Vice President is not only young at heart, but has actively supported and participated in every youth initiative, " Dare noted.

Recalling the VP’s parting words at a youth summit in November 2021, Mr Dare said, “I recall the final seconds of the speech which resonated not only with the youth in the hall, but youths that were watching us online.

“When you challenged our youths that, whatever happens you just have to move, you have to do something. Your Excellency, I want to thank you for your support for youth development in various ways.”
On his part, the UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ogundipe, said more than 10,000 students are expected to participate in the games scheduled to start on March 16. He also announced plans to boost commerce around Lagos, the host city, during the games.

“Today we brought the torch of unity to the Vice President who is also an alumnus of the University of Lagos and we are expecting nothing less than 10,000 students during this competition which will start, March 16 to March 26, 2022.

“Another thing is that we are going to showcase to the world that, apart from some of the negative things they read about this country, Nigeria is a country with talent and potential, that we want to exhibit.

The VC expressed appreciation to the VP, "for this opportunity. I want assure you that we are ready to put in the best competition and to revive NUGA.”

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the “torch of unity” and the NUGA shirt to the Vice President by the Games officials and the UNILAG VC.



Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
10th February, 2022

EVERY CHILD COUNTS, WE MUST INVEST IN OUR CHILDREN TO GUARANTEE SECURITY, PROSPERITY - OSINBAJO

*At-Risk Children Programme now in progress,started in five pilot States, Borno, Sokoto, Gombe, Kaduna & Ekiti

The only way to guarantee the long-term peace and prosperity of our communities is to invest in our children by providing opportunities for them to thrive and be productive within their chosen paths, thereby giving them hope for a better future.

These were the words of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, on Thursday during the Stakeholders Summit of the At-Risk Children Programme, ARC-P, at the Statehouse Banquet Hall, Abuja.

Prof. Osinbajo noted that the Federal Government has taken a multi-dimensional approach in addressing the challenges faced by the vulnerable in society, especially children and young people, nationwide, with various intervention programmes.

These include the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy Committee, which was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari with the objective of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years. The At-Risk-Children Programme (ARC-P), domiciled in the Office of the Vice President, is one of the initiatives of the Committee.

Speaking at the event themed 'Last Mile interventions for the Vulnerable', Prof. Osinbajo noted that the Programme “is the beginning of a journey to give succour and hope to millions of vulnerable young people.”

“The ARC-P is an important component of the variety of government interventions designed to complement and support existing initiatives of the Buhari administration in dealing with the problems of vulnerable children and young people,” the VP said.

Prof. Osinbajo noted that the central purpose of the At-Risk Children Programme is the idea that every Nigerian child counts, noting that the ARC – P “is aimed at giving a new lease of life to millions of children, who, through no fault of theirs, have found themselves without hope or support."

“A nation will be measured ultimately by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. We recognize that we cannot make progress as a people, while a significant population of our children – those to whom the future belongs – are left on the margins of society, deprived of the opportunity to discover and fulfill their potential,” he stated.

The VP added that the Programme “will provide a safe space for the mentoring and training of these children, with a specific emphasis on basic literacy and numeracy, health and nutrition, entrepreneurial skills, digital skills, sports and life-skills, among other skills.”

Highlighting other intervention programmes by the Buhari administration, the VP said: “In 2019, the President made two crucial policy statements. The first was the plan of government to lift a hundred million Nigerians out of poverty within a decade. The second was the strict enforcement of the laws on free and compulsory education for all children at the primary level. The President emphasized that it is a criminal offence in Nigeria to fail or refuse to implement the law.

“In the same year, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development was established to implement the highly successful Social Investment Programmes of the government, aside from responsibilities for humanitarian, safety and disaster management.

“In 2016, the Rule of Law Advisory Team was established in the presidency. One of the team’s main tasks was to ensure that, following the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, there is an effective coordination of responses to cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Since then, the team has supported the establishment of SGBV Response Teams across the country.”

Aside from the multi-dimensional approach of the Federal Government in addressing these concerns, Prof. Osinbajo called for a holistic collaboration by Government at all levels, Federal, State and Local, to produce more impact; especially since primary, secondary education and healthcare are constitutionally state functions.

The ARC-P, which has kicked off in five pilot States, Borno, Sokoto, Gombe, Kaduna and Ekiti, is also focused on training young, educated but unemployed youths from each of the Local Government Areas (LGA) on basic skills.

These diverse skills, including basic literacy and numeracy, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, vocations, agriculture, sports, life skills, digital skills – are expected to either prepare the target beneficiaries (children of primary age) for school or to enrol the older ones into cooperatives, for the purposes of pursuing their preferred vocations.

Commending the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investment Programmes, and the coordinator of the ARC-Programme, Hajiya Maryam Uwais, and her team, for their passion, hard work and commitment to the project, the Vice President also acknowledged and thanked State Governors of the pilot States.

He also acknowledged development partners, the private sector, civil society, that have identified with ARC-P in what he described as a “renewed effort to positively change the fortunes of youths and children At-Risk across the country.”

The VP further stated that “Local Government Authorities, as well as our religious and traditional institutions, have also been instrumental to the successful take off of the At-Risk-Children Programme.”

“We particularly commend the governors of the pilot states, Borno, Sokoto, Gombe, Kaduna and Ekiti, as well as other State Executives that have indicated interest in joining this multi-stakeholder effort geared towards restoring hope to millions of marginalized young Nigerian citizens all over the country.”

Prof. Osinbajo urged that all efforts by stakeholders across the different levels of government and society “must be aligned to work in tandem, especially because they need to be addressed in a manner that also engages with other deprivations around health and empowerment.”

Present at the event were State Governors: Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti; Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa; and Muhammadu Yahaya, Gombe. There were also members of the Federal Executive Council, federal legislators, heads of MDAs, members of the Diplomatic Corps, development partners, among others.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
10th February, 2022

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

*THERE IS GENIUS FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN EVERY CORNER OF NIGERIA, SAYS OSINBAJO*

_*VP attends Awards dinner in honour of Nigerian National Order of Merit laureates_

_*Adds: We must choose the best of us irrespective of any sectional, sectarian considerations_

Nigeria has tremendous human capital and talents across all its region, and we must ensure that we provide opportunities on a mass scale to enable all of our citizens actualize their highest potential.

These were the words of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, at the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA) Dinner held on Tuesday at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Prof. Osinbajo spoke at the event organized in honour of the 2020 and 2021 Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) recipients – Prof. Olayinka Olurotimi Olutoye and late Prof. Charles Ejike Chidume (2020); and Prof. Godwin Osakpemwoye Samuel Ekhaguere (2021).

The three distinguished Nigerians had earlier been conferred the prestigious Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) award by President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday.

The event was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Dr Olutoye was honoured for his unique contributions in the field of fetal surgery, Prof. Ekhaguere was awarded for pioneering new approaches in the branch of Mathematical Physics known as Axiomatic Quantum Field Theory; and Prof. Chidume was honoured posthumously for his outstanding contributions in Mathematics, Physics and Engineering.

Speaking at the Awards dinner, Prof. Osinbajo was of the view that the idea of merit and representation (by regions) are not mutually exclusive concepts, because “the Nigerian genius for achievement” can be found nationwide.

“Often in our national discourse, we tend to juxtapose the idea of merit with that of representation as though they are mutually exclusive concepts and it is suggested that there is an inherently natural disparity in the geographical distribution of talent.

"Yet what the distinguished array of laureates from all over our country that have been assembled over the years shows us is that the Nigerian genius for achievement can be found in every corner of our country," he said.

The VP stated that opportunities must be provided on a mass scale to enable "all of our citizens actualize their highest potential."

Emphasizing on Nigeria’s human capital potential and the need to pay more attention to the education of the girl-child, the VP stated that “in so doing, we will renew our pantheon of world-beating achievers in every generation and continually rediscover the human capital for perpetual national growth.”

In the same vein, the Vice President noted that the Awards’ representation over the years was a telling reminder of the need to pick Nigeria’s ‘first eleven’ for national tasks, irrespective of federal quota, tribe or religion.

According to him, the glittering cast of Nigerians that have received this Award over the past four decades was reflected more, not only by the variety of achievement, but also by their diversity of origin.

“The Award selection process is entirely indifferent to the confessional persuasions, ethnic origins or partisan allegiances of the recipients. It is sensitive only to the rarity and quality of their accomplishments,” he said.

This is the more reason why the VP emphasized the essence of rewarding hard work and talent, rather than sentiments and favouritism, in public service and every area of national life, in order to build a more advanced nation.

“Today’s awardees and their predecessors represent the zenith of accomplishment; their exploits tell us what we are truly capable of as a people, and the heights to which we would soar if we would set ourselves free from the gravitational pull of parochialism and prejudice,” he stated.

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo noted that, “If the pantheon of Order of Merit laureates reflects a representative meritocracy, is it not possible to apply the same standards in selecting those that we choose for leadership at all levels? Democracy grants us, not only the right to freely choose our leaders, but the opportunity to choose the best of us irrespective of any sectional or sectarian considerations.

“If we are to truly make their standards of accomplishment a mainstream phenomenon and our defining national trait, then we must apply the same principles that informed their selection in recruiting those that will represent this nation in every endeavour, whether it is in sports or the public service.”

Congratulating the Award Laureates and their families, as well as the Chairman and members of NNMA Governing Board and associates, the Vice President during his speech also recognized some past NNOM laureates present at yesterday’s event.

They included Prof. Augustine M.O. Esogbue (2006 NNOM Award Recipient in Engineering/Technology); Prof. Oye Gureje (2008 NNOM Recipient in Medicine); and Prof. Samuel Ohaegbulam (2012 NNOM Award Recipient in Medicine).

Also speaking, the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, congratulated the Awards Laureates for their overall economic, scientific and technological contributions to the nation’s development.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Governing Board of the Awards, Prof. Shekarau Yakubu Abu, said the Awards recipients have done exceptionally well in their various fields of endeavour.

“The awards are in recognition of Nigerians who have made national and global impact in their various fields. We are very proud of their outstanding contribution to knowledge, to the development of our nation and the world at large,” he stated.

Prof. Ekhaguere was present at the Awards dinner, while Prof. Olutoye was represented by his brother, Air Commodore Dr Olufemi Olutoye Jnr (retd.); and late Prof. Chidume was represented by his son, Mr. Okechukwu Chidume.

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

THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE IS WHAT HELPS BUILD A GOOD SOCIETY, OSINBAJO SAYS TO LAW TEACHERS AT BUK

*Visits family of murdered Kano pupil, Hanifa Abubakar

Democracy and social justice are vital structures required for nation building, because the pursuit of justice lies at the heart of the quest for a better society.

This is the more reason why the legal profession must maintain its integrity and ethos as it is one of the pivots civilization rests upon.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this on Tuesday, at the 53rd Conference of the National Association of Law Teachers, held at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), with the theme: “Law, Democracy and the Electoral Process.”

After attending the conference, the Vice President decided to pay a condolence visit to the family of the kidnapped and murdered Kano pupil, Hanifa Abubakar at Yankaba, Dakata Junction, off Hadejia road, Kano State.

The Vice President, accompanied by Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, some members of the National Assembly, including Sen. Kabiru Gaya, among others, were received at the residence of the slain schoolgirl, by her father, Alhaji Abubakar Abdulsalam.

During the visit, prayers were offered for the departed and the VP expressed condolences on behalf of the President and himself to the family, especially the deceased mother, Murjanatu, and the father, both of whom were present at the visitation.

On his part, Alhaji Abubakar, father of the slain schoolgirl, expressed gratitude to the President and the Vice President for the visit and the condolences to his family over the killing of his daughter.

The visibly emotional father of the deceased, who summoned courage to speak to the press described the Vice President’s visit as an honour to his entire family, praying for God’s blessings on the President, the VP and for peace in the country.

According to him, “I am rather speechless, I don’t have enough words to quantify my joy and gratitude over the visit of the Vice President to my family to condole me.

“As I told him, it should be the other way round, the Vice President is our father; we are supposed to go and pay him a visit, not him coming to us. However, I am grateful, I am sincerely honoured. The only thing I will say is to pray for him and the entire nation, that peace will reign.”

While declaring the conference opened earlier, Prof. Osinbajo noted that democracy and social justice are closely linked, adding that the cornerstone of democracy is the insistence that “our society must be governed by the rule of law and not the whim of man.”

“As law teachers and legal practitioners, we are custodians of this truth. However, democracy cannot endure without social justice,” he said, noting that “the pursuit of justice lies at the heart of the quest for the good of society.”

He continued, “This makes the legal profession one of the cardinal vocations upon which civilization rests. Indeed, law is an instrument of pacific social engineering, the end of which is justice. When it is rooted in this postulate, it follows that the law and therefore democracy, are meant to serve beneficial social ends.”

According to the VP, “a society in which an increasing number of people consider themselves alienated from legal institutions or perceive these legal institutions to be incapable of delivering justice for all cannot be stable and prosperous.”

Without social justice, legal justice is ultimately unattainable, Prof. Osinbajo stated, adding that “our idea of social justice also refers to the social and economic rights of the people.”

He said these rights, according to the Constitution, include the right to food, shelter, employment, education and a reasonable national minimum living wage, care for the elderly, pensions, unemployment benefits and welfare for the physically challenged.

“The degree to which citizens are in possession of their social and economic rights has a direct impact on the degree of their access to legal services and, thence, to justice. Our concern as teachers and practitioners of the law, therefore, must extend beyond the courtroom, beyond the precincts of our legal institutions, to the social reality in which these structures exist.”

Speaking on government’s role in ensuring growth of democracy and social justice in society, the Vice President noted that “the principle of the dignity of the human person implies that governments must be considerate, egalitarian and universal in the sense that they must serve everyone.”

Again, he stated that this cardinal principle was a major reason for the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programmes.

The VP said the Administration will continue to ramp up its efforts in social welfare and expanding universal health insurance to ensure "that our most vulnerable citizens are not abandoned to the vicissitudes of fate.”

Also speaking on the essence of democracy and the need to preserve democratic institutions in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, the Vice President noted that even as Nigeria has enjoyed 22 years of unbroken democracy, the country is still a young democracy.

“We have witnessed a series of peaceful transitions of power. This is a huge credit to the democratic sensibilities of our people. Along the way, we are learning valuable lessons that can only make us better practitioners of liberty.

“Many of our institutions are still in their infancy, and we must carefully guide them into maturity. We recognize that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance," Prof. Osinbajo observed.

He noted that the Electoral Bill now in process is testament to the Administration’s commitment towards improving Nigeria’s electoral process.

“The Bill itself has been the subject of robust engagement between the government and civil society. While some have expressed reservations about the time it is taking to enact the new law, we should remember that a truly inclusive democratic, deliberative process often takes time. I am confident that the legislation that emerges will be one that reflects a broad consensus between all the stakeholders,” he said.

The Vice President added that “while INEC continues to improve its capacity to conduct credible elections, particularly through the deployment of technology; we recognize that democracy is about much more than voting. It is also about constitutionalism, rule of law and respect for civil liberties. We must diligently work to uphold these principles.

“Our progress as a democracy must therefore also be prosecuted in terms of the struggle to reduce 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.”

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
8th February, 2022

May Almighty Allah comfort the family. God bless you for all you do Prof Osinbajo

OSINBAJO TO PROFESSIONALS IN POLITICS: PUBLIC OFFICE SHOULD'NT BE SYNONYMOUS WITH ACCUMULATION OF POWER, WEALTH

*VP adds: Nigeria must break paradox of collective underperformance amidst individual genius

Public office is an instrument of service and responsibility to the people and should not be synonymous with the accumulation of power, privilege and wealth.

This was the submission of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Professionals Forum’s Conference, which held today at the old Statehouse Banquet Hall, Abuja.
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According to the Vice President, professionals interested in politics and nation-building must turn the tide where “holding public office in Nigeria at any level is largely perceived as synonymous with the accumulation of power, privilege and wealth.”

He added that the professionals that would shape the country’s future in one way or the other are those that have the “understanding that public office is an instrument of service and responsibility to the people.”

The Vice President also observed that Nigerians must break the paradox of individual genius and collective underperformance, especially as the country has “many gifted, accomplished and remarkable individuals across all walks of life all over the world.”

“There is a clear mismatch between our individual quality and our national outcomes. We have not yet become greater than the sum of our individual selves,” the VP said.

In his view, the needed synergy between living up to the merits of professional calling and dedication to public service will produce the desired national impact.

“While it is true that we have several excellent individuals in various spheres of society, we must recognize that success in a country such as ours can no longer be defined in personal or individual terms…True progress is about reimagining our collective circumstances and creating an environment that enables prosperity for us all.”

“To this end, we must see ourselves as stewards of the common good who have been entrusted with the privilege of managing our collective destiny - the collective destiny of our people - for an allotted time. It is only through public-spiritedness and dedication to the common good that we can as a people truly become greater than the sum of our parts.”

Prof. Osinbajo stated that professionals in politics must also see beyond tribal, religious and other sentiments if they truly want to make significant impact in national development.

“There is no point in having professionals in politics if the professionals are driven by ethnic, religious and other parochial considerations. Because the whole point of professionalism is that you are defined by merit, by your professional acumen.

“The usefulness of professionals in politics is that you have people who are used to being assessed on the basis of their own achievements and who are unafraid to make competence the first advertorial of their acumen. In other words, professionals emphasize the role of merit in public life.”

He noted that an important advantage of having professionals in politics is lost “if we do not recognize that our role as merit-driven persons must be to fight the temptation of ethnic, religious and other parochial considerations in making the crucial decisions for the development of our nation.”

To further buttress his point, the VP said that: “nobody would place their lives in the hands of an incompetent doctor because they share the same faith or continue to patronize a dangerously inept auto-mechanic because they belong to the same tribe.”

This is why Nigerians must also especially refuse to be swayed by those whose sole argument for power is an appeal to sectional sentiments, the VP added.

“We must resist it and we must say “no” to it; otherwise, we fail in our professional calling,” he emphasized.

It is this common good that professionals, who are the elite in a poor society, must seek to pursue in their calling, the VP stated.

In his words, “the privileged or the elite, both individually and collectively, have a responsibility, an obligation to society to plan, organise, order or reorder it, and, above all, to make sacrifices for the maximum benefit of all.”

In what he termed as ‘the burden of privilege,’ the VP noted that “It is our expected role to find common cause across professions, vocations, ethnicities and faiths defining the minimum terms and conditions for the safety, security, growth and prosperity of our communities.

“It is the elite that define clearly what is lofty, noble, and deserving of honour, and how these values can be sustained, preserved and enforced.”

This obligation is a major reason why the Buhari administration is focused on the welfare of the common man, the VP stated, adding that the ruling APC developed its manifesto with that in mind.

He said, “It is indisputable that the heart and soul of the APC was and remains essentially Left of centre. In other words, a party committed, devoted to the common man.

“Our presidential candidate then, now President Muhammadu Buhari, was a product of the firm will of common man, not the product of an elite consensus. And despite elite collaboration or conspiracy, he repeatedly won elections and, at least, was able to deliver significant votes in every election since 2003.”

The Vice President highlighted how the APC developed and started the implementation of the largest social investment policy in Africa.

The VP further said that the Administration’s Social Investment Programmes, SIPs, has continued to feed over 9.5 million children in public schools daily, providing jobs for over 500,000 Nigerian graduates through the N-Power scheme, as well as microcredit loans for farmers, petty traders and ordinary Nigerians,

“Our opponents who are on the Right would argue that, “why are you giving money, why are you giving small loans to these people?” But they do not argue that in this same country, over N5 trillion is what a couple hundreds of Nigerians owed banks before AMCON was created. But we spent just N20 billion on 2 million Nigerians - traders and farmers etc, in providing them with micro-credits.”

Prof. Osinbajo disclosed that despite the challenges of overcoming two recessions and the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Buhari government, through its economic and social investment policies, has continued to ramp up its efforts in providing solutions to improving the economy and wellbeing of Nigerians.

Such policies include the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, the Economic Sustainability Plan, Ease of Doing business innovations and now the National Development Plan, which “focuses on value addition, across all sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, digital services, tourism, hospitality, sports, entertainment.”

The VP also noted the important role of technology in the development plan, even as he disclosed that “since 2016 Nigeria has developed 6 unicorns tech companies worth over one billion dollars.

“We believe that we can leverage technology and innovation to create the millions of jobs and opportunities which we would require now and in the coming years,” he said.

He added, “The President has promised to move 100 million people out of poverty within a decade, to provide good paying jobs for the largest number of Africans under the age of 30.

“We must educate millions of children, provide good healthcare for millions and a public health system robust enough to handle pandemics when they occur.”

Prof. Osinbajo also highlighted the efforts of the Buhari administration in addressing security challenges, noting that it remains committed to “ridding our nation of terrorism and gang criminality.”

Present at the conference were some members of the Federal Executive Council, APC Chieftains, and leaders of the APC Professional Forum led by former Bauchi State Governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda.

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

He's contesting oooo, ehnehn

BAMA INITIATIVE
BAMA INITIATIVE aimed at rebuilding lives and restoring the dignity of people and infrastructure (schools, roads, clinics, and so on) in North-east areas that were ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency. This was led by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo Acting as President, and Federal Government contributed 67 per cent of the funding, while Borno State provided the balance of 33 per cent

UNDER THE BAMA INITIATIVE
3000 new homes
About 10,000 houses were renovated
18 primary and secondary schools, (154 classrooms)
57 hand water pumps
Health centers,
10 police stations, and creation of Special Bama Squad for security and the recruitment of 1500 local hunters as Agro Rangers, among others.

https://thenewsguru.com/news/gov-shettima-lauds-fgs-efforts-implement-bama-initiative/

*2023: WHAT IS OSINBAJO UP TO?*

Bola Tinubu declared, Osinbajo began trending and his loyalty questioned

Peter Obi declared about a week ago, like clockwork Osinbajo is again the target of trolls.

It is all so interesting to me, particularly because the man being attacked has yet to formally declare to join in the race. And with Bola Tinubu’s hat in the ring, it is far from certain whether the Vice President will run.

Why then are we going berserk over one man? Why spare Dave Umahi, Orji Uzor Kalu, Bukola Saraki, Rochas Okorocha and others who have publicly made their intentions known and bother about one uncertain man?

Is it that:

1. With a daunting resumé now garnished with many years of administrative experience, Osinbajo is the commonly recognised threat to everyone’s ambitions?

2. Operation Defame Osinbajo is a consensual, proactive plan to so stain the man’s reputation that an attempt to join the race will be met with public disdain?

3. His impressive no-nonsense stint as Acting President is a red flag to those who intend to continue swimming in a cesspool of corruption and lawlessness?

Whichever it is, his silence is apparently terrifying to the camp of his political counterparts.

So is Vice President Osinbajo familiar with the popular Lao Tzu saying “Silence is a source of great strength” or Bruce Lee’s “The most dangerous person is one who remains calm, listens, thinks and observes,” or is he simply too busy fulfilling his duty as Nigeria’s number two man?

God bless you VP Osinbajo, Senior Advocate of the Masses.

A good news to start a new week�

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will announce his presidential ambition after the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention on February 26.

Sources close to Osinbajo’s strategy team hinted at the weekend that in spite of the ongoing campaigns against his currently rumoured bid for the presidency by some interests in the South-west, where he hails from, Osinbajo had made up his mind to give the presidency a shot.

According to ThisDay Newspaper, inside sources claimed, was the fact that Osinbajo had received the blessing and the charge to go ahead with his ambition from his spiritual father and General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

The source said, “Take it to the bank, he will run and he is declaring soon after the APC convention. All is set, including premium consultations already done. The coast is clear and the journey is looking good. I believe prof is also motivated by the increasing level of support from across the country, especially, the youths of this country.

“From the north to the south, tell me where he has visited recently and the charge has not been that he should contest? He has capacity, competence and knows what the issues are. Importantly, he can also sell them – I mean the issues. So, why will he not run? Why should the bitterness and envy of some minions stifle him?”

Osinbajo, who sources said was unfazed by the growing allegation of betrayal and the push for him to stand down his ambition for his former principal and supposed benefactor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who had since declared his intention to run, was said to have described the attacks against him as the real motivation to take his chances.

The source added, “In fact, none of such bothers him. But he has done one thing though, he has called his supporters and pleaded with them never to talk down on Tinubu or engage in a mud fight with his support groups, even in the face of obvious provocation.”

Although Osinbajo has refused to officially talk about his aspiration, despite the growing support for him to succeed Buhari, he is said to have been holding high level consultations with prominent Nigerians, many of whom have encouraged him to give the aspiration his best shot possible.

THISDAY gathered that Osinbajo’s motivation to run for the presidency in 2023 stemmed from the first time he acted as president, when Buhari was away on medical leave to London, during which he took far-reaching decisions in the national interest. It was further gathered that taking active charge during the period provided the vice president both the confidence and impetus to desire to succeed his current boss.

An APC member, who is favourably disposed to Osinbajo’s aspiration, stated, “It may be right to admit he stands a really good chance to succeed President Buhari after eight years as his deputy. He is an insider, who has had the opportunity of seeing things from high and serious vantage position, especially, having acted before on behalf of his boss.

“Although that may not be enough to get the presidency of Nigeria, because I believe and I know there are some politics directly connected to being the president of Nigeria. But, how well Osinbajo fits into that conversation is another debate altogether. From the list of those currently strutting the turf, he stands a really good chance, except the election is not his to lose.

“But, file this away, he is contesting and would declare after the APC convention. I am aware of that. There’s actually no stopping him. The supports have been sweeping and encouraging and for him, this opportunity might just be once and might never come his way again. Sincerely, he has nothing to lose throwing his hat in the ring. After all, he is already a frontline aspirant.”

Asked if it was true that Adeboye had given his blessing, the party chieftain, who would rather maintain anonymity, stated, “I am not privy to that, but it’s also a simple logic. Osinbajo is a pastor in Redeem and Baba Adeboye would never leave one of his own to support someone else. I also believe he must have hinted him. Honestly, the days ahead will be interesting.”

https://www.chronicle.ng/2022/02/osinbajo-to-announce-presidential-bid-after-apc-convention/

THAT PHOTO WITH VP

You may have seen a Social Media post of a photo showing the VP and Chief Adedoyin, the Ife hotelier who is currently involved in a murder case. Questions have since been raised. So here are the answers:

1. The photo was taken over two years ago : Nov 2019 when Adedoyin led a delegation of Oduduwa University, Ife to VP. There were other people from the delegation. Adedoyin is the Proprietor of the University.
2. They came to invite VP to their Convocation just like any Nigerian University can do and have been doing. As VP, you receive invitations qnd requests from all Nigerians. No one could have known that about three years later someone would be involved in a murder case.

3. The VP has had such IVs from both private and public universities.

4. So when the photo was taken in 2019, the issue of Adedoyin and the murder case HAD NOT OCCURRED!

5. Adedoyin and the delegation invited VP to Convocation but VP could not even attend.
6. The VP is a staunch and unyielding advocate for justice and the rule of law and this case is no exception for him.

Signed: Liberty Badmus,
OSINBAJO GRASSROOT ORGANISATION MEDIA TEAM

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

*SHONEKAN WAS A MAN OF DESTINY, CHOSEN FOR HIS TIME, SAYS OSINBAJO*

_"He was the face of Nigerian free enterprise"_

Former Head of the Interim National Government, the late Chief Ernest Shonekan, was a man of destiny who was chosen for his time.

In deed the former Head of State proved by his life that destiny for one or for a nation is the manifest result of small choices made everyday by ordinary people doing the best they can and persevering in goodness.

Those were the words of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, in his remarks titled "A Life of Two great Halves Lived in Service: A tribute to Chief Ernest Adegunle Shonekan, GCFR", at the State Funeral Service for the late elder stateman today at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, "just as we would also be right to think of Nigeria as a nation of destiny, uniquely positioned to be a rallying point and an inspiration for the entire black race," Chief Shonekan lived his life always conscious of, and motivated by a burden of duty, as a citizen of considerable privilege, to give back, either in his many philanthropic and civic pursuits or in public service.

BELOW IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT'S SPEECH:

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, VICE PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE FUNERAL SERVICE FOR FORMER HEAD OF INTERIM NATIONAL GOVERNMENT, LATE ENERST SHONEKAN, GCFR, ON FRIDAY 4TH JANUARY, 2022, IN LAGOS.

PROTOCOLS:

A Life of Two great Halves Lived in Service: A tribute to Chief Ernest Adegunle Shonekan, GCFR.

If ever a man could be said to have lived a life of two equally consequential halves, and in service, that man would be Chief Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan, GCFR.

And so it transpired that within the first four and a half decades of his life, Chief Shonekan had established himself as one of the nation’s foremost corporate technocrats and a figure of renown in the boardrooms of many private companies: multinational and indigenous in which he served as Chairman and Director.

It was in this position that he became known as the face of Nigerian free enterprise as the UACN under his leadership fully evolved from a trading outfit to a manufacturing colossus with interests in diverse sectors ranging from agriculture and automotive industries to cosmetics, electronics and textiles, among many other areas.

Known in the business community for his personal integrity and reliability, and trusted in the corridors of political power for his counsel and guidance by successive governments, Ernest Shonekan had a position in Nigeria that few had before him or have now.

But none could have written the script of the dramatic series of occurrences that thrust upon him the role of the Head of State and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in one of the most turbulent chapters of our nation’s history and it became his lot to steer the ship of state in those extremely stormy waters.

He was in his own words compelled by a sense of duty and responsibility to accept the role and to give his best in shepherding his country through an experience unknown and unprecedented in our history.

He once said in an interview shortly after he was named Chairman of the Transitional Council and Head of Government, “If your country needs you, leave everything that you are doing to go and help.”

He saw the government that he had been chosen to lead -as he himself described it “a child of circumstance” and his mission as that of ending a cycle of instability that was, as he said “leading progressively to a catastrophe.”

Chief Shonekan lived his life always conscious of and motivated by a burden of duty, as a citizen of considerable privilege, to give back, either in his many philanthropic and civic pursuits or in public service.

It is a testament to that sense of duty that even while out of office, Chief Shonekan remained deeply vested in the fate of his country.

In 1994, he founded the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) – a continuation of his life-long advocacy of free enterprise as well as a demonstration of his belief that national development is attainable only if the private sector and the public sector collaborate deeply. It summed up the professional duality of his own life as a businessman and statesman.

In December 1996, he was appointed Chairman of the Vision 2010 Committee – a group of distinguished Nigerians from all sectors of national life charged with developing a blueprint for the country’s transformation by its fiftieth year of independent nationhood. It was an assignment to which he applied his customary dedication and diligence.

In the latter chapter of his life, Chief Shonekan seamlessly assumed the mantle of an elder statesman. He was supportive of all governments and served his nation in this role far above the trenches of partisanship. His was a consistently calm and dignified presence in the sanctums of the National Council of State and a steady voice of measured counsel to all that sought him out.

But he was also a man of great wit and humour. I remember he laughed when I invited him and some other heads of States and Vice Presidents to do a recording of the hymn 'o God our help in ages past' for the archives. And when I asked him why he was laughing he said "when you hear me singing you too will laugh!

Afterwards, he said after hearing the others he didn’t think he did badly, we both laughed. We had in that grand choir, General Yakubu Gowon, Baba Olusegun Obasanjo, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Dr. Alex Ekwueme and General Oladipo Diya.

I also told him he had a great baritone and with a little more grooming he could make the world stage. We both laughed again!

Today, we stand in the light of this great man. The inevitable transition of the people we love, sad as it is, gives us a somber opportunity to celebrate the lives they led, and in the light of that, to reflect on our ongoing human experience. That Chief Shonekan lived an extraordinary life is self evident. His accomplishments as a businessman, political figure, and bridge builder are already the stuff of legend and will be talked about for generations.

But perhaps what deserves greater attention is the way he carried himself through life and -the high values he exemplified, that genuine respect he had for people of all classes, religion, tribe or gender. His unflinching belief in the inherent goodness of everyone. His love and generosity not just to his family, but to all, the knowledge and experience driven leadership and counsel he provided, always with unfailing humility and courteousness, were all the unique virtues that underpinned his extraordinary achievements.

Your excellencies, Ernest Shonekan leaves a life lesson for the nation he leaves behind. What might that be? We would be right to think of Chief Ernest Shonekan as a man of destiny, a man chosen for his time.

Just as we would also be right to think of Nigeria as a nation of destiny, uniquely positioned to be a rallying point and an inspiration for the entire black race. He proved by his life that destiny for one or for a nation is the manifest result of small choices made everyday by ordinary people doing the best they can and persevering in goodness. May his example endure in our individual and collective memories as we continue our own journeys through life and nationhood.

On behalf of the President, President Muhammadu Buhari, the government and people of Nigeria, I extend sincere condolences to his immediate family, Mama Mrs. Margaret Shonekan, their children, Adeboye, Korede, Kemi Yele (and indeed the entire family.) Thank you for giving him room to serve the nation, and humanity at large.

And we pray that the Lord will comfort you all in Jesus name and bless the memory of your father and a father of our nation, Chief Ernest Adegunle Shonekan GCFR, forever.

God bless you,
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.

Released by:

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

HOW TO BALANCE GLOBAL EMISSIONS TARGET WITH NIGERIA’S DEVELOPMENTAL GOALS, BY OSINBAJO

* VP, after attending ECOWAS Summit in Accra, launches Nigeria Integrated Energy Planning Tool

“Providing clean, sustainable and reliable energy access is tied to almost all Nigeria’s development goals. We have proven that transforming our energy system is a national priority through our Economic Sustainability Plan, and most recently with our President, President Muhammadu Buhari’s announcement at COP26 in Glasgow for Nigeria’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2060.”

These were the assertions made by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, at the Global Launch of the Nigeria Integrated Planning Tool which he attended virtually earlier today, just after participating at the Extraordinary Summit of ECOWAS in Accra, Ghana.

The Nigeria Integrated Energy Planning Tool was developed by the Federal Government in collaboration with Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), a United Nations initiative, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation.

Prof Osinbajo noted the importance of achieving net-zero emissions in line with global energy transition while equally pointing out that “Nigeria also faces other challenges, including lifting 100 million people out of poverty within a decade and driving economic growth, bringing modern energy services to the full population, and managing long-term job losses in the oil sector that will result from global decarbonization.”

Speaking on Nigeria’s plan and actions on addressing the various dimensions, as well as the pathways and timelines required to balance emissions reductions with economic development, the VP stated that “we developed a set of scenarios in our Energy Transition Plan, which was done with support from Sustainable Energy for All. Based on these scenarios, we developed a roadmap to achieve net-zero by 2060.

“The transition plan focuses on full electrification of the economy by 2060, including over 250 gigawatts of installed capacity, and a massive build-out of renewable energy capacity. This requires a phased approach with credible milestones and targets and includes a solar-driven capacity increase on an unprecedented scale, which amounts to about 5 gigawatts per year through 2060.”

According to him, the transition to clean cooking will also require a phased approach.

“First, a transition to LPG-based cooking, and over time, a longer-term transition to electricity-based cooking as networks improve.”

Regarding the cost implications of reaching net-zero emissions by 2060, Prof Osinbajo mentioned that “our net-zero 2060 pathway also requires around USD 10 billion per year of funding over the next 40 years across the country’s economy, and most of this will be for the power sector.

“The data and evidence that the Energy Transition Plan was based on were instrumental in helping us understand the true scale of effort and resources that would be required.

“Just yesterday the Energy Transition Plan was considered by the Federal Executive Council, while approving it, the President directed that the lead Ministry, the Ministry of Environment engages with all MDAs and stakeholders to develop a robust implementation plan.”

Expatiating on the usefulness of the tool, Prof Osinbajo said the “robust and dynamic data on the Nigeria Integrated Energy Planning Tool that we are proud to be launching today is an important component of that effort as it begins to translate the Energy Transition Plan roadmap into concrete electrification, clean cooking, and productive use projects.

“It will help determine clear strategies for prioritization of regions and technology interventions towards making informed decisions that support our energy access by 2030 goals in a comprehensive manner which further supports and complements our net-zero by 2060 ambitions.

“This new geospatial tool not only has updated data on our populations’ electricity needs, including on productive use but also incorporates clean cooking data to guide implementation of clean cooking solutions.”

On Nigeria achieving universal access to energy by 2030, the VP stated that “the analysis has shown us we would need an estimated 19.3 million new electricity connections across the country.

“In addition, we would need over 11 million grid densification connections owing to population growth in settlements that currently have access to electricity.”

Speaking further, Prof Osinbajo said “the tool also helps us decide the least-cost approach to achieving these targets, which consists of 5.4 million grid connections, 8.9 million mini-grid connections, and 5 million solar home system connections at a cost of USD 25.8 billion.”

Noting that the Integrated Energy Planning tool would be essential in government achieving its stated goals, the Vice President gave a commitment in ensuring “that our various levels and arms of government promote it and use it as broadly as possible.”

In terms of financing, Prof Osinbajo called on the “international community to support Nigeria’s transition efforts through realistic and much-needed climate finance commitments.

“While we put forward a comprehensive emissions reduction pathway with near-term and long-term actions and milestones, our ask is for a fair exchange in terms of commitments from development partners.”

The energy planning tool is powered by extensive geospatial modelling and layers of data, and for the first time covers electrification, clean cooking, and productive use. The interactive platform will provide actionable intelligence for the Government and private sector stakeholders to deliver the least-cost access to electricity and clean cooking in Nigeria.

Also in attendance at the global launch were the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ms. Amina J. Mohammed; Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All; Minister for Power, Abubakar Aliyu; Minister of State for Power, Godwin Agba, Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor; Mr. Ahmad Salihijo, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency; Riccardo Puliti, Vice President for Infrastructure at World Bank; President of Rockefeller Foundation, Dr. Rajiv Shah; and other development partners.

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

*PRESIDENT DELEGATES OSINBAJO TO ECOWAS EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT ON POLITICAL SITUATION IN BURKINA FASO, MALI & GUINEA*

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, departs Abuja this morning for Accra, Ghana to represent Nigeria at an Extraordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government deliberating today on the political situation in Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea.

The meeting which is coming as part of the resolutions reached at last week’s virtual meeting chaired by Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, will review the report of the ECOWAS delegation despatched to Quagadougou to meet with the military junta who recently seized power in Burkina Faso.

The summit will be attended by regional leaders who will be considering imposing additional sanctions after the country was suspended from the regional body last week.

Last Monday, soldiers forced the removal of democratically elected President Roch March Kabore from office in a military coup. The military takeover of government in Burkina Faso follows the same occurrence in Mali and Guinea recently.

It would be recalled that the President has been delegating the Vice President to represent Nigeria at a series of ECOWAS leaders' summits on the issues of undemocratic, military takeover of governments in the region.

The Vice President will be accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, Presidential Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu, himself also an Ambassador, and other top Nigerian diplomats. The VP is expected back in Abuja later today.

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

Alhamdulilahi